MICHAEL KAUFMANN

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MICHAEL KAUFMANN On February 18, 2006, while on vacation in Palm Springs, California, surrounded by his loving family, Michael Kaufmann passed away at the age of 79 years. Mike was born Marek Kaufmann in Milowka, Poland, a small town in the mountains near the Czech border, on July 17, 1926. At age 13, he and his family were thrown into the midst of the Holocaust. Through a combination of luck, strength of character and God's good graces, his entire immediate family, late father Joachim, late mother Antonia (Tonka) and beloved sister Judith, survived the Nazi horror. Although he was exposed to the depths of humanity's cruelty - the worst the world could ever offer - his good nature and belief in the positive would not allow this terrible experience to poison the rest of his life. That is one of his greatest triumphs and just one reason why our family has always been so proud of him. After the war, Marek (Manusz, as he was affectionately known by those close to him) and his family immigrated to Canada and settled in Winnipeg. He became Mike Kaufmann. Some 55 years later, he retained his heavy Polish accent (and his famous Mike-isms ) which we all found so unique, endearing and charming. With the skills he acquired after the war, Mike was first employed as a car mechanic in a garage located at Main and Alfred. Close by was D. Thompson Electric, the electrical contracting business owned by David Thompson (z'l). There he met and fell in love with Celia Thompson, whom he married in 1950. Soon after, he became a journeyman electrician, estimator and eventual President of D. Thompson Ltd. Mike and Celia adopted three children, Robert, Gary and Becky. He was a wonderful, attentive father who doted on them. He took great pride in his house on Arrowwood Drive, which he helped design. Mike and his family enjoyed summers at Winnipeg Beach, where an occasional martini or two sometimes resulted in a steak that was a bit overdone. His greatest pleasure was spending time with friends and family. As a result of his vision, hard work and expertise, D. Thompson Ltd. expanded westward, eventually creating offices as far west as Vancouver. Mike's success in the construction industry attracted the interest of the State Contracting Group, which eventually purchased the business, where he remained as a Vice-President until his first retirement . As respect for him grew, Mike held many positions of responsibility. He was Past President of the Winnipeg Construction Association and a Past Chairman of the Construction Labour Relations Association. Mike was not a book-learned man. But ask anyone who knew him and they will tell you that he was, without a doubt, one of the wisest men they've ever known. Mike never liked to be alone. After Celia's death in 1977, he found Essia, a woman who would overfill the emptiness in his heart. In 1981 they married and thus began a loving partnership that lasted until his passing. Essia and Michael complemented each other perfectly. He adored her and dedicated his life to treating her like a queen - and to welcoming into his heart his two new daughters, Maurine and Jennifer. Judaism and the Jewish community played a central role in his life. Michael was Past President of B'nai Brith (Maple Leaf Lodge) and later served two terms as a President of the Rosh Pina Synagogue. During that time he undertook projects to ensure the physical and financial preservation of the synagogue, served as a congregational leader and assisted with the move to egalitarianism in what was to eventually become Congregation Etz Chaim. Michael was the consummate negotiator. His non-judgmental nature always led him to see the best in every person, never dwelling on the negative. It was this attribute that made him so beloved by his friends and family, held in such high esteem in his professional life, and so respected in the Jewish Community. In the business community, Mike had the reputation as a fair and honourable man and was well regarded by both Labour and Management. Because of this, even after his retirement, the Province of Manitoba Labour Board asked him to serve as an Employer Representative, a position he maintained until his death. One of Michael's proudest achievements was his role as supervisor of construction of the Asper Jewish Community Campus. When it opened, he became its first Facilities Director. He delighted in showing groups and dignitaries the newly built jewel of Winnipeg's Jewish Community. Watching him walk up and down the halls reminded us of the King of Kensington - everyone, regardless of their position at the campus, always had a smile for him - as if to say thank you for helping to make this happen . He was beloved because he was a mensch and a friend. As tribute to him after his passing, flags at the campus were flown at half mast. Dad was not outwardly an emotional man. But inside we knew that his heart was huge, that he derived great nachus from his children and grandchildren. A smile and a twinkle in his eye was all he needed to convey how he felt. It was his way, or as he often said - his nature. As Mike got older, we all made a special point of telling him how much we loved him - at every opportunity. He was so vibrant and doing things, playing golf at the Glendale or traveling, that it was hard to keep up with him. He was always busy - but we know that as busy as he was - there was a special place in his heart where each of us occupied a space that was reserved just for us. Although he is gone, as a proud citizen of Winnipeg, he left a legacy which can be appreciated each time we drive through the city. From the construction of Portage Place and the Polo Park Complex, from the Etz Chaim Synagogue, to the Red River Community College and the Asper Campus and many, many other projects, he was responsible for enriching the lives of all Manitobans. Perhaps his greatest achievement has nothing to do with buildings, the synagogue, or even his family - it is the fact that during his lifetime, those who knew him had nothing but the kindest things to say about him. They respected and liked him because he always had a genuine concern and a smile for them. In the Pirke Avot, it is written: There are three crowns: The crown of Torah, the crown of Priesthood, and the crown of Royalty; but the crown of Good Name surpasses them all. If anyone has earned a seat at the right hand of God - it is he. There are stars whose light only reaches the earth long after they have fallen apart. There are people whose remembrance gives light in this world, long after they have passed away. This light shines in our darkest nights on the road we must follow. So if we must continue - as Mike would want - may he light the way for all of us. Mike is mourned by his wife Essia; his sons, Rob (Terri) and Gary; his daughters, Becky (Jeff), Maurine (Jeremy) and Jennifer; sister Judith (Zimmer); and grandchildren, Amanda, Matthew, Cara, Shira, Ashley, Alexa and Samantha. Interment took place on February 23 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dr. Jeff Dveris, Dr. Ken Zimmer, David Thompson, Hartley Waldman, Michael Ritter and Sheldon Gale. Honorary Pallbearers were Judge Morris Kaufman and Dr. Alex Zimmer. Should friends and relatives so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish National Fund at 947-0207.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 04, 2006