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BEN RYKISS
Born: May 25, 1923
Date of Passing: Sep 21, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
BEN RYKISS
Ben leaves to mourn his loving wife of 72 years, Fay, sons, Mark (Barb), Neil (Susan) and Les, his grandchildren, Jared, Caleigh (James), Sarah (Ira), Matthew (Yaffa), Dave (Olivia), Shaun (Amanda), Rebecca (Jeff), Marissa (Camilo), Michaela and Jaron, as well as many nieces and nephews. Ben was predeceased by his parents, Nathan and Dora Rykiss, Samuel and Clara Fink, his brothers, Max (Belle) and Hy (Adele), as well as his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Manny and Pearl Fink.
Ben was born May 25, 1923, in Winnipeg. A strong believer in education he graduated from University of Winnipeg with a bachelor of social work and then went on to gain his masters in social work from the University of British Columbia. Upon graduation he and his wife Fay returned to Winnipeg where he began his career in social work at the Deer Lodge Hospital. In 1969 he accepted the position as the Director of Social Work at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre where he essentially remained until his retirement at the age of 65. It was during this time period that he became heavily involved with the Jewish Child and Family Services, an organization very near and dear to his heart. It was there that he was able to volunteer his professional skills to best help those in need.
Ben was an athlete his entire life. From his youth through his late senior years, he played a multitude of sports including football, hockey, curling, swimming (with his famous green bathing cap), softball, downhill skiing, but he was mostly passionate about golf, fitness and tennis. He was a founding member at Bel Acres Golf and Country Club where he played for many years, until he replaced it with his true passion, tennis which he played religiously well into his 90s. To the people who knew him best, Ben was a fitness legend. He was an effortless long distance runner, and had a daily regimen of exercise that included 200 push-ups a day into his 90s.
His greatest joy however was his family. He was a fabulous grandparent and was adored by every one of his grandchildren. Zaida Ben had a special, unique relationship with each grandchild which will leave them all with lasting memories for a lifetime. That was his true legacy!
The family wishes to thank the wonderful and dedicated staff at Misericordia Hospital, Cornish 6 including Dr. Reda, David Rowe, nurses and aides - Dorothy, Amanda, Wendy, Tracy, Yves and others for doing everything they could to keep our father safe and as comfortable as possible to the very end.
A special thank you to Dr. Sheldon Permack along with his fabulous team including, Scott, Sandy and Chelsea for their unbelievable dedication to our dad's care.
We would be remiss if we did not thank all of our family and close friends for their humbling outpouring of love, support and generosity.
Pallbearers were Mark, Neil, Les, Jared, Matthew and Jaron Rykiss. Honorary pallbearers included Shaun Rykiss, David Fink, Steven Fink, Alex Katz, Brent Rykiss, David Marantz, James Byers and Ira Lindenberg.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ben Rykiss Memorial Fund at the Jewish Child and Family Services in Winnipeg (204)477-7430, or any charity of your choice.
Dad we will always love you and miss you.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2020
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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I want to share a sincere thank you and share the story of how the Ben Rykiss scholarship truly helped me. I did not graduate high school and after many years decided to go to university, which had always been my goal. Going back to school as an adult and mother of four children was so challenging and I was so anxious. I had no idea how to even write an essay much less fully understand the words in the Human Behaviour textbook! I studied so hard and ended up being awarded the Ben Rykiss scholarship for the highest mark in Manitoba for the Human Behaviour class. I could not believe it! I decided to buy a recorder with some of the scholarship money to help me record notes or dictate etc. At the time I had no idea how important that recorder would be. Shortly thereafter I needed unexpected surgery which resulted in serious life-threatening complications. I was hospitalized for 6 weeks and it was during this time that the recorder became my lifesaver. With special permission, my classmate recorded the classes and brought the recorder back and forth to the hospital along with copies of her notes. I was able to listen to the classes on my hospital bed as if I was in the classroom, complete the term on time and not have to re-take any classes. A deep and sincere thank you to Ben Rykiss, gratitude will always remain in my heart for such loving generosity and kindness which made such an impact on my life. - Posted by: Grateful person (Past recipient of Ben Rykiss scholarship) on: Jul 31, 2023
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I was a social worker at Jewish Child and family service from 1968-1971 where I met Ben. A sterling man, devoted. Compassionate a beacon of light Loved you and love you Ben - Posted by: Sam Sussman (Junior colleague) on: Mar 29, 2023
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I met Ben at Selkirk Mental Health Centre as a member of the Dept. Heads Committee. He was always a effective member, giving his advice and thoughts on how to improve services and patient care at the facility. He was an excellent listener and always respectful. I once commented on his well - shined new- looking dress shoes of which he told me they were 12 years old. He presented himself amazingly well. Tennis was one of his favourite subjects especially after a noon game on the outside court. My sincerest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Brian Scarsbrook (friend & co -worker) on: Nov 14, 2020
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I met Ben across a badminton net in a game of doubles at the Seven Oaks Wellness Centre almost 20 years ago. I was at least 40 years his junior and he was winning. And even had he lost he was always a winner. Always, always nothing but kind words. I was sad when he stopped his membership there, but was lucky and happy to still run into him occasionally years later. He was a kind and charming gentleman, a rare gem and I have never forgotten him. - Posted by: Wendy Bailey (Friend) on: Sep 27, 2020
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To Fay and family, I share in your sadness upon the loss of Ben. During the past year I came to know him as as a sprightly and spirited gentleman with a quick wit - he is truly memorable to me and I shall miss him dearly - Posted by: AnnaMaria Magnifico (neighbour) on: Sep 26, 2020
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Ben was a neighbour, basketball and baseball friend and was always a gentleman. - Posted by: Jerry wexler (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2020