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HARVEY SIMMONDS It is with a great and solemn sense of loss that the family and friends of Harvey Simmonds mourn his passing. He lost his beloved Doris, wife of 55 years some months earlier and is survived by his three sons, Eliyohu and his wife Bat Shevah, Saul and his wife Shelley, and Benson; as well as his 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Harvey "Spike" Simmonds, born January 26, 1914 in Winnipeg was one of six children. His father Louis and his mother Bessie; his sister Lil; brothers, John and Jerry predeceased him. His surviving sister Rae lives in Auckland, New Zealand, and Rose in Oakland, CA. Harvey attended St. Johns Tech. In his early years he excelled at sports, particularly track which is how the nickname "Spike" originated. At university he pursued soccer making the St. Pauls team. His academic achievements included a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba followed by certificates in Education. During the 1930s he taught in rural Manitoba rising to the position of Principal. In the early 1940s he returned to Winnipeg and to university. His life changed when he met Doris and married in 1946. He left teaching and became a bookkeeper to various businesses including Bell Bottling. Together, Doris and he opened "The London Style Shop" which thrived on Portage Avenue for over 20 years. The "London", as it came to be known, was run with love and a family atmosphere of warmth for their many dedicated customers. Harveys sense of humour was a focal point of the store. A generous man, he could see the humourous side in everything life had to offer no matter how bleak. He loved to laugh. His optimism knew no bounds. He was a source of strength for his family and friends. Beneath his quiet and reserved demeanour was the sage advice of a man who knew that gentleness is necessary when dealing with people. He imparted these principles to his children. Harvey was a founding member of the BNay Abraham Synagogue, later a member of the Chauvrat Teffilah and Chabad. He was the driving force in providing a Jewish education for his sons and grandchildren. When they were young there was always a lap, when older, always an ear. When he entered the Sharon Home he continued to make new friends. He had a song, a quick quip or a joke for everyone he met. Harvey was very proud of his sons. He followed the careers of Eliyohu, the Rabbi; Saul, the lawyer; and Benson, the actor closely. Perhaps the greatest gift he shared with his children was his enthusiasm for life. He saw the world as a joyous, wonderful place filled with challenges. Around every corner he saw a new adventure. Funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 30 at the Chesed Shel Emes, 1023 Main St.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 30, 2002

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