SID TREPEL

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SID TREPEL It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sid Trepel on July 31, 2004. Sid was born in Winnipeg, MB on June 23, 1937. Sid leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Marilyn. They were married for 44 years and met when she was 16 years old. Sid also leaves to mourn his son Louis; his son Brent and daughter-in-law Brenlee; his daughter Sindee and son-in-law Albert; adored grandchildren, Skyler and Sierra Trepel and Emerson and Shayna Wilhelmer; his sister Izzy Ellerby and her three children, Lawrence (Brenda), Shauna and Jonathan; sister-in-law Beverley Moss and his many friends. Sid was predeceased by his parents, Sadie and Louis Trepel and his mother-in-law Ethel Moss (Mimsey). It is no secret as to what Sid thought of his wife, Marilyn. He always said he had the greatest wife in the world and loved her more each day. One of his favourite phrases was, My wife is my life. Sid always credited Marilyn for his success in business and for his success in life. Sid loved his wife and family greatly. He also loved his loyal little animal friends - his schnauzers Fozdik and Farfel for 17 years, and then Floyd and Farah, were his constant companions. Even his licence plate read "F and F". Sid became President of Ben Moss Jewellers at the age of 26, Chairman at age 60, and Chairman Emeritus at age 65. Ben Moss, the founder, was Sids father-in-law. Sid loved his business, Ben Moss Jewellers. Sid expanded the company from one store in Winnipeg, on Main Street, to stores throughout Canada. He loved the excitement and expansion of Ben Moss Jewellers. He also loved the jewellery business. His goal and dream of servicing customers across Canada were always number one to him. Sid was a true motivator and a powerful Chairman and CEO for Ben Moss Jewellers. He was loved and respected by his many staff and business contacts, though often referred to as quite a character. Sid had a strong rapport with his staff at Ben Moss Jewellers. He always believed that praise was a wonderful thing, that it encouraged people. Sid let people know when he was happy with their work. As Ben Moss Jewellers grew, so did Sids pride in his lifelong achievement. Every award Ben Moss Jewellers received was a thrill for Sid. He was particularly pleased to receive mentions in the Tema Frank book, Canadas Best Employers for Women, and to receive the honour of being cited as one of Canadas 50 Best Managed Companies for six consecutive years, Innovative Retailer of the Year by the Retail Council of Canada; and Canadian Jeweller of the Year twice by the Canadian Jewellers Association. Sid sat on the Board of Directors of Christians and Jews and the Stroke Association of Manitoba, was on the Board of Directors and President of the Sales and Marketing Executives, as well as Chairman of the Jewish Child Rescue. Sid became a member of the Young Presidents Organization while he served as President of Ben Moss Jewellers and loved his involvement there as well. He was also a proud founding member of The Variety Club of Manitoba - the Childrens Charity. Sid also assisted many organizations and individuals financially. He established a Canadian Charitable Fund for the Cleveland Clinic and was its first contributor. Sid loved being a YPOer. He found the entire experience very exciting. Sid had a major heart attack in 1981, followed by open heart surgery. Sid had a major stroke in 1984. Many people might have chosen to give up at this point, but not Sid. He always stressed the fact that he was a fighter and a winner. Sid helped anyone with a similar health crisis in any way he could and received many thanks for his helpful advice on by-pass surgery, or heart and stroke problems. He was only too happy to do it. He created his 5-Ds and practiced these as he preached them - DRIVE, DESIRE, DETERMINATION, DEDICATION AND - DO IT!! Sid also became acquainted with a network of doctors over the years, be it in Winnipeg, at the Health Sciences Centre, or in Gimli, at Johnson Memorial Hospital. He never forgot the many doctors and nurses who tended to him. Sid had a wide network of friends from every background and occupation. He treated everyone equally well regardless of status in life. Sid was straight and to the point. He practised the motto - KISS - keep it short and simple. Sid was always a proud man and lived life "his way". Sids request was that there be no shiva. Pallbearers were Donald Bass, Lawrence Ellerby, Jonathan Ellerby, Mel Lazareck, Hart Robinovitch and Jeff Stern. Honorary Pallbearers were Dr. Robert Corne, Donald Gales, Merv Moknowed, Richard Rice, Judge Charles Rubin, Dr. Fred Shane, and Tom Shimoji. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba - telephone 949-2000, 200-6 Donald St., R3L 0K6 or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, telephone 1-877-287-3533, 311-7100 Woodbine Ave., Markham, ON, L3R 5J2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 07, 2004