June 26, 2025 – Earlier this year, the industry lost Mickey Hoch, a dear friend to many, as well as an active and respected figure in the garment and promotional products industries. brbr
Mickey enjoyed an extensive career, most recently with Marathon Threads Canada, a company he co-founded in 1987 with his daughter Michele, that was sold to Embroidery Systems Canada in July 2024. The company became the exclusive Canadian distributor for Marathon Machine Embroidery threads and grew to serve a wide range of clients across the garment and promotional products sectors. Mickey remained active in the business well into his 90s. At Marathon, he was also instrumental in sourcing and importing promotional products—including hats, freezer jackets, bags, lanyards, jackets, t-shirts, polo shirts, et cetera—for Canadian distributors nationwide. His discerning eye, integrity, and ability to cultivate strong international supplier relationships earned him deep respect throughout the industry. Earlier in his career, he had partnered with his sons Jeff and Irv to launch Century 21 Promotions in Seattle, further expanding his footprint in the North American promotional products market. brbr
Born in Gurahontz, Romania, Mickey’s childhood was marked by adventure and exploration. He was entrepreneurial from a young age, learning the ropes of business from his parents and starting work in their store. When WWII forced his family to relocate to Arad, Romania, Mickey started his first business at the age of nine, selling snacks near a concert hall. He also delivered newspapers and worked in a candy factory. During the war, his family was moved to a ghetto, and Mickey bravely aided Polish refugees and supported people in labor camps by delivering food, money, and mail. brbr
In 1948, Mickey immigrated to Winnipeg, while his family moved to Israel. He began his new life working at Crown Cap, and soon launched his own hat factory in the basement of the Mazo home, his adopted family. From these humble beginnings, he expanded the business into a large garment company that produced hats, parkas, and pants, eventually employing over 400 people at Century 21 Apparels. Mickey was known as a respected and fair employer, regarded as one of Winnipeg’s leading apparel manufacturers. brbr
A pioneer in workforce development, Mickey traveled to the Philippines in the 1960s through the Manitoba Fashion Institute, where he recruited garment workers. He helped bring the first group of Filipino workers to Winnipeg, providing them opportunities and a new life. Decades later, those same workers held a banquet in his honour to thank him for his profound impact on their lives. brbr
Outside of work, Mickey was deeply involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He spent countless weekends enjoying outdoor activities such as boating, skiing, snowmobiling, golfing, and racquet sports. In his later years, he took joy in cycling, poker, and bridge with friends. brbr
Mickey was also deeply committed to Israel. He made numerous visits to Israel. He volunteered seven times with SAR-EL to support the IDF, most recently at 89 years old. During one war, when he learned that Israeli soldiers lacked proper cold weather clothing, Mickey mobilized Winnipeg’s garment industry within 24 hours to send urgently needed winter wear to the Israeli troops. brbr
Mickey traveled extensively, exploring destinations in Asia, South America, the U.S., Israel, and more. He especially cherished traveling with his granddaughters, with memorable trips to Alaska, Europe, Israel, and beyond. brbr
Mickey leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, survived by his children from his first marriage: Irv (Michele Rose), Jeff (Janet), and Michele (Gerry Faintuch); grandchildren Ashley, Stephanie, and Dylan; great-grandchildren Moshe, Emelia, and Yehoshua. He is also survived by his stepson Marc (Debbie) Meyers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Rita; his parents, Simcha and Fanny; and his four siblings, David, Miriam, Yosi, and Avrum. brbr
Though his journey has come to an end, Mickey’s love, legacy, and remarkable story will live on in all who knew him. brbr
Donations can be made to the “Mickey & Rita Hoch Fund” supporting the Holocaust Education Centre at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204-477-7520) or a charity of your choice.