DR. BENJAMIN SCHWARTZ

Condolences & Memories (23 entries)

• Thoughtful, caring, fun,compassionate are only a few adjectives to describe Dr. Ben Schwartz. He was our family doctor, I think since 1958. Even after he retired I could call on him if I didn't understand a health matter for some advice, and he was happy to catch up on any news. He treated 4 generations of our family. Living a bit out of town on a farm seemed to be fascinating to him and he was always full of questions about the animals and crops. I think he felt part of our lives as he would come to anniversaries etc. and enjoy meeting everyone. So many in St James knew Dr. Ben. I am proud to know that he brought my children into the world. I am so thankful that he was part of our lives. My sincere sympathy to Peggy and all the families. - Posted by: Judy Taylor Bargen Verrier (Former patient and friend) on: Jan 31, 2012

• Dr. Ben was my first real family doctor. Alas, I have yet to find one as caring or friendly or humane since. It didn't matter how sick you were, or just in for a routine checkup, he was always friendly with a sincere concern about how you were doing. I remember one time when he was treating me for what turned out to be a gout attack, and I expressed an interest in finding out more about gout. Ben said to do that and let him know what I found out because he had it too and was too busy to go research it. I brought him a huge pile of stuff and he was impressed. Now we'll nail this he said. We laughed about that often afterwards. My sincere condolences to the Schwartz family and to the Watkins family too. Ben was an important part of St. James and when he married Peggy, whose kids I knew from growing up there, the circle was complete. If the Medical Association ever creates an award to honour a truly caring physician, I hope they call it the Dr. Ben Schwartz Award. He was a winner. Thank you, Dr. Ben. - Posted by: Maurice Hogue (former patient) on: Jan 04, 2012

• TRIBUTES FROM THE VANDENBERG FAMILY. Claire, Thank you for the email informing me of Ben passing on. Ben was very determined to make the best of life and living. Our families were served very well with Doctor Ben's care. Ben was a lifelong dear friend and all-round helper to me. He will rest in peace. Bill Vandenberg 28 December, 12:15 AM. ANNE FRISIAN VANDENBERG: I used to call him "Dr. Shorts" when I was little. Mom loved to tell me that when he first held me (as a tiny baby) he said "She's just like Marilyn Monroe...except everything has dropped." Whatever that means. I would sit on his lap when I was a little girl and play with his buttons on his coat....he hated to give me a needle, mom said. JOHN MORRISON VANDENBERG: On a visit to Dr. Schwartz, being a little boy, he showed me the statue of the three monkeys and assured me those were his own three children …… I was amazed but believed him. STEVEN CHRYPLYWY: Visiting the doctor in his beautiful garden, we discovered Ben on his knees studying whatever, beside that majestic tree in the very Southwest corner of his garden. He looked at Steven and simply said “I give you a quarter if you climb this tree” It was not an easy climb, but Steven (12 years young) managed to climb up and come down without accident……Ben fished a quarter from his pocket and handed it to Steven…quietly….no big deal! ON BEN’S RETIREMENT. Published in The Free Press, Winnipeg A WELL-DESERVED TRIBUTE AFTER NEARLY 40 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF ST.JAMES AND THE GREATER WINNIPEG AREA, DR. BENJAMIN SCHWARTZ HAS RETIRED FROM THE GENERAL PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. AS HIS MANY PATIENTS WILL ATTEST, HE WENT "BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY" IN HIS DEDICATION AND CARE FOR THEIR WELL-BEING, AND IN HIS READINESS TO MAKE HOUSE CALLS - A RARITY IN THIS DAY AND AGE! NOT ONLY DID HE INSPIRE CONFIDENCE IN HIS PATIENTS WITH HIS COMPETENT AND CONSCIENTIOUS CARE, BUT ALSO BECAME A REAL FRIEND, TAKING A SINCERE INTEREST IN ALL ASPECTS OF THEIR LIVES. WE PERSONALLY WISH TO PAY TRIBUTE AND SAY "THANK YOU" TO DR. SCHWARTZ FOR LOOKING AFTER THREE GENERATIONS OF OUR FAMILY OVER A SPAN OF THIRTY YEARS. WE ALSO RECOGNIZE HIS FAITHFUL SERVICE TO HUNDREDS OF HIS OTHER PATIENTS. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MOST ESPECIALLY IMPRESSED THAT, IN SPITE OF HIS EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE, HE NEVER HESITATED TO REFER US TO OTHER MEDICAL EXPERTS - A MARK OF AN EDUCATED AND OPEN MIND. AS A PHYSICIAN, HE WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY OF US WHO HAVE BENEFITED FROM HIS SKILL. HE WILL, HOWEVER, REMAIN A TRUE FRIEND TO THOSE WITH WHOM HE HAS SHARED BOTH HUMOR AND SORROW AND ON WHOM HE HAS BEEN A POSITIVE INFLUENCE. PARAPHRASING THE WORDS OF THE BARD OF AVON, IT COULD INDEED BE SAID OF DR. BENJAMIN SCHWARTZ THAT, "NATURE MIGHT STAND UP AND SAY TO ALL THE WORLD,`THIS [IS] A MAN.'" GWENDA AND BILL VANDENBERG WINNIPEG ---------------------------------------------------------------- - Posted by: WILLIAM VANDENBERG (LIFETIME FRIEND) on: Jan 04, 2012

• Dear Dr. Ben: I am sure you have received many wonderful comments related to all of your achievments as a medical doctor in connection with your recent passing. Your many accomplishments in the area of medicine and other pursuits less well known are duly noted. I too want to extend to you, your dear wife Peggy and your family, my deepest heartfelt respect and sympathy at this time of your passing. Although you are gone from this earth, I wanted to let you know that you are admired, respected and most of all loved by your family, friends, patients and many others, not just now, but always and forever! This is the true reward in life, not always freely given but earned over many years of hard work, caring, and committment to others as you have tirelessly done during your lifetime on this earth! You practiced medicine, not for fame or riches, but for the chance to help others, and for your love of people from all walks of life and from all socio-economic backgrounds! While I admire you and your many achievements, and as I remember all of the happy moments we shared as neighbors, doctor/patient and friends, I am also sad for I fear we will not see your kind again in not only medicine, but in our everyday life as humans in this ever changing modern world. Life for the true doctor is not existing to efface or extinguish the last large payday, to obtain more than you can possibly need or to use your status to take advantage of others in or out of the medical field, it is to be on the front line, the gridiron, sweating, competing, leaving all you can give there and nowhere else, until you can give no more! It is not saving yourself for another, better opportunity around the corner! To breath fire, to have steel in your veins, while you feel the burning in the depths of your lungs as you toil on your way to Victory with Honor over illness and death, for you, and those who came eagerly to see you, such a fine Gladiator battle sickness and death in the arena of medicine, there are now many memories long past and maybe faded, but never ever forgotten! The time you stitched the gash around my eye while I lay on your kitchen table, the late night visit to the hospital to check on me and give me assurance after I was hit in the head and knocked unconscious by a bat while playing baseball, or simply coming to my house after work to examine me and give me medicine for a bad winter cold. To you, I say as I honor you on the date of your passing: "I saw him once. He was a goodly King. He was a man. Take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again." (Shakespeare, excerpt from Hamlet) I too fear we are now at a loss, for we shall not see your good kind again Dear Doctor, therefore, I salute you and may you relish long in your well deserved award, loved and respected forever by all who knew you! God Bless and Keep You Always Dr. Ben! מתגעגע אליך מאדם לאדם - Posted by: Constantine "Dino" Buzunis (Former next door neighbor, patient and friend) on: Jan 03, 2012

• Grandpa Ben, will be missed. I miss stopping-in and visiting Nanny and Ben after work, for a cup of tea and a good conversation. Grandpa Ben always told such interesting stories about his life, he always was up to date on current events and always had a good opinion on them. He was interested in the lives of others and encouraged me to succeed when I needed it. He would always ask questions about all the family, and how they were doing and about life in general. He loved to share his knowledge with others, and was amazingly well-read. He genuinely cared for all people, and had a great sense of humor about him. He was truly one in a million, and will be truly missed. - Posted by: Melanie Watkins Karlaftis (Granddaughter) on: Jan 02, 2012

• We are so saddened to learn that our dear friend and family Doctor, Ben Schwartz, has passed away. As a young couple, we were so fortunate to have Dr. Schwartz as our family Doctor, deliver all four of our children (Karen 1963, Keith 1966, Brian 1967, and Janice “Lorna” Lynn 1972). We are now a family of 20, all living in BC, including 10 grandchildren. Our memories of Dr. Schwartz include the times when we (or one of our children) may have been too sick to come down to his office – no problem – Dr. Schwartz was one of a kind who would make house calls, even after hours, always bringing the needed medications, and often a toy for the kids. Carol remembers him as one always willing to trade recipes for making preserves, like Kosher dill pickles as he sat on the edge of the bed in the Hospital after delivering Brian earlier that morning, all the while, caring for his ailing wife (Lorna). We especially remember the time that I (Paul) approached him about my being present in the delivery room to witness the birth of our first daughter Karen. That was not a common thing to do in those days, but he willingly arranged it. I still remember him looking over his glasses and mask at me in the delivery room, wondering if I was going to be able to do this without “keeling over”. Then over the next ten years, we did it three more times at Grace Hospital. When Janice was delivered, he looked at us and asked, “Do you have a name chosen for her?” When we told him “Janice Lynn”, he said, “It sure would be nice if you added “Lorna”! You see his wife Lorna had just passed away in the weeks preceding Janice’s birth! And we will never forget him for all of the ‘meds’ that he provided (free of charge) for our young family, from his sample drawer. And when we were leaving Winnipeg to move West, he came to our home for dinner with a gift for each of the children and Purdy’s Chocolates for Carol. Such a special man! Never to be forgotten. – Paul & Carol Palmer and family – Kamloops, BC - Posted by: Paul & Carol Palmer (Patient/Friend) on: Jan 02, 2012

• Ben was a remarkable man. Brilliant mind, but down to earth person. He loved tending to his garden, and every visit to his house in the summer would entail a long walk inspecting the tomato plants while he estimated the outcome of the crop for the season. The analysis could take quite a while, since it involved inspection of every hanging tomato. He took good care of his plants. And he took good care of people. As the e-mails indicate, he was more than a physician; he was a friend. I was often in Ben and Peggy's kitchen when the phone rang. While a minute before he'd been struggling with hearing what was being said, due to his gradual and inevitable loss of hearing-- as soon as he knew that it was the voice of a patient, he heard EVERY word. He didn't just 'take' the calls, his energy would increase and he'd efficiently respond with whatever step was necessary to care for the needs of the caller. No matter that it might be in the middle of dinner. If he grumbled, it was for effect. He loved the calls. Ben loved what he did for a living. He once said that delivering babies was his favourite part. "Everybody's in a good mood when a baby's coming." I went with him on a couple of house calls, waiting outside in the car. Once he told me "Go look at the rabbits in the garage. They're cute." It's my memory that Peggy sometimes accompanied him on the house calls, waiting patiently in the car. Ben was the consummate Doctor. The brightest, the best kind of family doctor that any family could ever want. These stories have been most engrossing to read. He was my father in law for 29 years; but a friend from the minute I met him till his parting. - Posted by: Marcia Bennett (former daughter in law) on: Jan 02, 2012

• Dr. Schwartz was a lifeline for Bob and I, from the time we married, until he retired. He was always there for us. He was a kind man. He kept Bob and I in a ‘free’ supply of birth control at the beginning of our marriage when Bob was still a student. He was there standing watch over our four children all of those years when they were growing up in Winnipeg. He insisted that he could “just stop by”, on his way to or from work, if there was any one in the family taken ill. There are many stories that I could tell you of his kindness. I cannot imagine having had to raise my children without him. He will always have a warm place in my heart. Lynda - Posted by: Lynda & Bob McGowan (Patients/friends) on: Jan 02, 2012

• Dr. Schwartz was a kind and caring man. He really cared about his patient. In those years he made house calls to our home on Inglewood. He always made time to listen to his patients. My sincere condolences to his family - Posted by: Belinda Blanchard (former patient) on: Jan 01, 2012

• Dr. Schwartz brought our first child into this world and was our family doctor. We sincerely appreciate all the care he gave our family from 1972 until 1981 when we moved to another province. We will fondly remember him and send our condolences to his family. sincerely, Lorraine and family - Posted by: Lorraine Aleong (former patient) on: Jan 01, 2012

• Unfortunately, as time goes by, we lose dear people. Although we know this will happen, it is still so very sad. I am saddened by the loss of this wonderful doctor and person. We were more than patients to Dr. Schwartz, we were almost like extended family. He took care of the health of all members of my family, including my grandchildren. Years after he retired, my husband and I saw him in Polo Park. Dr. Schwartz not only remembered us, he called us by name. And he warmed my heart when he came to my husband's funeral in 1999. There are so few as great as he, the world is now a sadder place. May he rest in peace. His memory will live on for years to come. - Posted by: Rose Mark (patient) on: Jan 01, 2012

• I lived across the street from Dr. Schwartz in Woodhaven. He was a very kind and caring doctor to me and my family. On one occasion he consulted me as a neighbor when I was in a crisis and was very helpful and always concerned. I was lucky to see him this past June when I was in Winnipeg and he was in the middle of moving to Simkin Centre. Even then he asked about the family. He certainly left his mark on humanity. - Posted by: Jean Miller (patient & neighbour) on: Jan 01, 2012

• Many Years before my Mom became Ben's wife this amazing Man helped me and after almost 50 yrs it's like it was yesterday... I was just "17" in the Villa Marie Home for unwed mothers. I would walk across to Misercordia Hospital for our prenatal exams, usually by an intern. All alone, it took alot of internal stamia to have no friends, family. Ben would show up at the scheduled visit taking care of me and going on to do his hospital rounds. I knew this was not care that others were receiving and this alone provided me with comfort that "somebody" gave a darn. He took care of me afterwards also, and to my son caring for him when he soon became hospitalized with pneumonia and as newborn..NO Charge My 2nd Son Ben responded to each crisis as Chris struggled to survive with lung complications. When it became grave, Ben requested his physician friend from Switzerland to come and look at Chris. Collapsed lung narrow trachea was diagnosed; Ben said that without this intervention and his care Chris's outcome would have been very different.No Charge 1966 March...Wpg was shut down due to heavy severe storm...the city was paaralyed and came to a halt. only transporation was by snowmobilies. That night my baby girl arrived in the arms of Ben, who braved the impossible winter night just to be there for us again..No Charge ! I wanted to share this as it's just another story of this amazing wonderful human being.... - Posted by: TANIS (step-daughter) on: Jan 01, 2012

• Many years ago, as a young and somewhat goofy teenager, I was lucky enough to be a patient of Dr. Schwartz. That I have never forgotten him, or his kind treatment says more about such a compassionate man than I ever could. - Posted by: A. J. (Tony) Wharrie (ex-patient) on: Jan 01, 2012

• Dr Schwartz was a wonderful caring man and we always left his office with a smile. When my kids brought me home chicken pox @ 35, he came to the house every day for a week to make sure I was ok. My wife worked for him for many years and thoroughly enjoyed being part of the St. James family practice. I looked after his Volvo, Buicks and Cadillac at my shop for many years and he was one of my favorite customers. Our deepest sympathies to the Schwartz family. We truly loved, appreciated and respected Dr. Schwartz. - Posted by: Jim and Dolores Seller (patients , friends and former doctor's assistant) on: Dec 31, 2011

• I'm Peggy and Ben's granddaughter (Terrell's daughter) I have the most heartfelt memories of my Grandpa Ben. He was truly the best story teller and his laugh was contagious. I can hear it as I write this. My children (Derek 31 & Tyler 28) know Grandpa Ben as the other half of Nanny (Peggy). Nanny and Grandpa were married for forty years, it may not appear Peggy's family was apart of Ben's life.... however, each one of us, and there is many of us loved him and he loved each one of us in many different ways. Grandpa and Nanny were a very happy unit together and taught me how to have that special relationship with my husband. Don't sweat the small stuff. Of my 49 years, I feel grateful to have had Grandpa Ben apart of it for the last 40..... Thank you Grandpa Ben. Much Love, Jani - Posted by: Jan Hermann (Granddaughter) on: Dec 31, 2011

• Dr. Schwartz was like a second father to me, if he would have said jump I would have! He was the most wonderful doctor, always there when you needed him: on a early Sunday morning, he came to our house when I was so sick, he brought my little brother into the world. They don't make them like that anymore. My late father and Dr. Schwartz became close friends long ago, sharing stories of the war. He wasn't just a doctor, he was considered a friend of our family. The world has lost a kind, caring, gentle, dignified gentleman. - Posted by: Kathy Cava & Locke Family (Patients and Friends) on: Dec 31, 2011

• I remember Ben as a great, great story teller who pitched in with great punch lines that went on from one scene to the next so he'd get you laughing all the way....(so you wouldn't want to leave) And he could do this for hours (when he felt up to it). And sometimes he'd start laughing away himself, at the same punch lines, and that got you laughing more. Characterizations mostly. Folks you might never heard of otherwise. A hankering for the offbeat. Hemingwayish wit, perhaps. Like the big farm kid up ASHERN way who'd fire the high heat as if he couldn't beat you with strikes. BEN was farmer folksy with a big heart who spotted goodness in the quirky and in many ways he was a character himself. We have lost a great observing humorist and caring mind who understood the clinical and psychology of "health" more than anyone I"ve ever known and he is missed. Thank You! Gary - Posted by: GARY WATKINS (PEGGY'S SON (sent in by Peggy's daughter Terrell)) on: Dec 31, 2011

• I remember Ben as a great,great story teller who pitched it with great punch lines that went on from one scene to the next so he'd get you laughing all the way (so you wouldn't want to leave). And he could do this for hours (when he felt up to it) And sometimes he'd start laughing away himself, at the same punch lines, and that got you laughing more. Characterizations mostly. Folks you might never heard otherwise. Ahankering for the offbeat. Hemingwayish wit, perhaps. Like the big farm kid up ASHERN way who'd fire the high heat if he couldn't beat you with strikes. Ben was farmer folksy with a BIG hearat who spotted goodness in the quirky and in many ways he was a character himself. We have lost a great observing humorist, and caring mind who inderstood the clinical and psychology of "health" more than anyone I've ever known and he is missed....thank You! Gary - Posted by: GARY WATKINS (PEGGY'S SON) on: Dec 31, 2011

• Ben delivered the first three of my four children oh so many years ago. To a young girl, he provided such compassion, care, insight into life. I was blessed that down life's pathway he became family and he will be forever loved in my heart. Thank you always, Ben, for being a part of my life's journey. We were blessed. - Posted by: Tanis Watkins (stepdaughter) on: Dec 31, 2011

• I wish to extend my condolences to the Shwartz family. I grew up as a patient of Dr. Shwartz and when I entered the health care field, he treated me as an equal. He would regale me with stories of life in a rural practice, generally having me in stitches from laughing so hard. He never once made me feel uncomfortable nor stupid when I would ask him questions in regards to my own health care. I am so glad I was a patient of his. He set the standard that I expect my other physicians to attain. May he rest in peace now. - Posted by: Corina Mark (Former patient) on: Dec 31, 2011

• I have some very fond memories of my Grampa Ben...the one that warms my heart the most is of him and I spending much time with his siamese cat "Sam"..we spent many hours in his basement just visiting and I listening to his stories...Grampa Ben always had a way of making me feel so very welcomed and special.. - Posted by: Tammy Mulley (granddaughter) on: Dec 31, 2011

• Our sincere condolences to the Schartz families. Doctor Ben looked after 4 generations of our families. We were just sharing memories of him and talking about the wonderful care he gave to us all. They don't make doctors like him anymore. - Posted by: Agnar & Gwen Thorlacius & families (Friends and patients) on: Dec 31, 2011