SAM BLOCK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SAM BLOCK August 4, 1924 January 10, 2011 Peacefully, with his loving wife Jeanette by his side, Sam Block passed away on Monday, January 10 at the age of 86. Sam was the man to go to if you had a problem, whether it was fixing a crooked shelf or righting a social injustice. He was generous with his time, volunteering his skills in Trinidad, Bolivia, and on northern reserves, along with places closer to home like Bleak House and MacBeth House seniors' centres. Sam was a warm and thoughtful person, who loved being with family and friends; fixing and building, and gardening. Sam, the son of JB and Sophie Block, was born in Winnipeg and grew up in Headingley with his brothers Abe, Hymie and sister Chana. Sam went to St. John's High School in Winnipeg and then received a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Manitoba. He began his career in Saskatchewan and the family later moved briefly to Utah where Sam received a Masters degree in Civil Engineering (Irrigation and Drainage). Sam and his family returned to Winnipeg in 1956 where Sam joined the civil service, working in water resources management across the province. Sam is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Jeanette, his daughters Lee Anne, Rhea and Sheila, their partners Richard, Sam, and Marylin, grandchildren Adam, Mira and Sasha and many nephews, nieces and cousins. His family would like to thank Dr. Clayton Dyck, Dr. Jaime Falk and the excellent staff of Seven Oaks General Hospital on level 3 units 10, 11, and 12 along with the staff at Fred Douglas Lodge Personal Care Home. His family is especially grateful for the thoughtful and compassionate care of Helen Fainal. Funeral services were held Wednesday at the Chesed Shel Emes. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation or Jewish Child and Family Services would be appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 15, 2011