CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Dr. Sol Feldstein died on Jan. 19 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital following a brief illness. He was 91 years old.
Psychologist, poet, singer, tinkerer, francophile, humanist, Feldstein was born in New York and, together with his wife Evelyn (predeceased) and his children, immigrated to Canada in 1980. They settled on a farm in South Melville, P.E.I. and he adopted his beloved Island as his own.
Feldstein had earlier pursued a career in engineering, before his personal journey led him to psychology. He will best be remembered for his work at the QEH with psychiatric and pain patients.
Before it was in wider use, Feldstein adapted the technique of hypnosis to his professional practice, helping countless Islanders to lead healthier lives and to end their addiction to nicotine. He was a long-standing member of the P.E.I. Jewish community. In his later years, Feldstein discovered his creative voice in poetry, becoming involved in the award-winning TWIG writers group. He also indulged another lifelong passion by taking singing lessons; eventually he performed on stage, bringing down the house at the Bonshaw Ceilidh with his rendition of “Danny Boy.”
His characteristic thoughtful and meditative style were able to flourish once again in these new forms. He is survived by his children Peter, Daniel and Noah Aaron and his brother Jerome. His friends Mike and Colleen Sheen were present with him constantly throughout his illness.
A memorial will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in Feldstein’s honour to Doctors without Borders Canada.
