MORRIS SWARTZ

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MORRIS SWARTZ 1906 - 2005 Our family sadly announces the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, on May 27, 2005, at the age of 98. Morris was predeceased by his parents, Chayim and Shayndel; his beloved wife Anne of 72 years and son-in-law Harvey Schwartz. Morris leaves to mourn for him his children, Toby Schwartz, Sidney, Harold and Paul; grandchildren, Gary, Jeffrey and Steven; Jennifer, Anthony and Allison; Bradley, Randall and Ainsley; and Madison; great-grandchildren, Beth; Emma; Ellie, Madeline and Abigail; Ryan and Courtney; Aaron; Kyra and Noa; and Jeremy and Nicole. Morris was a creative, hard-working, proudly independent man who, from the humblest of beginnings, built a life of devotion to becoming a successful business man, to family and to community. Born in the Lipton colony in Saskatchewan, he came to Winnipeg at age eight with his parents where he grew up street smart, tough, and hungry for success. He and his uncle started and built up a scrap iron business, Schwartz Iron and Metal. By 1947 they parted ways and Morris established his own successful business, Sutherland Supply, primarily dealing in plumbing and heating materials and manufacturing innovative playground equipment and chain link fencing. Morris met his wife Anne, of blessed memory, and they married in 1931. He provided a good home in Winnipeg and later a cottage in Gimli for her and their children. Many family, extended family and friends will recall fond memories of the good times spent at the cottage. Morris was in the truest sense the family patriarch - whose prosperity enabled him to look after everyone. With prosperity came new responsibilities and important commitments within the Winnipeg community. Morris was one of the founding members of the YMHA, the new Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba and the Glendale Country Club. He was particularly charitable to the Technion in Haifa. He and Anne made many trips to Israel, planting trees and witnessing the rebuilding of the Land of Israel. Morris loved geography and reading about faraway places and had the good fortune and resources for them to be able to travel extensively and see many of them. In the latter ten years while living in The Sharon Home, Morris entertained the residents with his rediscovered hidden talent for playing the harmonica and singing with a rich melodious baritone voice. Many will remember his compassion for others in spite of his own impairments. Funeral gravesite service was officiated by Rabbi Lawrence Pinsker at the Shaarey Zedek Memorial Park on Sunday, May 29, 2005. Pallbearers were Gary, Steven, Anthony, Bradley, Randall and Jerome Avery. Our sincere thanks to the Sharon Home, especially the fourth floor staff, Helen, Sheryl and all the others, for their care, patients and compassion. Special thanks to all of his companions who provided wonderful care, especially Jenny Hernaez. Grandpa Morris, rest peacefully knowing that you will be remembered with understanding and love.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 10, 2005