Memorial Book for Malcolm Coven
As you read these messages, may there be comfort in knowing that others are thinking of you.

The Benjamin Family



Michael Miloff October 12, 2020 11:39 PM
Robin, David, Daniel, Tim and family I am so sorry to hear about the passing away of your fathergrandfather and father-in law. I know that he was a larger than life figure and in addition to his business legacy left one of two amazing children and family. May good memories provide some solace in the time ahead...Michael
CAROL SILVERSTEIN October 12, 2020 05:29 PM
We are thinking of you and your family at this time. May your memories be a blessing and help ease the pain. Carol and Adam and family
Steven Tenenbaum October 12, 2020 10:12 AM
David, Thinking of you during this difficult time. It is always too early to lose those we love. Love, Steven Tenenbaum,
Allan Stitt October 11, 2020 10:21 PM
My deep condolences on Mal’s passing. I have fond memories of my time working with him. My thoughts are with David and the family.
Wendy Berger October 10, 2020 07:52 PM
We were so sad to hear of Mal’s passing. Mal was a friend of our father Syd Mandel and a regular at Bagel WOrld. They shared a lot of history. Our memories go way back. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Karen, Michael , wendy;, Alan, Marlene, david and families.
Jackie Robinson October 10, 2020 01:53 PM
Thank you so much Mal Coven for giving us BiWay back in the day when money was tight and we needed to stretch every dollar for clothes for our kids. And thank you for putting my little letter in your Retirement book. Rest in peace, my friend.
Elaine Bloomberg and Family October 09, 2020 02:17 PM
Dear Coven Family, Our deepest condolences on Mel''s passing. Mel was a prince of a guy who was always willing to help. He will be remembered fondly by the Irving Bloomberg Family as a good friend and a very special business associate. Our hearts are with you at this difficult time. May his memory be for a blessing. The Irving Bloomberg Family
Lewis Mitz and Wendy Posluns October 08, 2020 09:24 PM
Dear Robin, Tim, Coven and Fish families and friends, Wendy and I are terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Mal. I never knew your father but felt like I did because of all the wonderful stories you shared. I was inspired and impressed by his entrepreneurial spirit. Wendy of course knew him from his Biway days and remembers him fondly. I am still wearing the BiWay hockey socks I got 30 years ago in Barrie. May you stay strong, safe and smart in these difficult times, and keep the special memories going for a lifetime. Lewis
Renee Levine October 08, 2020 06:21 PM
Dear Robin and family Heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. May you be comforted by happy memories of times spent together.
Greta Reiss October 08, 2020 04:34 PM
Robin, Tim and Family. Allan and I were so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. We send our condolences and hope that the good memories you have will sustain you through this difficult time.
Morris Saffer October 08, 2020 04:20 PM
My sincere condolences to Barbara, and the CovenFish families. My thoughts are with you,Morris
susie sokol October 08, 2020 12:29 PM
Dear Robin-Saddened to hear the news and thinking of you.. May you and family be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion & Jerusalem
Lorna and Joey Leibovici October 08, 2020 10:50 AM
Dear Robin Tim and Family, Our sincerest sympathy on the passing of your father and grandfather. It has been many years since I knew you and the children when they attended Associated Hebrew School. May your dad’s memory be a blessing to you all. Lorna and Joey Leibovici.
Lisa Smith October 08, 2020 07:04 AM
Dear David, My sincere condolences to you, Robin and your families. Although I never really knew your father, I remember him from every visitor’s day at Winnebagoe. If he left an impression like that on a child at camp, you know he was a larger than life figure. David, I remember that you were his twin. That should make you very proud. May his memory always be a blessing.
Adrienne and Paul Cohen October 07, 2020 11:47 PM
Dear Barbara and Coven family, our deepest condolences on Mal’s passing. He was a fine gentleman and it was always fun to bump into him especially years ago at Bal Harbour reading his newspaper. We were so delighted when we received his book in the mail. May your wonderful memories give you strength and comfort in the days ahead .
Ellen Drazner October 07, 2020 07:05 PM
Dear Robin, My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this very difficult time. I hope your memories will be of comfort to you
Brian Prousky October 07, 2020 06:42 PM
Hi David and Robin. I’m so heartbroken for you both. But also comforted by the fact that your father’s life was large and fulfilling and meaningful and filled with joy and laughter and that all of his and your mother’s best traits – of which there are so many – are certainly still alive in you. Your warmth and kindness and humility and absence of artifice or pretence and intellectual curiosity and seeing the best in others and generosity of spirit, to me means you had the fortune of some pretty fantastic role models. I’m also comforted by the fact that your kids had the chance to spend many years with their grandfather and that those years were filled with so many beautiful and meaningful moments. Many of the happiest moments of my life were spent in your house and I’m pretty sure the feeling I had of being so warmly welcomed and accepted and included was shared by lots and lots of others – others who, like me, have loved and appreciated their connection with your family. That connection has been one of the true joys of my life. And my memories of your father always bring a smile to my face among the many, perhaps my favourite was when he put a pickle in my bag on Halloween and said it was a Boston tradition. David, I can’t imagine how difficult it is mourning from a distance; I hope the many expressions of love and sympathy you’ve received have made the long trip to England and you’re experiencing them like the warmest embrace. With love. Brian.
Sid zelnicker October 07, 2020 06:36 PM
To the Coven Family, Please accept our condolences on the passing of Mal. We did business together for many years and he was always a gentleman. Ellie & Sid Zelnicker, Montreal
shaynie schwartz October 07, 2020 06:34 PM
Robin....I didn''t know your dad but was so excited to hear of his BiWay connection....it was my favorite store when the kids were young.....!!!!! Keep those memories close ....it''s not often you meet someone of his talents!!!!!! May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem..
Mel and Carolyn Kay October 07, 2020 06:20 PM
Dear Robin, Our sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. Our thoughts are with you.
Donna Barry Terminesi October 07, 2020 05:49 PM
When I think of him, I have to smile. He carried all his papers in his brief case. every PO he wrote. it did not matter because he knew the cost of every item he had ever bought. I send my deepest sympathy and prayer for all of you in this sad time.
Joel Greenstein October 07, 2020 05:06 PM
Dear Robin, David, and Barbara - My sincere condolences on Mal''s passing. May his memory be for a blessing, baruch dayan emet.
Ruth Abrahamson October 07, 2020 04:28 PM
Dear Robin and family, sending all condolences to you on the passing of your dear Dad, and wishes to you all for a Long Life. Best, Ruth Abrahamson
Karen Hen October 07, 2020 04:08 PM
My deepest condolences Robin and Tim and all the Coven and extended family. Mal will be sorely missed and even in the time he was here at the Dunfield he was a joy to talk to and hear his stories of his many ventures. May you cherish the fond memories.
Sue and Sid Silverberg October 07, 2020 03:57 PM
Dear Barbara and the Coven family Our deepest condolences on the passing of Mal. Sid had a great relationship with Mal being part of the Bagel Boys. And continued on with funny emails back and forth to each other. May all you wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. Sid and Sue
Ruthie Zaionz October 07, 2020 03:38 PM
Dear Robin and the entire Coven Family - It was with much sadness that I became aware of your father''s passing. The past few months have certainly not been a time of particular happiness. I have my own very beautiful and awfully funny memories with your father and Abe in the early Bi Way days when my father would schlep me to potentially new store sites because he was so proud of them and their accomplishments. I wish you strength n the coming times ahead and that you will bask in the warmth of countless wonderful memories. Ruthie Saginur-Zaionz
Shael Rosenbaum October 07, 2020 03:34 PM
Dear Robin, Tim, Miriam, Naomi, Daniel and family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father and grandfather. May the memories you shared together comfort you during this difficult time. May you only know from simchas. BDE, Shael
Janet and Ian Roher October 07, 2020 03:17 PM
Dear Barbara and Coven family, We were so sad to hear about Mal''s passing. He was an amazing guy, always had a plan and had so many successful ventures. There are lots of wonderful Bagel Boys stories with great times of being together. He was hospitable and generous and always a pleasure to be with. We will miss him. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. Janet and Ian
Marlene Weller October 07, 2020 03:08 PM
I watched the beautiful service for this beautiful man on this very sad day. Mal was a dear friend of mine.He used to invite me for lunch at the Dunfield and take me to his apartment and show me all his framed pictures.We met at Forest Hill Photos..We were always in there doing pictures of our grandchildren and then we can go for coffee. HAe would tell me about BiWay,Boston, Montreal..We had a mutual friend in Montreal Jerry Levinson. When he gave me the BiWay book,he wrote inside “to my new dear friend”.I used to buy him Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Bars and take them over to Dunfield as I knew they were his favourite...now have become mine too. Every day I would get something from him in an email - a joke or a story or just a greeting. Mal will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and who had the pleasure of his company.. My sincere condolences to the entire family. Marlene Weller
Sandi Pelly October 07, 2020 02:39 PM
Dear Robin and family, So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I remember you telling many stories about your dad and I hope you remember many fond memories. Sending you strength at this time. May his memory be a blessing to all of you. xo Sandi Pelly
Sheila Engel Cohen October 07, 2020 12:56 PM
Dear Barbara and families so very sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing and reminder of better times
Valerie Fish October 07, 2020 12:40 PM
Dear Barbara, Adam and Jodi, My thoughts are with you all as you mourn Mal''s passing. Sending strength and love to you with the hope that your many memories of precious time spent together brings you comfort. Love Valerie
Valerie Fish October 07, 2020 12:34 PM
Dear Robin and David and all the family, Sending my deepest condolences as you mourn Mal''s loss from your midst. I will always remember him as Uncle Mal; an energetic, loving, highly creative and spirited man. His greatest joys were his children and grandchildren. May his memory be a blessing and give you strength as you hold him close from within. Love Valerie
Sueann & Henry Singer October 07, 2020 11:57 AM
Dear Barbara and Coven Families, Henry and I were saddened to hear of your dear partner’s passing. May your fond memories give you all strength to go forward and be a blessing. Sueann & Henry Singer
Joyce and Gordon Strauss October 07, 2020 11:50 AM
It is with deep sorrow that we learned of Malls Passing. I spoke with him hours before. He was an unusual person. He was creative and Successful in all he attempted. He was a good friend and we will miss him.
Avra & Marty Goldhar October 07, 2020 11:36 AM
Robin and family, We have just heard of your father''s passing, and are thinking of you at this sad time. Hoping that your many fond memories of him bring you comfort at this time, Warmly, Avra & Marty
Soheila Sabeti October 07, 2020 11:15 AM
Dear Robin and Daniel, My sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved father and grandfather. I know that he will be missed greatly as Daniel always spoke of him lovingly and with admiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
Sue and Al Silverberg October 07, 2020 10:57 AM
Dear Coven Family, Please accept our most sincere condolences on the loss of Mal zl. Together with Abe Fish zl and Russell Jacobson, they formed a dynamic triumvirate who were the founders, creators and driving force behind a vital and thriving business called BiWay. They mentored many young people on how to run a successful retail business. And quietly and often anonymously they helped many less fortunate people. Outside of business, many warm special friendships were cultivated and sustained over a lifetime. May the family find comfort and courage in good and happy memories of a life well-lived. And may you know no more sorrow. Sue and Al Silverberg
Susan Smith & Jeff Gustin October 07, 2020 10:50 AM
Dear Barbara & families. Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Mal. Our thought are with you during this difficult time.
Jennifer Galet October 07, 2020 10:49 AM
Dear Robin, Tim, Naomi, Miriam & Daniel, My deepest condolences on the loss of Mal. Robin, I always enjoyed hearing about your dad’s youthful spirit, energy and refinement. He sounded like quite the charming gentleman! May his memory be a blessing and may you be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. With love, Jennifer
Harriet Dennis October 07, 2020 10:32 AM
Dear Barbara,I send you my love and condolences at this sad time.I’m very sorry to hear of Mal’s passing.My thoughts are with you.Harriet.
Shelli Gould October 07, 2020 10:28 AM
To the Coven family, I am so sorry for your loss. I would hang around Bagel World with my late stepdad Seymore Burden and whenever Mal was there we would joke about him giving Seymore a job. He said Seymore was too old 6 months older than Mal. I still have in my wallet the $10 Biway business card. Enjoy your memories.
Melissa and Barry Avrich October 07, 2020 10:26 AM
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Malcolm.
Marcia and Sam Schaffran October 07, 2020 10:21 AM
Dear Barbara Please accept our most sincere condolences on the loss of Malcom Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time
Selma Edelstone October 07, 2020 10:15 AM
Dear Barbara, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mal. He was such a significant part of your life and I hope you are comforted by the many wonderful memories you have of him. Warmest wishes, Selma
Carol Kassel October 07, 2020 10:12 AM
Dear Robin and Family I was saddened to hear of your father’s passing. May your wonderful memories help give you strength at this difficult time. Fondly, Carol
David Cravit October 07, 2020 10:11 AM
Sincerest condolences on this loss. I have many fond memories of working with Mal on various projects over the years, and I always benefited from his generosity and wisdom. May his memory be a blessing. David Cravit
Adi Waksman October 07, 2020 09:54 AM
To the entire Coven family, please accept my sincerest condolences on Mal’s Z’l passing.He was a kind man.
Ron Kramer October 07, 2020 09:36 AM
Robin and David, I remember your Dad well. We were fellow Bostonians and spent many joyous hours with all of your family. I will miss him.
Liz and Phil Litowitz October 07, 2020 09:34 AM
Mal was one of the bagel boys A unique generous fun guy who was always thinking of a new venture. His memory will always bring a smile to our faces!
Barbara and Jay Hennick October 07, 2020 09:14 AM
Our deepest condolences on Mal''s passing. A great neighbour over many years and someone who enjoyed great success in business and in his personal pursuits. Always looking forward, Mal was one of the special ones. Rest in peace my friend.
Marla Ceresne October 07, 2020 08:34 AM
Dear coven family So sorry for your loss. Sending love and condolences to you all
Carol Seidman October 07, 2020 08:27 AM
Peter and I have many fond memories of spending time with Mal. Whether it was conversations about baseball, his latest business ventures, travel spots or even on occasion, fashion, our time with him was always a treat because of his engaging, creative and and energetic approach to life. Traits we have seen shine through in Robin and her three very special children. Our hearts go out to all his family. You will be missed.
Patricia Patti Starr October 07, 2020 04:06 AM
Mal and I had so much fun collaborating on his biography. His success was a reflection of his determination, sensitivity and business acumen. What a special guy he was. I will miss him.
Susan Sacchi October 07, 2020 12:44 AM
I am so sorry Barbara for the loss of your incredible friend. My thoughts are with you and all his family... xo hugs xo susan
Andrea Fine October 06, 2020 11:38 PM
Dear Barbara My heartfelt condolences on your loss of Mal. May your memories of your good times together sustain you through this difficult time. Fondly, Andrea
Baruch Frydman-Kohl October 06, 2020 11:25 PM
I was so saddened to hear of Mal’s death. He had such vitality that I imagined he would continue to dream big and create new retail opportunities. I loved his brassy Boston audaciousness and admired his commitment to and pride in an ethnic-cultural Judaism. Whenever we spoke, he was straightforward except about challenging relationships and I enjoyed his stories of past successes and ideas about what he might do next. Josette joins me in extending to Robin, David and their families, as well as to the Fishes and Barbara, our condolences, with hopes that Mal’s memory will continue to inspire and Lead you to new adventures.
Liv Mendelsohn and Alex Bozikovic October 06, 2020 11:09 PM
Dear Robin and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We know how close you were and are sending love and comfort at this very sad time. May his memory be for a blessing.
Stan Greenspan October 06, 2020 10:59 PM
Mal Coven will be remembered by many for his business successes, but my experience with Mal was as an incredibly generous man who supported Jewish organizations, promoted Jews in sports and always had a great story to tell. May his memory be for a blessing, Baruch Dyan Emet.
Shaun Singer & Sue Weinstein October 06, 2020 10:57 PM
Dear Robin, Tim, Miriam, Naomi and Daniel: The SingerWeinstein family sends you our love and condolences on Mal’s passing. Many fond memories of shared celebrations at your home. Mal was a man who lived life to the fullest. May his memory be for a blessing.
Georgie and Joel October 06, 2020 10:14 PM
To the family Malcom Coven was an engaging ,dynamic, personality who brought much to the art of merchandising to his adopted Canadian homeland. His sense of fairness, and generosity shall remain hallmarks of the admirable person that he was. Rest in peace dear Malcom. You will be greatly missed. ,
Elana Fleischmann October 06, 2020 09:04 PM
Dear Robin, Tim and family, I was so sorry to learn of your dad''s passing. He left a legacy of a beautiful family. May his memory be a blessing.
Steven Hershenhorn October 06, 2020 08:55 PM
My deepest condolences go to the Covin family on Mal''s passing. He was one of the true giants in the discount retail industry - an industry that he helped shape. He surrounded himself with talented people. It takes a secure, confident person to understand that having great people around you, only makes you and the team better. Mal exuded that confidence. After a business or social interaction with Mal, you were left feeling a little humble, because wise men, gentlemen in the truest sense of the word, have that effect on you. Mal was all these things and more, and he will be dearly missed. But he will not be forgotten. His visionary leadership in the discount retail business along with his ''never give up'' attitude will continue to inspire. His word was his bond Rest in peace, MaL
Frances Weldman October 06, 2020 08:49 PM
Barbara, I am so sorry to hear about Malcolm''s passing. He was a wonderful man and had a great zest for life. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with you and Malcolm and wish you no more sorrows. Sincerely, Frances
Honey and Mel Laucke October 06, 2020 08:35 PM
Dear Barbara and family so sorry to read of Mal today. Sending our love to all of you Honey and Mel
Rochelle Zabitsky October 06, 2020 08:25 PM
Dear Barbara, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May good memories console you and family . Rickie
Jennifer Ouaknine October 06, 2020 07:51 PM
Dear Robin, My deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved father. May his memory be for a beautiful blessing. Sincerely, Jennifer Ouaknine
David and Elana Seligman October 06, 2020 05:46 PM
Barbara and family We want to express our sincere condolences We are wishing you and your whole family a long life
Michael Ira Bornstein October 06, 2020 05:45 PM
Dear Barbara, Please know what my heart and thoughts are with you for dear Malcolm.When I graduated from school in Toronto my first job was with Biway stores.I came to know Mal there and he was a great man.I love your style and spirit. Keep being beyond Amazing. xoooooo, Michael Bornstein
Philip and Nanci Turk October 06, 2020 05:32 PM
Barbara and Coven family. Philip and I are so saddened to hear of Mal’s death and send our deepest condolences. Mal was always such a fun guy to be with living each day to the fullest. His zest for life was unmatched and he will be missed. May Mal’s memory be for a blessing.
Marvin & Roz Fagan October 06, 2020 05:06 PM
Coven family, so sorry to read of Mal''s passing. I enjoyed his company at Bagel World, his early years in Boston area growing up and early business years.
Linda & Siggy Soudack October 06, 2020 03:54 PM
Nobody to joke with or hear about his amazing past or get his book signed by him personally. He lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed.