LEON ISENBERG

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LEON ISENBERG Peacefully and with dignity, noted musician, entertainer and businessman Leon Isenberg passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2007 while in palliative care at Seven Oaks Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Freda, his brother Isadore, his sisters, Katie, Winnie, Annie and Esther. He is survived by his loving companion Joan Irvine; niece Cydnee Silverstein (Jeff), children, Harlyn and Sadie; nephew Shane Gilman and Karen; niece Rosalee Cooper and daughter Alicia; sister-in-law Miriam Kepman of Vancouver, BC; niece Lillian Levine and nephew Michael Levine of Saskatoon, SK and his many friends in Winnipeg and across Canada. Leon was born in Winnipeg on January 7, 1923. When he was a small child, his parents relocated to rural Saskatchewan. There Leon began to develop his musical abilities, first as a boy soprano and later, he taught himself to play the accordion. As a youth, Leon played in groups and bands in Vancouver and Calgary. In the late 1950's when he returned to Winnipeg, he organized his own group, The Leon Quintet, and began a regular engagement at The Copa on Main Street. While playing The Copa, Leon mastered the Hammond organ which became his forte. It was here, also, that Leon met trumpeter and vocalist, the late Harry Ellsworth and they began their long friendship and musical partnership. They were invited to play at the popular Rae and Jerry's Steakhouse where they entertained customers, friends and fans with their large repertoire of popular ballads and easy-listening classics interspersed with their own brand of humour. Leon continued to delight loyal patrons until the early 1980's when he left his Rae and Jerry's engagement, having entertained his audience for 22 years. During his Rae and Jerry's period, Leon was also establishing his business - American Hi Fi - a stereo component store and a unique concept at that time. He helped introduce Winnipegers to quality hi fi stereo equipment where his ear for music combined with his outgoing personality and love of people contributed greatly to his business success. Leon sold his business in 1976 but many of his customers still fondly remember how Leon sold them their first stereo component. However, Leon never really retired. In later years he mastered the electronic keyboard and continued to delight audiences as soloist and accompanist. He played at many private functions; anniversaries, weddings, reunions, birthdays and fundraisers. He most enjoyed sharing his gift of music with audiences in hospitals, nursing homes, seniors residences and clubs, synagogues, churches and many other community organizations. His last playdate was at the Gwen Secter Leisure Centre, a few weeks before he died. Leon loved music. He loved people. He loved life and he expressed that love with his music. When Leon sang It's a Wonderful World there was an instant, deep and human connection with all who heard him. He was a gentle man in the truest sense - sincere, sensitive, kind and caring, charitable and generous - blessed with a sense of humour and fun. He was a loyal member of the Winnipeg Musicians' Union for more than 45 years. The funeral took place on August 27 at the Chesed Shel Emes with Rabbi Peretz Weizman officiating. Honorary Pallbearers were David Diamond, Dr. Harold Fleishman, Al Sprintz, Vince Lovallo, Vic Pinchin and Bobby Jones. Pallbearers were Jeff Silverstein, Harlyn Silverstein, Shane Gilman, Ron Ganetsky, Tim Michaw and Lt. Col. James Irvine. Burial was at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Donations, if desired may be sent to The Fellowship of Prayer, Chavurat Tefila Synagogue, 459 Hartford Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2V 0W9 or to the charity of your choice. Let us be grateful to people who make us happy: They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. - Marcel Proust

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 29, 2007