PAUL JOSHRON PORTNUFF

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• I did not know Dr. Portnuff but I ran across a painting of his collection. I’m not sure where he got it from or the story behind the painting, but this note was left on the back of it. If anybody has any information on the painting, that would be great. He sounds like a lovely man to give this painting to his hired help at home. I can’t post a picture on here, but it is of a chroma comb painting of a woman and the note on the back says dear Mary it is with pleasure that we give you this painting which you have admired for so many years, we hope that you will continue to find and enjoy me from seeing her hang on your walls. Thank you for everything as ever the Port of April 7, 1979 Winnipeg, Manitoba, my number is 306-551-6978 if anybody has any information on the painting that would be great thank you - Posted by: Daniel Pritchard (Fan of his art collection) on: Aug 23, 2025

• I knew Paul when I was a student nurse and he was an intern at St Boniface Hospital. He was unfailing helpful and amusing to those he worked with, and I recall his kindness with the patients. He must have made an impression on me, that was many years ago! - Posted by: Yvonne Tabalotny (Former colleague at St Boniface Hospital) on: Oct 17, 2018

• When I was growing up, Paul was our neighbor in Chicago. My Mom's family is from Winnipeg so Paul and my Mom hit it off right away as they knew many people in common. I adored Paul; he was bigger than life, a free spirit, who was always kind, loving and very, very interesting. I invited Paul to my sixteenth birthday party. He said that he couldn't come but all of a sudden, there he was, the star attraction who captivated everyone. As worldly as we all thought that we were most of my friends had never experienced anyone like Paul. He was the hot topic of conversation for days afterwards. I was so proud to have him as my friend. Somehow, we lost track of Paul. I tried to find him to invite him to my wedding and then periodically over the years. For some reason, today, I was determined to find him and maybe even talk to him. I didn't expect this. I never stopped hearing Paul's wild laugh or loving him or feeling so lucky to have had Paul in my life. For my sixteenth birthday, Paul bought me many presents, the most significant being, my first bottle of Chanel, #19, Paul's favorite scent. More than 40 years later, I still keep a bottle of Chanel #19 and I remember, with great love, the man who first gave it to me. - Posted by: Allyn Simon (Neighbor) on: May 14, 2013

• Paul and I shared a love of music, which he attempted to expand in one direction and I in another. I do not think that I ever managed to win him over to an "improved" understanding of jazz, but it was fun trying. We spent many hours over lunches and coffees discussing a variety of historical subjects, ranging through numerous time periods and locations. His sense of humour, sometimes sharp and penetrating, was always a source of great conversational pleasure. I became aware of his passing through trying to phone him, and, of course, was faced with the disconnection information. I thought that he may have moved to Edmonton - quite possible that this was so because his family there were a frequent topic of conversation. As we only met every four or five months I could have just missed the information. It is only through the "net" that I discovered his passing. Keep reading and listening Paul - you will be missed. Alan - Posted by: Alan Mason (A good friend) on: Aug 22, 2012