DR. PHILIP GOLDSTEIN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DR. PHILIP GOLDSTEIN It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Philip Goldstein, at the age of 92, on July 2, 2007. He was predeceased by his parents, Chana Rivka and Joseph Goldstein, his stepmother Devora Goldstein, his wife Edah, his granddaughter Marcie Dashefsky, and his brother Arnold Goldstein. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Ricky Dashefsky (Morris) and Evelyn Schaefer (Stephen), his grandchildren, Larry Dashefsky (Deborah), Sid Dashefsky (Deborah), Leora Schaefer (David), and Ari Schaefer (fiancée Simone), his great-grandchildren, David, Alana, Joshua, Alex and Ezra, as well as his sisters and brothers, Bela Adler (Hans), Clara Halpern Jeremiah, and Benjamin (Myra), Abe (Maas), and Sam Goldstein. Philip Goldstein was born in Sawin, Poland. He moved to Saskatchewan at the age of 14 and, despite not knowing English upon his arrival, graduated from high school four years later, earning a Governor General's medal, which at that time was awarded to the top student in each province. As an undergraduate, he attended the University of Saskatchewan and studied medicine at Queens University, in Kingston, Ontario. Phil met Edah, his much-loved wife, when he was 18 and she was 14. He adored her feistiness and resolute manner, and she fell in love with his quick wit and wry sense of humour. Their marriage was a unique partnership that lasted for 57 years. At Queens University, Phil was a member of the Royal Officers Training Corps. Following graduation, he enlisted and served overseas during the Second World War as a medical officer with the Royal 22nd Regiment, the renowned French-Canadian Van Doos . After the war, Phil returned to Canada and practiced medicine in Benito, Manitoba. He completed further medical training in England from 1951 to 1956 and obtained several degrees in the specialty of surgery. He was respected by the medical community for his diagnostic skills and technical expertise, and adored by his patients for his dedication to their health and his quiet and calming manner. Dr. Goldstein was also a gifted teacher. He held the position of Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Manitoba throughout most of his medical career. After his retirement from the practice of surgery, he worked part-time for a number of years as a medical officer for the Department of Veteran Affairs. Socialist ideals and Zionism were important to Phil. He was a New Democrat who believed strongly in the principle of universal access to health care. He visited Israel many times and volunteered as a battle triage surgeon during the Six Day War. Phil Goldstein was a role model to his entire family. He was a caring son, a protective older brother, a devoted husband, a proud and loving father, a doting zaida to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, an excellent physician and surgeon, a loyal friend and respected member of the community. But above all, to everyone who knew him, he was truly a gentle man. Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 5, 2007 at Etz Chayim Synagogue, with interment at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Tracy Kasner Greaves officiated. Pallbearers were Benjamin and Sam Goldstein, Stephen and Ari Schaefer, and Larry and Sid Dashefsky. Honorary pallbearers were Bela Adler and Morris Dashefsky. The family thanks in particular his W.R.H.A. Homecare worker, Glorializa Lledo, for helping him to maintain his independence and for the respect with which she cared for him. Appreciation is also extended to the staff of Seven Oaks Hospital for their kindness to both Phil and his family. Donations may be made, if so desired, to the scholarship fund established by Dr. Goldstein at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, C400 123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, MB R3N 2B2, or to a charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2007