NATHAN (NADIE) WOLK

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NATHAN (NADIE) WOLK It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Nathan Wolk on January 2, 2011. He was born on May 14, 1910, in Winnipeg to Barnett and Anne Wolk. He was predeceased by his wife, Sara, in 2007, and by six siblings. He is survived by his sister, Maussie Silverman, his son Barry, his daughter and son-in-law, Reeva and Ian Shaffer, his four grandchildren and their spouses, Kevin (Luann) Shaffer, Corinne (Matt) Jacobson, Craig (Kathy) Shaffer and Kerri (Chris) Hennelly, his seven great-grandchildren, Garrett and Sydney Shaffer, Zachary, Averie and Mia Jacobson, Samantha Hennelly and Cooper Shaffer (whose Hebrew name of Natan will carry on Nathan's memory), and many nieces and nephews. Nathan graduated with top honours from St. John's Tech at age 15, having skipped two grades, and started his career as an apprentice projectionist. During his long hours in the projection room, and many an hour in the library, he studied architecture and engineering. He became a projectionist engineer and machinist, working in and helping design the projection aspects of many of the theatres of Winnipeg and Western Canada eventually retiring, in 1985, as Western Canada Supervisor of Odeon Morton Theatres. He was also a long time member of the board of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan Branch of the Canadian Picture Pioneers and received a special award for his long and distinguished service and devotion to the Motion Picture industry. He was respected and admired by all who knew him both professionally and personally for his work ethic, his quiet, unassuming manner, his knowledge and his honesty. Nathan was a loving, caring son, brother, husband, father, grandfather (zaida) and great-grandfather (greatzaida). He was a devoted husband to Sara. He took much pride in the accomplishments of his progeny. He was the epitome of role model for how to be a good person. Nathan was brilliant both in mind and hand. He was, as he stated many a time, a vast fund of useless information and could knowlingly discuss any topic broached. He could also make and repair anything and everything, done with care and precise perfection. His handcrafted items are cherished by family members. He was an avid stamp collector with an ensuing love of geography and cultures. He enjoyed classical music, literature, astronomy and science fiction. When he was 10, Haley's comet first appeared. He lived to see it reappear 76 years later - but that was a bust and he wondered if he was meant to live to see it yet again. He was an avid golfer, enjoying his Sunday morning rounds, shooting in the low 70s. He marveled at the wonders of the computer and said that he wished that he'd have another good 20 years, being fascinated with its possibilities and his thirst for knowledge and just wanting to see what would come next. The family wishes to thank Nathan's three faithful and caring companions, Amy, Nellie and Emy, who took such loving care of him over these last years. We would also like to thank the staff of the Sharon Home for their care. He was seen by all as having a light from within. His gentle and giving nature, quit wit and easy laugh gave anyone in his presence a feeling of comfort. Nathan was truly loved and will be deeply missed. Contributions in his memory can be made to The Sara and Nathan Wolk Scholarship Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba by phoning 447-7520.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2011