MORRIS GARDNER

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MORRIS GARDNER A bright light has been extinguished Sadly, after a lengthy and difficult illness, Morris Gardner age 85, passed away surrounded by his family on March 9, 2011. He leaves to mourn Edith, his beloved wife of almost 60 years, along with his children, Maureen (Jeremy) Gordon, Jack Gardner (Shirley Wong) and Harriet (Sid) Rosenbaum, grandchildren Mira (Steve) Rossnagel, Ethan Matras (Melissa Choy), David and Jessica Rosenbaum and Sophie Wong Gardner, great-grandchildren Sully Rossnagel, Ben and Aliya Matras. Morris is survived by his sister Molly (Eric) Swirsky and predeceased by his parents Harry and Sarah, his brother Alvin Gardner, and sisters Ettie Gardner and Nelva Hirschfield. Family was always a priority to Dad. He instilled the importance of a good education in his children and grandchildren, and delighted in their many accomplishments. Morris has been described as a kind and gentle person, known for his good will and good humour. His stories were legendary and brought smiles to all that heard them no matter how many times they were repeated. Morris spoke with pride of the time he spent serving his country during the Second World War. We never tired of listening to his wartime stories. He was a member of the General Monash Legion as well as the Jewish War Veterans of Canada. Morris was active in many aspects of life. He loved playing hockey as a young man. He supported Jack as well as his granddaughter Jessica in their hockey endeavours. A highlight in his life was when Jack took him to a Toronto Maple Leafs play off game in 1990 and arranged for Dad to sit in a box with all his old time hockey heroes. Morris was a pool shark as a young man and until recently could still impress his grandchildren with a pool cue. He enjoyed visiting casinos in Winnipeg and Las Vegas, and got a real kick out of buying lottery tickets. He would get out his shakey-shakey jar and have his grandchildren pick out lucky numbers for him. He enjoyed cycling and walking, and always had a ready smile. He was a people person to the end. Even when he was very ill, he would perk up when somebody entered the room. The family would like to thank Dr. J. Rabson for the care, compassion and respect shown to our father. Our gratitude also goes out to Dr. M. Kass, Kris, Solomon and Dave on 5A cardiology at St. Boniface Hospital. Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 10, 2011 from the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2011