RALPH HAMOVICH

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RALPH HAMOVICH With his granddaughter Robyn at his side Ralph passed away peacefully at the Simkin Centre on February 24, 2008, three days after his 92nd birthday. He was predeceased by his wife Clara in 2002, his parents Maier David and Rachel, and five siblings Sarah, Victor, Rae, Jules and Louis. He is lovingly remembered by his children Mira (Martin) Buchwald, Jerry (Penny Mason) Hamovich, and Keren Freed; his grandchildren Robyn (Jeff) Lieberman, Jonathan (Susan) Buchwald, Leanne (Jason) Greif, Rina (Leo Frid) Freed, Debra MacKillop, Jasmine Freed; and seven great-grandchildren Amy, Joshua, Noah, Jenna, Matthew, Ursula and Neve as well as many nieces and nephews. Ralph grew up in the North End of Winnipeg and graduated from St. John's High School. While in high school he developed his passion for Zionism, becoming active in Young Judea and was to become one of the youngest members of the Zionist Council as President of J.N.F. At the age of 29 he became Executive Director of the Mid-West region of the Zionist Organization of Canada and began a lifelong career in community service. His family was his love, but Zionism was his passion. He inaugurated and organized the first 12 Negev Dinners (now Negev Galas), and organized the early Israel Bond drives in Winnipeg. In 1967 he was appointed regional executive director of the Canadian Zionist Federation and that year conducted a very successful Israel emergency campaign during the Six Day War. In 1970 he became campaign director of Combined Jewish Appeal, a position he held until 1982 and continued in a consulting capacity for an additional 10 years. During his lifetime, Ralph was totally committed to Israel, The Winnipeg Jewish community and indeed to the entire Jewish agenda. His many community endeavours included being president of Young Judea; founder, past president, and life member of Brandeis Lodge; secretary Maple Leaf curling club for 18 years as well as a past president, and honorary life member; honorary life member Manitoba Curling Association; a board member of Glendale Country club; a board member Winnipeg Jewish Theatre. He was honoured on a number of occasions by various organizations for his professional and community service including a Shem Tov award from the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg. In 1985 the Ralph Hamovich Lounge was dedicated in his honour at Winnipeg House, a seniors residence in Yaffo Dalet Israel, a project supported by Winnipeg CJA fundraising. Although he had a reputation as a hard-nosed fundraiser, his family and friends knew him as a fun loving man with a great sense of humour. He took great pride in the athletic and community service accomplishments of his wife, children, and grandchildren. In 1939 he married his life partner Clara Freed whom he met through Young Judea. They had 63 wonderful years together including nine visits to Israel, and many winters in Palm Springs with family and friends. Ralph lived a traditional Jewish life, and was a member of Rosh Pina and Shaarey Zedek Synagogues which he attended regularly. Ralph and Clara's home was always open to others. Many Friday night dinners and holiday celebrations included shlichim and visiting dignitaries. Ralph loved sports, but particularly curling and golf. He enjoyed many years at the Maple Leaf curling club organizing the B'nai Brith bonspiel and golfing at Pine Ridge, Bel Acres, and Glendale. In 1999 he was honoured by the annual Y Sports Dinner for his contribution to community sports. Funeral services were held on February 27, 2008 at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue with interment at Rosh Pina Memorial Park, officiated by Rabbi Lawrence Pinsker and Cantor Anibal Maas. Pallbearers were Martin Buchwald, Jonathan Buchwald, Mati Gamliel, Aron Lieberman, Jeffrey Lieberman, and Alan Schweid. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jack Rusen and the staff of The Sharon Home for their care and compassion. For those who wish, donations in Ralph's memory may be made to the Ralph and Clara Hamovich Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204-477-7525) or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 22, 2008