MAURICE L. JEROFF

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MAURICE L. JEROFF July 22, 1923 - September 30, 2008 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Maurice (Minno) Jeroff on the first day Rosh Hashonah, September 30, 2008 at Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 85. Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006, and for two years, fought a valiant and tireless battle, always carrying himself with dignity, courage and grace. Dad was born in Winnipeg, the second of six children, but lived in Garson, MB, where his parents owned a hotel, gas station, store and limestone quarry. At the age of eight, he came to the city and lived with his aunt and uncle, the Lehmanns, and their sons Irv (Itzik) and Maurice (Mossy), where he pursued both his Jewish education and engineering career. In 1950, he married the love of his life, Annis Oman, who remained his soul-mate for more than 58 years. In 1956, at the age of 33, when he was Engineer for the City of West Kildonan and the father of two young children (Hope and Alan), Dad became ill with testicular cancer. He underwent numerous surgeries in Winnipeg and at the Mayo Clinic, and believed, with all his heart, that it was his cousin, surgeon Dr. Mossy Lehmann, who saved his life. Months of cancer treatments followed the surgeries, and his recuperation took more than a year. His miracle child, Shirley-May, was born shortly afterward. Dad was a talented and brilliant engineer, loved by his staff and colleagues for his devotion and commitment to people and the public good. He held the position of Director of Public Housing for the Province of Manitoba for 15 years, during which time he felt privileged to build thousands of units of housing for low-income families. So respected was he across the country, that he was seconded to the City of Vancouver to establish, lead and oversee that city's public housing initiative. All his life, Dad gave unselfishly of his talents to his community. For more than 25 years, he served the City of West Kildonan as an alderman, hockey and baseball coach, scout leader, President of his children's home and school associations, and founding member of the Big Brothers Association of Winnipeg. He was a board member of the Rosh Pina Synagogue, Charter Member of the WK Kiwanis Club, Vice-President of the WK Memorial Community Centre, Life Member of the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre, and member of the Garden City Community Centre. He proudly defended his beloved country during the Second World War as a sailor in the Royal Canadian Navy, and was Executive Director of the Moshe Dayan Branch of the Jewish War Veterans. For more than 50 years, he was an honoured member of the Masons, serving twice as Master of the Lodge. Possessed of a quiet strength and unwavering love of family, Dad led by example. He was loving and gentle, and always the one we turned to for help, support and wise counsel. He cherished his family and doted on his grandchildren, who were blessed with the gifts of his unconditional love and beautiful smile from the day of their birth. Above all, he was a loyal friend and confidante with the soul of a poet. He was a gifted artist, and created many breathtaking pieces in the mediums of stained glass, wood, and iron. His heart spoke many languages, all in the name of his love for us. He and Mom were devoted patrons of the arts, and they enjoyed symphony, theatre and opera all their married life. They shared a passion for travel and their spirit of adventure took them all over the world. Dad's love of baseball was legendary, and in addition to his unforgettable experience of watching Sandy Koufax pitch a World Series game, he loved attending Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball games with his grandson David. At the age of 67, Dad learned how to swim, and was extremely proud of the many gold and silver medals he won at the Palm Springs Senior Olympics over the years. The cottage he built in Gimli was a true labour of his love, and our family enjoyed many wonderful summers together there. Dad was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Luba Juravsky, his sister Lotte (Harold) Cohen, and his brothers Wilfred and Abie Juravsky. He is survived by his loving wife Annis, his children Hope (Tom Springman) of Winnipeg, Dr. Alan (Debbie) of Vancouver, and Shirley (Lorne Balsam) of Toronto. He will be forever missed by his precious grandchildren David (Sari) Kideckel and great-granddaughter Ora Miriam Rebecca, Brent Kideckel, Samantha and Abby Jeroff, and Ryan and Jenna Balsam. He is also survived by his brothers Sam Juravsky (Mona), Mal Juravsky (Ruth), sister-in-law Sue Juravsky, brother-in-law Norm Oman (Johanna Burns) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services were held on Friday, October 3 at Etz Chayim Synagogue, with Rabbi Larry Lander officiating, followed by interment at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Lorne Balsam, Martin Juravsky, Brent Kideckel, David Kideckel, Norman Oman and Howard Pitch. Honourary pallbearers were Dr. Sam Muchnik, Tom Springman, Eric Swirsky, Dr. Shayne Taback and Leo Weiss. For those who wish to make a donation, a special fund in Dad's name has been established at CancerCare Manitoba (787-4143) in support of prostate cancer research. Heartfelt thanks are extended to Dr. Robert Bard, Dr. John Moncek, and the outstanding nursing staff at Seven Oaks Hospital, who cared for Dad in a most compassionate and respectful manner.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 08, 2008