ALBERT ZLOTNICK

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ALBERT ZLOTNICK Our dear husband, Dad, Zaida, and everyone's friend, Al, has hung up his hammer in his 85th year. An unstoppable carpenter, one of his happiest places was in the workshop or down at the cottage, where the sound of the chainsaw was music to his ears. Al died peacefully on November 13, 2010, at Victoria Hospital. Our appreciation goes to long-time physician, Dr. Coates, and the nursing staff at the St. Boniface and Victoria Hospitals for their care. Al was born February 1, 1926, in Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his parents, Zalman and Rose, and brothers Leon of Philadelphia, and Harry of Los Angeles. Al will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Phyllis, daughters Tracy Zlotnick-Armstrong (Peter) and Marcy Zlotnick (Damien Busi), grandchildren Allery and Nealy Armstrong and Madalena and Aiden Busi, sister Leikie Goldman, and many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his buddies from the annual Lake of Two Mountains Fishing Derby, which he proudly hosted since 1977. Special thanks to Don and Geoff for their deep and abiding friendship. As a young man, Al enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy and then served during the Second World War. This was a source of great pride for him. Our heartfelt thanks go to Major Sean Moran and the staff at Esquimault for their efforts in arranging a special recognition of Dad's contributions. After finishing his military service, Al moved on to his professional life where he spent the majority of his career as Western Regional Sales Manager for Farr Inc. He travelled extensively and made many life-long friends along the way. Dad finally retired in 1991. Al was devoted to his family. He delighted in sharing his North End heritage with his grandchildren by bringing them on his City Bread and Gunn's runs and showing them his favourite deli haunts. The only thing that pleased him more was spending time with them at the lake --- his legacy, the cottage he built at Lake of Two Mountains and the place that was dearest to his heart. It is here that Dad's presence will always be felt. The cottage represented Dad's spiritual centre the place where he and Phyl dreamed up ever grander projects as the needs of the family evolved. He sometimes complained that he would never finish, but it was the very nature of this work-in-progress that kept him inspired, moving forward, and continuing to create. He shared the cottage with many friends, and those times made a difference in their lives in a way that Al probably never fully knew but would have been deeply touched by. Lounging on a lawn chair at the lake one sunny day this summer, Dad declared, This is as close to heaven as I ever need to be. With a smile that lit up a room, a wry sense of humour, and a kind and generous nature, Al brought us great joy. We will remember his passion for life, his strength of character, and his independent spirit, but mostly we will remember the love he shared with all of us. Cremation has taken place. If friends so desire, a contribution may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba. For online condolences or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 275-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2010