TOM OLENICK

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TOM OLENICK After a prolonged period of poor health, Tom Olenick passed away at home on Thursday, February 1, 2007, at the age of 85. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Mindel; by his daughters and sons-in-law, of whom he was very proud, Gail and Arne Wagner of Piedmont, CA, Debby and Brian Hirsch of Winnipeg, and Roberta Olenick of Vancouver; and by his grandchildren, who meant so much to him, Laura Wagner, Moshe Hirsch and Aron Hirsch. He is also survived by his sister Bess (Max) Plosker; by his sister-in-law Marjorie (Morley) Blankstein; by his brother-in-law Ernest (Evelyn) Rady; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in Winnipeg, Toronto, Hamilton, Vancouver, San Diego, Hawaii, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The extended family of his uncle, Marcus Tessler, who was like family to him, also survives him. He was predeceased by his parents Anna and Zalman Olenick; by his sister Eva (Max) Natch; by his brother-in-law Edel Direnfeld; by his parents-in-law Rose and Max Rady; by his uncle Marcus Tessler (Ida, Clara); and by many relatives he never knew but always mourned, who were killed in Europe during the Holocaust. Anna and Zalman immigrated to Canada from Poland and soon after their arrival in Winnipeg, Tom was born on November 7, 1921. He grew up on St. John's Avenue in Winnipeg's north end under very difficult financial circumstances. He worked hard throughout his life to ensure that his children would never experience the hardship that he experienced while growing up. Tom attended St. John's High School and then went on to complete a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Manitoba. While attending university, he worked as a laboratory instructor in the Science Department, put out the University of Manitoba telephone directory, served as Treasurer of the University of Manitoba Students' Union, and was chairman of the university's War Service Committee during the Second World War. He had various summer jobs, including training cadets at a navy camp in Lake of the Woods. Also, he worked full-time as a chemist at North Star Oil during his final year at university. Tom had a sharp mind, an amazing memory, and the rare ability to do many things at once and to do them all well. While attending university, he met his future wife, Mindel Rady. On their first date, he told her that he was going to marry her and, sure enough, they were married on June 11, 1947. After graduating from university, Tom continued to work as a chemist at North Star Oil and was a professional member of the Chemical Institute of Canada. Later, he was very successful in a variety of business ventures, including Gary Finance and Wyatt Rentals. Any task he undertook - professionally or personally - he saw to completion without fail. He was respected for his integrity in all of his endeavours. From 1975 to 1982, under both NDP and Conservative governments, Tom served as a commissioner on the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. He served as chairman of its Administrative Committee and member of its Executive and Enforcement Committees. He believed strongly in the mandate of the commission and worked tirelessly to oppose discrimination and injustice and to foster tolerance, acceptance and respect for others. He was a role model for his family, especially his daughters. Tom attended Peretz Shul as a child and his Jewish identity was very important to him. His bonds to the Jewish community were strong. He was director and vice-president of the old YMHA and was chairman of the YMHA Personnel and Day Camp Committees. He played a leading role in the establishment of Camp Playmore - a forerunner of today's day camps at the Rady Centre. He was an ardent supporter of Israel. He was a member of the Boards of Directors of the Jewish Welfare Fund of Winnipeg, Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, and Technion University (Winnipeg Chapters). Along with his wife and family, he was a major contributor to the Asper Jewish Community Campus. Tom was a generous man, both with his time and his resources. There are many people who knew they could count on his counsel, guidance and support. He was active in the Manitoba Scientists to Combat Pollution and donated generously to numerous medical, human rights, environmental, and Jewish causes. Along with his family, he established a number of research awards and scholarships both at universities in Israel and at the University of Manitoba. Tom was a voracious reader whose interests included history, politics, science, finance, religion, and art. He read three newspapers a day, from start to finish (excluding the sports and comics sections) - a habit he maintained almost until the day he died. He was a talented and award-winning photographer and an avid art collector with exquisite and eclectic taste. At times, Tom could be quite a playful prankster. Those who have experienced one of his clever antics firsthand, and even those who have only heard them described, probably cannot help but smile at the memory. The most important things in the world to Tom were his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved the family times spent in Hawaii and at the cottage in Gimli. He was very involved in the lives of his children. He served as president of the Parent-Teacher Association at Robert H. Smith School when his children were students there. He attended all their school plays, concerts, awards days - with camera in hand, proudly capturing the whole event on film. His support and strength were firmly behind them in all of their endeavours. When his grandchildren came along, the love and pride he had for his children was extended to them in full measure. Tom's passing has left a void in the lives of those he touched. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered. Tom appreciated the care provided over the years by his doctors Keevin Bernstein, Charles Bernstein, Arthur Blank and Jeremy Lipschitz and by his homecare workers. Funeral services were held at Chesed Shel Emes on February 4. Pallbearers were Moshe Hirsch, Aron Hirsch, Brian Hirsch, Arne Wagner, Alan Direnfeld, and Gary Direnfeld. Honorary pallbearers were Max Plosker, Ernest Rady, Milton Tenenbein and Earl Simmons. Donations in Tom's memory may be made to Medical Research through Hadassah-Wizo (942-8201) or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2007