HARVEY SAWYER

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HARVEY SAWYER Surrounded by his loving family, Harvey Sawyer passed away peacefully at home on January 15, 2011 at the age of 86. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Toby as well as their three children, Mel, Jerry (Merle Rosenberg) and Susan (Joel Remis). Also left to mourn are his brother and sister-in-law Harold and Sonny Sawyer, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harold and Brownie Fleishman, and grandchildren, Jennifer (Wojtek Dabrowski), Maxa, Amanda, Adam, Jack and Anna Sawyer, and Michael and Jonathan Remis. He was predeceased by his parents, Max and Belle Sawyer, sister Annette Klein, and daughter-in-law Terry Sawyer. Harvey was born in Chicago on July 22, 1924, and would fondly share stories of his adventures growing up there. Following high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until the war ended. Following the war, he attended the University of Denver, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While in Denver, he had a chance meeting with Toby Fleishman of Winnipeg who was there attending the wedding of her cousin. Pursuing a romance that lasted 60 years he followed her north to Winnipeg where they were married on July 1, 1951. Harvey worked in the family business for 38 years, becoming well known and respected for his warmth, honesty and integrity. He also developed a reputation for offering employment to seniors who had already enjoyed long business careers. He is remembered fondly by both his former employees and customers. After retiring in 1989 he committed himself to his grandchildren, immersing himself in all their activities. He particularly enjoyed spending summers at the family cottage in Winnipeg Beach. Toby and Harvey also had the opportunity to travel around the world and spent many winters with family and friends in Palm Springs. He was passionate about the arts, and was a patron of the Manitoba Theatre Centre and Manitoba Opera for many years. He was an avid skater, loved curling, and was a committed Blue Bomber season ticket holder. He was also active in the Jewish Community and a strong supporter of Israel, having a special interest in the Jewish National Fund. He served on the Board of Directors of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and was a longtime member of the Glendale Country Club. He loved his adopted country and was particularly proud when he became a Canadian citizen in 1984. Funeral service was held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on January 16, 2011. Pallbearers were Jennifer Sawyer, Wojtek Dabrowski, Amanda Sawyer, Maxa Sawyer, Adam Sawyer, Anna Sawyer, Michael Remis, and Jonathan Remis. Honourary pallbearers were Ed Shell, Jerry Fleishman and Joel Remis. The family would like to thank Dr. Jack Rusen for his extraordinary care and Rabbi Alan Green for his comforting presence. If friends so desire, donations in Harvey's memory may be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Suite C400, 123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3N 2B2 (477-7525) or the charity of their choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2011