SAMUEL GILMAN

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SAMUEL GILMAN On Wednesday, April 22, 2009, Samuel Gilman passed away peacefully at the age of 94. Sam was born in Saskatchewan on June 1, 1914. His father had emigrated from Russia and established a homestead on the Saskatchewan prairies. Unfortunately, his mother died of TB at the age of 32, forcing his distraught father to send his children to the Jewish Orphanage in Winnipeg. Sam and his four siblings were then educated and raised in the orphanage. They survived the 1919 flu epidemic and were model children requiring little discipline. Sam joined the Royal Canadian Air Force on June 16, 1942. He was a reconnaissance photographer and served his country until August 22, 1945. After the war, Sam met the love of his life Marjorie Marge Ramsay. They were married for 60 years and were truly inseparable. He was a devoted husband and his wife Marge would say he was her best friend. He was a patient, kind and generous father. He was mild mannered and loved to crack the occasional joke with his grandchildren. He had an intuitive intelligence and wisdom about him. Sam loved to tell stories and was always eager to share his life adventures and experiences. He worked tirelessly beside his wife. They raised three children and ran the family wholesale catalogue business - Giftware Wholesales and then Jewellery Distributors. He was very hardworking and built the business from the ground up. Sam was methodical and meticulous. He enjoyed the detailed paperwork of getting his catalogue to press. He was very proud of his business and all that he achieved. Sam was predeceased by his wife Marge four months ago. He is lovingly remembered by his three children Dawn Allard (Cam), Don Gilman (Catherine) and Marlene Loewen (John Wallace) grandchildren Beth Allard-Clough, Nicole Prokop, Paul Allard, Michelle Bessette, Rebecca Gervais, Sarah Gilman and Fiona, Sarah and Liam Beaton. He also leaves behind 12 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff of Oakview Place and the Grace Hospital for their care. Donations in Sam's memory may be made to Salvation Army Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1932, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R2. A private family service will be held. CHAPEL LAWN 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 13, 2009