EDWARD HOWARD SILVERT

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EDWARD HOWARD SILVERT It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Edward Howard Silvert on Thursday morning, June 26, 2008 at the Grace Hospital, one month to the day following his 90th birthday. He will forever be sadly missed and dearly and belovedly remembered and cherished by his beloved wife Dorothy; sons Martin, Keith (Lillian); sisters Goldie (Charles) and Esther and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Rose and Abe, and youngest sister Doreen. Ed or Eddie as those who knew and loved him best was born in Winnipeg on May 26, 1918. Dad was a remarkable man with a giving heart and the kindest soul. To begin to explain his life story could fill volumes to fill libraries worldwide. Nobody worked harder than he did...in his home and work life. One of his greatest achievements was serving his country in the Second World War. He did so very proudly as an air force mechanic during his time in the army. He spent the war years all over Europe in so many countries. So many travails, so many adventures. How he loved to regale to the end his stories of those years and the lessons he learned, the things he witnessed...those times taught him to appreciate his life even more for all his years. He was there to see many battles and to liberate his own people from the concentration camps and documented that. So many of the favourite sayings he used for years he gleaned from his travels and his deep love for the British Isles. So many people everywhere will never forget his trademark T.T.F.N. (ta, ta for now) or B.B.D.P. (Be British, Don't Panic). He was also a very modest man who was medal decorated yet kept medals tucked away rather than on display. Continuing to work hard as ever, he spent years at Chicago Kosher and helping run his father's hardware store on Selkirk Avenue, a fixture of the glory days of the North End. He spent many happy working years at Sears at Polo Park beginning in 1965 until his retirement in 1983. He met his beautiful bride to be Dorothy from Regina at Clear Lake, Manitoba. A meeting that was made in the stars if there ever was to be. They were married for nearly 59 wonderful years of bliss and lived in the same house all those years. Dad loved his leisure time with Mom and loved their trips to Hawaii, New York, Cannes and even time for a beach cottage where many wonderful summers were spent even if he could only spend Saturday nights because of work. He enjoyed attending many concerts, movies and special events with Mom over those many years and many wonderful summer vacations with his family over his lifetime. Over the years, they spent many Saturday nights with their dear friends. And when he could fit it in, his great love for books and for words. The quotes he could rattle off at the drop of a hat would leave anyone agog. Or the meaning of anyone's name. He touched so many lives and hearts during his lifetime. With his incomparable positive attitude and charismatic charm, he was able to get through tough health issues later in life. To get past all that he did and the war and come through smiling, happy, always looking forward rather than backward is what kept this remarkable man going. He was and will always remain in our hearts a marvel, a miracle, a gift to us, and a joy to all who knew and loved him. How he loved and lived to make everyone he met happy and make them smile. There simply was and never will be anyone quite like him. We are blessed to have had him be part of our lives these many years and we celebrate his time here and will cherish his memory forever. The family would like to express our gratitude to the staff at the Grace Hospital, 2nd Floor and 4 East whose care and attention to Dad was immeasurable. A graveside service will be held Sunday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the B'nay Abraham Cemetery, 4639 Main Street. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Grace Hospital Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2008