ISAAC (IKE) BERNSTEIN

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ISAAC (IKE) BERNSTEIN (1924 - 2012) Peacefully, on September 10, 2012, Isaac Bernstein passed away at the age of 88 at the St. Boniface Palliative Care Centre in Winnipeg. Ike, as he was affectionately known, succumbed to his illness after a courageous nine-month battle. He is survived by his son Marvin, daughter-in-law Esther Hirsch, grandson Jonathan (Anita), and sister Helen Leavitt, and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Rebecca (nee Stajer) in 2010. They were happily married for 64 years and devoted to one another. Her death was a terrible blow from which he never fully recovered. Ike was a survivor. His teenage years involved unimaginable horror as a partisan in the forests of Poland, resisting the Nazi onslaught during the Second World War. He lost his entire family except for his older sister. Following liberation and internment in a displaced persons camp in Germany, he, along with Rebecca, whom he met and married after the war, together with their infant son, made their way to New York and Chicago, finally settling in Winnipeg, after living in Alberta for a short time. His strength and determination and hard work enabled him to make a happy and comfortable life for his family. Despite those dreadful early years, throughout his life, Ike maintained a sense of decency, civility, compassion and a caring nature. He was admired and respected for his gentleness, kindness and respect for others and we will all miss that ever present sense of humour. Ike lived the last year of his life suffering the effects of a debilitating blood disease but never complained or bemoaned his faith. He was always a gentleman and appreciated everything that was done for him. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his family and friends, and by all who knew him. Special thanks to Josie and Patty, his care givers, for their care and devotion to Ike during this last year. Funeral services were held at the Etz Chayim Synagogue on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, with Rabbi Larry Lander and Cantor Tracy Casner Greaves officiating. Donations may be made to Friends of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, 4th Floor, 269 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1B3, or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 06, 2012