REUBEN CRISTALL

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REUBEN CRISTALL February 17, 1918 October 5, 2008 It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of a most beloved man. Reuben Cristall passed away peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by many in his large extended family. He was predeceased by parents, Minnie and Peter; siblings Sam, Clara, Ida and granddaughter Marcia Dempsey. Reuben was a man who lived his life to benefit others. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched, most particularly by his wife Eva, sisters Doris and Tillie, children Maxine, Terry (Judith), Susan (Barry), grandchildren Neil (Lindor), Sherri (Jeff), Suna, Aaron, Ilise (Stephen), Erin (Mark), Daniel (Sarah) great grandchildren, Haley, Jillian, Emma, Katie, Hannah, Zachary, Caleb, Emily, Samuel and Kayley. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Reuben was a scholar and an athlete. He merged his passion for sports and the willingness to lead, with his life long commitment to community service. He was instrumental in organizing the junior division of the YMHA and eventually became its president. Thereafter, he frequently found himself at the helm of many organizations or initiatives he believed would make a positive difference in people's lives. Reuben met the love of his life early. He married Eva Hechter on October 8th, 1939, a date he celebrated annually with great joy. They were an inseparable partnership for almost seventy years. The war years were spent as a member of the R.C.A.F. Upon his discharge, he joined his father managing a small store on Main Street. He grew that business into a successful chain of retail outlets, known as Stylerite Department Stores and Big Four Sales, spanning three Provinces. Reuben understood the importance of the State of Israel to the survival of the Jewish people. He was an unwavering supporter and significant donor. He held leadership roles in the Jewish National Fund, Men's ORT, Israeli Bonds, and the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue to name only a few. A man of many dimensions, Reuben delighted in finding opportunities to tell a meaningful story, with wit and humour. He loved a challenging game of cards, fine whisky and a good cigar. Above all, his greatest enjoyment came from his family. While his highly principled life and compassion provided moral direction, his dedication and unflinching love was inspiring to all he encountered. Funeral services were held October 7, 2008 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. If so desired, donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights or a charity of your choice. Love does not die .

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 30, 2008