In memory of

Micky Erbe

June 1, 1946 -  April 11, 2021

Micky (Richard) Erbe

Born June 1, 1946 in Passaic, New Jersey, Micky died of cancer in Toronto on April 11, 2021. He passed peacefully in the loving presence of his wife Cathy and beloved daughter Leah (Mike). Micky also leaves behind stepdaughter Molly Willows and his dear brother, Bob (Helen).

As a young man, Micky became a very serious trumpet player. After several years touring North America as a world class musician, Micky discovered he quite liked Toronto. It was there that he met Maribeth Solomon, a musician and composer who would become his lifelong writing partner.

Together, Maribeth and Micky created a company, a beautiful life together, and a daughter named Leah. And together, their partnership won countless awards, including a boatload of Genies, Geminis, and an Emmy nomination. Micky and Maribeth so loved collaborating and were so good at it, they continued as a professional couple long after they moved on in their personal lives.

Cathy and Micky were a perfect match.

He was her rock. She was his kite. Together, they were the sun and the moon.

Micky was an incredible talent and an even greater person who was warm, humble and completely down to earth. And he never lost his irresistible “New Joisey” sensibility. We all loved his low key, dry sense of humour complete with perfectly deadpan delivery.

And when he wasn’t cooking up spectacular scores for IMAX films, or leading the Spitfire Band in one of his many skillfully crafted arrangements in a revival of swing and big band classics, Micky was cooking up spectacular dinners. Micky loved Italian food. He was a student of great Italian food. He created great Italian food. And by god, he ate great Italian food. Plenty of it.

Micky will be missed by all who knew and loved him. The pool, music and social scene in Solivita, FL just won’t be the same without him.
We wish to thank the entire Palliative Care Team at Mount Sinai Hospital and Temmy Latner Centre for the exceptional care they provided. Thank you to the 11th-floor nursing staff at Mount Sinai for their kindness in Micky’s final days.

Please visit etouch.ca to share condolences and memories. In lieu of flowers, a donation to an animal rescue or shelter near you, or to The AFC (afchelps.ca), would be sincerely appreciated. Details of a celebration of life to follow when we can gather safely.

Guestbook 

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Cheryl Adams & Jim Suderman (Leah's in-laws)

Entered April 17, 2021 from Mississauga

We are so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. I wish we'd had more time to get to know him better. All our thoughts are with you.

Deborah Bernstein (Friend)

Entered April 17, 2021 from Toronto

I have five decades of wonderful memories. I will greatly miss Micky.

Kyra Harper (Friend to Maribeth and Leah.)

Entered April 18, 2021 from Toronto

I am so sorry for this huge loss in your lives. But no doubt he will be forever alive in your shared and individual memories.
My deepest condolences to family and friends.

Wendy Solomon 

Entered April 19, 2021

Gone far too soon. I’ll miss that dry wit, the wry smile, the goodwill and generosity. He’ll be sorely missed by all of us. He was an anchor for his family and treasure to his friends.

Lenny Solomon (former brother in law, musical colleague.)

Entered April 19, 2021 from Toronto Canada

Thats a great picture of Micky playing electric bass. He was a favourite bassist for renowned guitarist Lenny Breau. I was at George's Spaghetti House one night (70's) when at the end of a set Lenny gleefully wouldn't stop shouting Micky's name. Another Lenny that loved Micky.
Micky and Maribeth produced both Myles and Lenny records in the seventies and were no doubt responsible for the success of the recordings.
A soft spoken giant, Micky will be missed. Gone too soon.

Photos 

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