DAVID PERMACK (ZL)

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DAVID PERMACK

On April 5, 2020, our father David Permack "ZL" passed away peacefully at the Simkin Centre after a long illness.
The funeral occurred April 7, 2020, at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with Rabbi Anibal Mass officiating and was streamed to his loving family across North America.
David was predeceased by his parents, Ben and Fannie Permack. He was also predeceased by his devoted wife Shirley who cared deeply for him and visited him daily in the personal care home. He is survived by his three children, Sheldon (Kishwar), Sharon and Michael (Francine). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Daniella Challes (Michael), Laurie Permack (Samantha) and Zev Permack (Viv), Noah (Toba) Schachter, Rachel (Daniel), as well as Mika (Tyler), Arielle (Sebastian) and Peter Permack. His great-grandchildren are Zachary Challes and Jaxson Schachter of Toronto. He is survived by his sister Sheila Livingstone of Minneapolis and was predeceased by his sister Barbara Rifkin. He is survived by his loving brothers and sisters-in-law, Saul Rifkin, Neil and Elaine Margolis, as well as Liba and Tom Stillman who were deeply committed to him and involved in regularly visiting him at the Simkin over many years. He was extremely close to all his nieces and nephews far and near who have reached out with heartfelt stories about their connection to him.
David was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan on June 9, 1927, to Ben and Fanny Permack. David came from very humble beginnings working in the rural family store to help his father. He moved to Winnipeg at a young age to be near his sisters and live with his grandmother. Sheila described how they went to movies with the money they made from their jobs and that David was always very supportive and protective of his sisters. He married his beloved Shirley (nee Margolis) in 1955 and was welcomed warmly by her family, particularly his mother-in-law Doris. His mother had died when he was quite young and when he called Shirley's mother Doris "mom" for the first time it was an emotional moment for all. In the late 1950s, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant and started working at the family businesses Dominion Lumber and Samax Investments along with his late father-in-law Hymie Margolis. David built a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable executive. His cousin Harvey worked at the lumber yard and has fond memories of David always checking on how he was doing - both at work and in his personal life. David vetted all the deals that came to the company and he ran the front office efficiently. He acted in a highly diligent and professional way respecting the ideals of the accounting profession.
He worked for years with Gary Margolis, his wife Shirley's first cousin, and David was noted for his fairness, phenomenal mind for business and was feted as the driving force behind the incredible success of Samax Investments which has benefitted his family around the world. He had been described by work associates as a mentor in both the hard and soft skills of the business world.
David worked hard over the years creating a wonderful life for his family taking time for travel to family simchas which were very important to him. He also enjoyed kicking back with family in the summer at our Gimli cottage after a long week of conquering the business world. David would often journey around the corner to his brother and sister-in- law's house to relax and commune with family, which was important to him. He also enjoyed curling and watching baseball with a bag of sunflower seeds, whiling away the hours was nirvana for him. His sister Sheila remembers with great affection the support and meals he provided to their family while her late husband Ken was in the hospital -which reflects David's caring and generous soul.
Important memories of our father reflect his happy nature enjoying Pictionary and relaxing with his in-law family at the Fair Hills resort. Our dad had significant health challenges over the years which he bore with dignity and courage with the help of his bashert Shirley. David was passionate about golf which he watched weekly with his peerless caregiver Liezl Pacete, whose care allowed him to live years longer in dignity and comfort. Over the years Liezel became part of our family celebrating Dad's birthdays and family simchas with those close to us.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Koven and all the staff at the Simkin Centre for their tireless care of our father over the 10 years he was there. This was demonstrated by many in person meetings, phone calls and team conferences demonstrating the highest degrees of professionalism. Over the years David was attended by many dedicated private caregivers who added quality and meaning to his life. The family also wishes to honour the pallbearers Aubrey, Evan and Ezzie Margolis, as well as Ben Berkal.
Donations in David's memory can be made to the Simkin Centre, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2020