LAZAR FLIEGEL

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LAZAR FLIEGEL December 31, 1928 - March 31, 2012, Lazar Fliegel was born on December 31, 1928, in Lancut, a small town in the Southeast of Poland. He was born into a large Jewish family, sharing a small home with three brothers and four sisters. The Nazis drove Lazar and his family from Poland in 1939. Lazar with his father, older brother and three sisters escaped to Russia. They soon lost their father but the siblings managed to survive the war using their wits and determination. In 1945, after the Second World War was over, Lazar traveled to Germany where he trained as a carpenter/cabinet maker in the city of Rosenheim. It was here that he first met his future wife Basia. In 1948, he moved to Israel and served in the military for two years. As fate would have it he once again met Basia and they were married in Haifa on April 17, 1950. The heat did not agree with Lazar so he and Basia, along with his younger sister Sarah, decided to emigrate again. They arrived in Winnipeg on April 13, 1952, and at the age of 23, Lazar and Basia were finally able to settle for good and start a family. With little formal education and the challenge of a new language and culture, Lazar used his carpentry skills, intelligence and his determination to build a life for his family. He worked as a carpenter and foreman with Acme Chrome for thirteen years. In 1965, he founded the company Modern Cabinet Makers, which provided cabinetry and construction services for residential homes and commercial ventures. Lazar's strong work ethic and enormous energy produced success in both his business and personal life. He was completely dedicated to his family and close friends. He was the kind of man that put his families' needs before his own, and always offered love and support to his children and grandchildren. He spoiled his grandchildren shamelessly. Lazar was a man of few words but could communicate in seven languages. He was denied the education he so badly wanted but ensured that his children loved to learn. He grew up in poverty but did not become greedy even when he became successful. He was raised traditionally, yet his wife was his partner in both business and marriage. Lazar passed away on March 31, 2012, at 83 years old. After being married for nearly 62 years, he is survived by his wife Basia; his daughter Miriam and son Larry; his sister Bella; his son-in-law Ron; and his grandchildren Sarah, Alex, and Danny. He will be loved and missed by his family and friends. We would like to express our thanks to the staff at Tuxedo Villa for the concern and care that they provided. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lazar's name can be made to the Parkinson's Society, Canadian Diabetes or charity of your choice. There will be a graveside funeral service at Rosh Pina Memorial Park Monday, April 2 at 11:30 a.m. Shiva will be held at 14 Aldershot Blvd. on Monday, April 2 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, April 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2012