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OSCAR GRUBERT 1929 - 2014 Peacefully on February 11, 2014 at Toronto General Hospital. Beloved husband of Ruth, loving father and father-in-law of Nolan and Carol, and Beth. Dear brother of Sarah, Pearl and Harry. Devoted grandfather of Margot, Madeline, Julia and Micah. Born in Winnipeg in 1929, Oscar spent his preschool years in Seven Sisters Falls. He returned to Winnipeg for elementary and high school and attended the University of Manitoba, graduating with a bachelor of law degree in 1954. By his own admission, Oscar was not the best of students in grade school, but he found his place in law school and graduated near the top of his class. Always adventurous, Oscar, Bill Goldberg and Meyer Gilfix opened a drive-in restaurant on North Main Street in 1957. The three soon became two, with Oscar and Bill soldiering on. In 1958, having heard about Colonel Harland Sanders, Oscar wrote to the Colonel about Kentucky Fried Chicken. Just a few months later, Colonel Sanders showed up unannounced at Oscar's law office. Oscar and Bill flew to Saskatoon with the Colonel to see the only KFC outlet in Western Canada, fell in love with the Colonel's business formula and, with a handshake on the tarmac at the Winnipeg airport, became KFC franchisees. Over 25 years, the two built out their Manitoba and North Dakota territory to over 20 Champs KFC restaurants. In the late 1960s and 1970s, Oscar's creativity drove development of restaurants and bars that spanned quick service to white-tablecloth dining. There was Kamps, Grubees, The Butcher Block, Garden Creperie, G. Willikers, Mamma Trossi's, Koko's, Thomas Button's, The Rec Room, Mother Tucker's and the Palomino Club. Oscar was President of the Canadian Restaurant Association in 1970, and traveled the country coast-to-coast representing industry interests to all levels of government. And all the while, Oscar maintained a deep commitment to his spiritual roots. Always proud of his Judaism, Oscar served on various Jewish school, synagogue and community boards and was a founding member of the Manitoba Jewish Foundation. He worked tirelessly on behalf of the nascent State of Israel and was recognized for his efforts by The Jewish National Fund as their Negev Dinner honouree in 1985. In the community at large, Oscar brought professional fastball to Winnipeg and served on the Board of the Winnipeg Jets of the WHA. Ever the entrepreneur, he brought the Rolling Stones to Winnipeg in 1966, and the up and coming LPGA Tour to Winnipeg's Glendale Golf and Country Club in the early 1970s. In 1989, when Oscar married Ruth (formerly Mozersky), Winnipeg's loss was Toronto's gain. Throughout his life, what mattered most to Oscar was not his own success, but the degree to which he could use his success to make a positive difference in the lives of others. This was evident in his commitment to philanthropy and to the many thousands with whom he worked. He gave so many a hand up; put thousands of young people through school and provided a respectable livelihood to yet many more thousands. And he treated each and every one of them with a measure of respect and appreciation, for he understood that fundamentally, they were responsible for his successes. Oscar also leaves Belle Grubert, who together with us all, mourn his loss. He will be missed, but remain forever in our hearts. Donations may be made to the Manitoba Jewish Foundation.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 01, 2014
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Dear Ruth I just found out about Oscar's passing. I would like to offer you and your family my condolences. I treasure the years we spent together. The trips on the boat and all the things the four of us did together. God bless you. Vic - Posted by: Victor Seitles (Friend) on: May 01, 2014
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Dear Beth and Nolan, I was very saddened to hear of the passing of your father. Over 35 years ago I walked into the Butcher Block and thus began my career in the Hospitality Industry. For the most part of my adult life I have worked in your father's operations. He always treated me fairly, with respect, and above and beyond all, loyalty. It's these core values I still carry with me today. Reminiscent are all the wonderful years. Your father was a brilliant entrepreneur and I held him in the highest regard. He was dignified and had an outstanding strength of character which I admired. Furthermore, he was genuine and at all times had my appreciation. I will remember him always as a man of great integrity and consider it a privilege to have known him. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Sincerely, Jacquie Neufeld - Posted by: Jacquie Neufeld () on: Mar 10, 2014
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Oscar was an icon not only in Winnipeg but throughout N. America in the Hospitality Industry. He had a brilliant mind who could spot end envisage a concept and carry it out knowing exactly when to continue or not. He paved the way for thousands locally and around the continent in this industry. He was responsible for me personally and was like my second father here in Canada during my association professionally working with him. I owe him so much and will remember him fondly forever as he taught me there was far more in this business than just cooking. He had a wonderful life and experienced it to the fullest. My condolences to Nolan, Beth and the entire family during this difficult time. Jeff - Posted by: Jeff Gill (Professional) on: Mar 01, 2014
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As a teenager while attending high school and university in the 1960's I had both the privilege and pleasure of working for Oscar at his restaurant "The Cock and Bull Room" on Osborne St. It never ceased to amaze me how a man with his workload, schedule and multitude of committments always found the time to interact with and take a personal interest in each and every one of his employees. In later life I made a concerted effort to emulate this and incorporate it into my management style. I will always be grateful for the courtesies and favours Oscar extended to both myself and my family. - Posted by: Alan Crossley (Former Employee) on: Mar 01, 2014
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I was so sorry to hear of Oscars passing. He was a wonderful man and we have shared many great times. Thinking of you at this time. Joy - Posted by: Joy Jarvis (Matthewman) (family friend) on: Mar 01, 2014
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Dad worked with Oscar for many years and had a close friendship with him as well. We are so sorry to hear of his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Jim Matthewman and Corie Siddle (friends) on: Mar 01, 2014
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I mourn the loss of this gentle giant. His bite was far surpassed by his bark, and both paled in the light of his enormous generosity and abiding kindness. I will remember him fondly always, with respect, gratitude and a smile. Heartfelt condolences to Beth, Nolan, and families. - Posted by: Ted St. Godard () on: Mar 01, 2014