Vimy Week Stories - Private David Footuransky

Private David Footuransky was born in Kyiv on December 25, 1895. A curious and adventurous young man, he emigrated from Ukraine to Toronto with his family in his early teens, joining the city’s growing Jewish community. True to his restless spirit, he once ran away to the United States and was arrested for illegally hopping trains—a story that hinted at his thirst for experience and the wider world.

When the First World War broke out, it was little surprise that David and his friends enlisted in search of adventure. He joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force on August 9, 1915. But beneath his boldness was a deep concern for his family. Before departing, he purchased a life insurance policy and told his mother to buy a house if he didn’t return.

Tragically, Private Footuransky was killed in action on November 18, 1916. His body was never recovered. When the notice of his death arrived, his sister, overwhelmed by grief, threw the letter away to spare their mother further pain. It was months before the family learned what had happened to him.

Thanks to David’s foresight, his family was able to purchase a home in Toronto. There, they opened their doors to other new immigrants, helping others begin their lives in Canada—just as David had once done.

Explore the stories of the 11,285 Canadians Commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial by using the Vimy: Living Memorial app. Download now to explore their legacies.