LIONEL ORLIKOW

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LIONEL ORLIKOW It is with heavy hearts and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Dr. Lionel Orlikow, 76, on December 11, 2008 at the Riverview Health Centre. He will be sadly missed by Anne his sweetheart of 60 years and wife of 54 years, their seven children, Gordon (Lois), Dan (Patti), Peter, Nancy (David), John (Silvia), David and Kate (Clayton), 13 grandchildren, brother Archie and all those whose lives he touched. His love for his wife Anne was never once doubted. Lionel always let us know through his kind words and actions how much he loved his dear wife. Innovator, visionary, motivator, coach, passionate educator are but a few words that can be used to describe Lionel. He spent his life sharing the gift of education and had a deep faith in the power of knowledge as a tool to better the lives of others. Education was very important to Lionel and he himself had an impressive educational pedigree. He received a Master of Arts in History from the University of Manitoba in 1953. After receiving his Master of Education degree from Harvard University in 1956, he returned to Winnipeg to teach at Lord Selkirk Junior High School, Elmwood High School, Grant Park High and Kelvin High School. In 1959 he went on to obtain his PhD in Education from the University of Chicago. Lionel became Deputy Minister of Education in the mid 1970s where he served for four years. Once he left government, Lionel worked as an educational consultant for several years, which often sent him across the country developing programs and as a guest lecturer. During the latter part of his career Lionel developed the first adult education centres in Manitoba geared towards students that were often deemed as marginalized but were wanting to obtain a high school diploma in order to be a role model for their children, provide hope for their future and/or access admission to university or meaningful employment. Lionel was an advocate for equal access to a quality education for people from all walks of life. Lionel also served as a school board trustee for the Winnipeg School Division #1 from 1988 to 1998 never shying away from the issues and continuing to be an advocate for the many who fell through the cracks of the educational system. Although having been an athlete himself winning first place at the Canadian Juvenile Track and Field Championship when he was 17, his competitive nature was hidden to those who competed for him. Dr. O spent more than three decades coaching cross-country running teams, happily ferrying them to track meets in and around Manitoba, and the United States - encouraging the efforts of many, rather than the talents of a few. Words cannot do justice to Lionel's character and life accomplishments. He created a legacy for himself as a man who thinks outside of the box and as a man who has often put everything on the line for his principles. Lionel dedicated his life to putting the needs of others ahead of his own. We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers at this time. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Winnipeg School Division's Children's Heritage Committee, 1577 Wall Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 2S5. A private family service will take place and a public celebration of his life will be held at Kelvin High School, 155 Kingsway Avenue, on December 21, 2008, from noon to 2:00 p.m. Rest well, Dad. You deserve it.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2008