ALAN OMSON

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ALAN OMSON October 18, 1920 - October 15, 2009 Alan Omson, born October 18, 1920, passed away October 15, 2009 in Calgary, AB, just three days shy of his 89th birthday. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lucille, and his three daughters, Joan Omson Hollenberg and her husband, Morley Hollenberg of Calgary, AB, Judi Omson and her husband Ron Dumoff of San Diego, CA and Sandi Omson and her husband Michael Cawley of Brampton, ON; son-in-law David Watson and his wife Cora Watson of Markham ON; seven grandchildren, Elisa Hollenberg, Daniel Hollenberg and his wife Seema Hollenberg, Jesse Dumoff and his wife Roslyn Hughes, Kelsey Dumoff, Lauren Omson, Melisse Watson and Jonathan Watson; four great-grandchildren, Mira and Isaac Hollenberg, and Thomas and Samuel Dumoff; his sister Freda Gillman of Winnipeg, sister-in-law, Vera Omnitsky of Winnipeg, MB, and cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Lois Omson, his parents Louis and Sarah Omnitsky and his sister and brothers, Bella Stoller, Sam Omanson, Jack Omsen, and Bill Omnitsky. He also leaves behind his loving and devoted friend Anna Pahlavan who was with him until the very last minute. Al served in the Canadian Air Force in Vancouver during the Second World War as an airplane radioman. Returning to Winnipeg, Al was an active member of the Jewish community, particularly with the UJA, as well as being a successful businessman. He was a Big Brother and became very actively involved in the Children's Aid Society. He was an extremely ethical and moral man and believed strongly in philanthropy. Al was an avid fisherman, and loved boating and cottage life at Lake of the Woods. He had a life-long love affair with airplanes, building huge model airplanes and flying them well into his old age. He became a pilot himself in his 40s. In his retirement in Palm Springs CA, Al became an accomplished sculptor, enjoyed golf and travel, and was active in his community. He and Lucille moved to Calgary in 2002. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Al's dedicated caregivers, Cleafe Guardiana and Jennet Oraiz. The Funeral will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in Winnipeg with interment following at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Shiva will be observed Sunday, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Monday 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, Portage Avenue and Smith Street, Winnipeg. Donations may be made in his memory to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Suite C400-123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, MB R3M 2B2, or www.jewishfoundation.org.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 17, 2009