SIDNEY GUTNIK

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SIDNEY GUTNIK Sidney Gutnik passed away on November 12, 2007. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Florence, and survived by his daughter Hope Morry, his son-in-law Howard Morry and his grandchildren Joshua and Samantha Morry. He will be missed by his sisters-in-law Ruth Gelfand, Myrna Poskar, Bev Segal and Gloria Mitchell, his brother-in-law Barry Segal, his in- laws Julius and Shirley Morry and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Sid grew up in the North End of Winnipeg, the son of William and Bessie Gutnik. He spent his formative years palling around and building a formidable collection of Swing Jazz favourites, which brought him (and others) great joy throughout his life. He met his future wife, Florence Segal, at Mickey's Athletic Club on Selkirk Avenue where they bowled together in a league. Florence was Sid's right arm, quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) watching over him and cheering him on. She even chauffeured him to appointments when he was no longer able to drive after thyroid surgery in Rochester. Theirs was a unique love affair. Sid and Florence built their home in River Heights in the era of the baby boom and raised their family in Winnipeg. They loved going out with their many friends and spending summers in Chicago visiting with relatives. They could bring a smile to anyone's face and often did as they shopped and lunched together at their favourite stores and restaurants. Sid worked for RKO Pictures and Disney Studios at the legendary Winnipeg Film Exchange. He and Florence moved to Calgary and Vancouver before Sid moved back to Winnipeg for a successful career in real estate and insurance. Sid retired slowly and reluctantly. He enjoyed his work, and he especially loved his customers and the many people he worked with over the years. Sid had a special relationship with his only child Hope. It seemed at times like they had a secret language that only they understood. Sid would make Hope coke floats every Saturday afternoon and as a child, she would watch him drink molasses to make his hair grow back (it didn't work). After Florence passed away less than 16 months ago, Hope did her best to fill in the gap in Sid's life. That wasn't always easy, especially as Sid began to feel the effects of Alzheimers Disease, but it was always a labour of love for Hope. Thanks also go to all of Sid's caregivers over the past three years, most recently Aida and Vivian, and the wonderful staff at the Sharon Home. They treated Sid with dignity and love and Sid won them over with his charm, grace and humour. Thanks also go to Lynn Fineman for coordinating Sid's care and offering sage advice when needed. Sid regarded Howard as the son he never had. They listened to Sid's collection of jazz recordings and Howard marveled at Sid's memory for both melodies and musicians. It was of course no surprise that both Florence and Sid were big fans of their grandchildren, Josh and Samantha. The kids loved eating Baba's French toast and rice pudding, not to mention watching old musicals and debating with Zaida. Sid and Florence were grateful they lived to see their grandchildren make them proud and show them the promise of the full and rich lives they will lead in the future. Sid's sense of humour was legendary. Perhaps the highlight was when he wrote and sang a tender but hilarious Tribute to Hope at Hope's wedding to Howard in 1984 to the tune of Thanks for the Memories , for which Sid received a standing ovation from an appreciative crowd. Howard reprised that song at the funeral service. Howard Morry eulogized Sid on behalf of Sid's and Florence's children and Joshua Morry did so on behalf of the grandchildren. Bill Weissman officiated at the service, which was held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on November 14. The pallbearers were Julius Morry, Jeffrey Morry, Hart Poskar, Gideon Shalev, Larry Vickar and Martin Bricker. Honourary pallbearers were Sid's close friends Gerry Gurvey, Morris Cantor and Joe Mindell. Interment was at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery. The response of Hope's friends and family at this difficult time has been overwhelming. Sid and Florence have an endowment at the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University, but anyone who would like to recognize Sid is encouraged to do so in any way they wish. The family humbly appreciates any and all gestures. Dad, for all the lives you touched, thanks for the memories.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 2007