Basil Marcus

Basil Marcus

Basil and familyWhat is your full name?

Basil Louis Marcus

Where and when were you born?

I was born in Co. Galway, Ireland 1983

Where did you grow up  & where do you live now?

I grew up in our family home in Roveagh just 20km outside of Galway City. When I was 18 I moved to Dublin to go to school. Living on the Navan Rd for 4 years and Ballyboden for another 4years. I then decided to move to Canada in 2009 and have lived just outside of Toronto, Ontario since then.

Do you have a family partner and /or any children?

I will be married to my wife Joanne for 12 years this year and we have two boys. Leopold (7) and Harrison (4.5) The .5 is very important in this house

How are you a descendant of Mordechi Shlomo Marcus?

My father David Marcus was the eldest son of Harry Marcus. Harry was the youngest son of Isaac David Marcus who was Mordechi’s son

What do or did you do for primary occupation/career?

I am the Managing Director of Foss National Leasing and LeasePlan Canada. We provide commercial leasing for vehicles to companies and manage every aspect of the vehicle

What do you do for recreation or pastime?

Between my boys and work it doesn’t leave much time for anything else. However, I am an avid road cyclist and get out on my bike when the weather permits. I am also a huge sports fan and like to take in as much live sporting events as I can.

What books are you reading now?

I am currently reading two books. The 5am Club by Robin Sharma and Godforsaken Sea by Depek Lundy

What is your favourite Jewish food?

Having not grown-up Jewish there was very little exposure to Jewish food. However, living in a huge city like Toronto there are many options. My favorite is fresh bagels and smoked salmon.

What is you favourite movie of all time?

Some favourites include The Great Gatsby, The Green Mile or Gladiator

Who was the greatest influence on your life and why?

My father, David Marcus. He was a very charismatic and outgoing individual. He always taught us to think outside the box and to take chances in life. It led to a very interesting and adventurous upbringing that made me the person I am today.

If you could invite 3 people (1 dead and 2 alive) to a dinner party, who would they be and why?

Well, I would have to start with my father as he could bring life to any dinner party with his charisma and quirky dinner chat . Along with him I would love to have the opportunity to sit with David Attenborough and hear about some of his amazing life experiences and adventures. And finally, I think it would be Elon Musk. As I work in the automotive sector, I would be very interested to learn more about his business acumen and to get an understanding of what he is really like.

What would be on the menu?

In honor of my father it would be Oysters, a bottle of Chateauneuf Du Pape and Duck

What is the craziest or wildest thing you have ever done?

Probably packing two suitcases and emigrating to Canada with no job, no connection and no long-term place to live. From an adventure point of view, it would be sailing from Galway to Lorient in France through a gale-very hairy stuff at high sea!

How important is family to you and why?

Family is the most important thing in my life that could never be replaced. We are a tight family and go through the good and not the so great together. Even though I am so far away from my Family in Ireland, we are in constant contact – pre-Covid, I’d try to make it home as often as I could. Im looking forward to getting back to Ireland to see them all, especially my mother, this year. Its been wonderful to get to know some extended family relations through this Marcus group!

2 Comments

  1. Lesley Brown

    So wonderful to hear from you and about your life. Are you related to the car dealer Marcus in the west of Ireland? My parents made their last trip home probably early 1990’s and stopped into meet your dad I believe when in the west of Ireland. My father was Maurice Marcus (Maury). My mothers
    Brother (Robert Power) lives in Galway’s and had also known your family a long time ago. Stuart Woolley (mother Freda Marcus) lived in Toronto for many years….I think was there when you moved there not knowing anyone….you had a cousin actually nearby who is warm and welcoming. He now lives in Edmonton. I am in Chicago, also road cyclist. Maybe one day we will ride together! Of course in winter we are indoors doing computraining or Zwift!

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