SAM PESOCHIN

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SAM PESOCHIN Peacefully, on August 14, 2006, at Grace Hospital, after a lengthy illness, Sam Pesochin, age 93, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born in Winnipeg on September 1, 1912, Sam was predeceased by his parents Ruvin and Bessie Pesochin, and siblings Aaron, Anne and Lillian. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 69 years, Faye (nee Gillman), children Robert Pesochin, David and Lynne Pesochin, grandchildren Lee Pesochin, Jon Pesochin, Teri Pesochin (Jason), Marlo and Marshall Morris, and great-grandchildren Emma Pesochin, Sarah and Tyson Morris and Rio Pesochin. Following high school, Sam began a career in the garment industry with Freed and Freed. He and Faye married in July 1937. In 1945 Sam and partner Ben Sisman set out to establish Acme Garment Company. In 1955 Sam bought Acme Garment outright, with Faye as his business partner. Eventually he was joined by his sons Robert and David. In the 60s they opened a second factory, Aetna Garment, in Altona, Manitoba, which produced commercial work wear, while Acme continued to produce denim and casual wear in Winnipeg, until ceasing operations in 1987. Aside from his devotion to family and career, Sam worked tirelessly at fundraising for social, business and philanthropic organizations. He took great interest in bettering the community in which he lived and made helping others a way of life. He served as President of the Garment Manufacturers Association, was a member of the B'nai B'rith Century Club, was a director of the YMHA 50th Anniversary Celebrations, and served a term as President of the Herzlia Synagogue. Sam and Faye held memberships at Herzlia, Rosh Pina and Shaarey Zedek Synagogues in Winnipeg, and at their local synagogue in Margate, Florida, where he and Faye wintered for over 20 years. But, Sam's true passion was for that little synagogue at Winnipeg Beach. In the many years the family summered at Winnipeg Beach, Sam seldom missed a service. He served as its president and was instrumental in the sale of the beach property on which the synagogue sat, and its relocation to the present site at camp Massad. Sam was equally passionate in his support for the State of Israel. He purchased Irael Bonds for his grandchildren. He gave generously of both his time and financial resources to, among many other fund raising efforts, the Jewish National Fund, and the Six Day War campaign. He and Faye visited Israel four times and established the Faye and Sam Pesochin Grove in the Canada Forest. Most recently they became participants of the Jewish Foundation's Endowment Book of Life. Graveside services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on August 15, 2006. Pallbearers were Marshall Morris, Stuart Slayen, Neil Rykiss, David Novikoff, Myles Rothman and Matthew Rothman. The family wishes to extend its most heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff on 5 North at the Grace Hospital for their devotion, compassion and wonderful care provided to Sam during his final weeks. We will always be deeply grateful to all of those who touched all our lives during those most difficult days. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to honor Sam's memory can make a donation to the Jewish Foundation at (204) 477-7525 or Cancercare Manitoba Foundation at (204) 787-4143. Sam, you will be missed by all those whose lives you touched with your thoughtfulness and generosity. What we do for ourselves dies with us; what we do for others and the world, remains and is immortal . (Albert Pines)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 19, 2006