DR. ISADORE WOLCH

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DR. ISADORE WOLCH January 28, 1908 - August 29, 2006 Dr. Isadore Wolch died at his home on Tuxedo Boulevard in Winnipeg on August 29, 2006 at the age of 98. A prominent dentist and civic activist, Dr. Wolch, known as Issy, was born on Lorne Street in North Winnipeg. His parents, Leib and Ronia Wolch, had immigrated to Canada from Russia-Poland. They had a daughter, Sarah (Lauer) and three sons, Jacob, Sam and Isadore. A graduate of the University of Alberta, Dr. Wolch practiced dentistry in Winnipeg from 1932 to 1987. He held the first license for root canal therapy in the province and was a founder and past president of the Canadian Academy of Endodontists. He traveled to demonstrate his skill at dental colleges in Peru, Argentina and many other countries. As a member of the CCF party, later the NDP, Dr. Wolch was elected to both the Winnipeg City Council and the School Board, and he served on the Municipal Board of Manitoba. He received the City of Winnipeg Community Service Award in 1967 and 1982. Dr. Wolch was past president of the Alpha Omega Fraternity of the B'nai Brith Lodge 650, the Contemporary Dancers and of the Jewish Historical Society. A founding member of the Rosh Pina Synagogue and a lifelong supporter of numerous non-profit organizations, Dr. Wolch received many awards during his long vigorous life. His love of his city and his family led him to author several books of autobiography and of local history. He was a passionate admirer of the craft of writing and in his later years practiced it himself in many articles and lectures. Always optimistic, curious and energetic, Dr. Wolch was an enthusiastic golfer, tennis player, and curler. He was a charter member of Glendale Country Club. His beloved wife of 63 years, Betty (Kaplan) and his daughter Judith Schaffer predeceased him. He leaves behind his daughter Rona Brown (Ralph) of Chicago; grandsons, Alex Brown of Chicago, Noah Schaffer of Worcester, MA; granddaughters, Rachel Brown of Santa Fe, NM, Jessica Brown (David Rakofsky) of Chicago; and great-grandchildren, Sophie and Sam Brown and Eli Rakofsky. Funeral services were held on August 31 at Etz Chaim Synagogue. Pallbearers were Alex Brown, Noah Schaffer, Ted Wolch, Hartley Kaplan, David Rakofsky and David Freedman. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Leon Michaels, Dr. Marvin Wolch and Bernard Goldstein. The family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to Eleanor Sinclair, to Pasita Pili and to Gertrude Ablao for their wonderful care, and to Mrs. Tannis Snukal for her devoted friendship. Contributions may be made to the Betty and Isadore Wolch Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 16, 2006