MORRIS KIRSHNER

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MORRIS KIRSHNER Morris (Michael) Kirshner, son of Chana and Yehuda, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at the age of 93. He is survived by his wife, Betty, children Anita, Jerry (Cathy), David and Rena, as well as grandchildren Jonas, Jennifer (Darren), Ben, Dana, Jacob, Shaina, Carli, Daniel and Juleena, great-grandson Harrison, and extended family in Canada, the USA and Israel. Morris was born in Zolkiev, Poland, May 20, 1920. He immigrated to Canada in 1948, where he met his wife, Betty (nee Shragge). They married on August 20, 1950. Morris was a role model for what a father, grandfather, friend and husband should be. He was also a decorated war hero, employer, parental role model, disciplinarian and entertainer. A true patriarch. His role as a father figure extended well beyond the boundaries of his immediate family, encompassing nephews, nieces and in-laws. Morris' children have talked often about how he and Betty should be the standard to which all parents aspire. As their children became adults and had others to compare to, they recognized the special way in which they were raised and cherished every aspect of it. Morris raised his children in a home where expectations pushed them to earn the privilege of lives that are better than his own, in a country that promised a far better future than the one from which he and Betty had emigrated, where they had experienced the atrocities of the Holocaust. He taught his children to be respectful, fair, thoughtful and open-minded. There was never an instance where his children witnessed anger, resentment or hatred. Morris and Betty celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary last year, which in itself is obviously a feat worthy of celebration. That duration is an accurate reflection of the solid relationship between Betty and Morris and that it takes two people to make it work for that long. Their children learned through their example that open-ended conversations are how issues are addressed and lessons are learned. All of Morris and Betty's children have raised their own children in the same way and Morris was proud to see the results of his example in the love they share. Another legacy of the man we honour, lives on. When Morris wasn't spending time with his children, he was at Coni-Serve Foods, the grocery store which he owned and ran. Both Betty and Morris worked long and hard hours so their children could enjoy the fruits of their labour in the clothes on their backs, the roof over their heads, the food on their table and in their educations. Morris and Betty were - and are - truly selfless. Their work ethic has always impressed their children and they will remain forever in their debt for teaching by example the true value of what hard work can accomplish. Morris ran his store on St. Mary's Road for 34 years and had a special bond with many of his customers, as well as his employees. Once the store was sold, he and Betty were able to spend more time at their holiday home in Gimli trailer park, where they enjoyed the time spent with many dear friends. And Morris really knew how to enjoy himself! He enjoyed working out at the Wellness Centre, walking in Kildonan Park and watching wrestling on TV. He particularly enjoyed spending time with the many friends he and Betty had made throughout the years and this included meeting some of them every Wednesday morning for their "breakfast club", which meant the world to him. Morris always cared about what he did, what he could do for others and moments he shared with all of the people he loved. His life is truly worth celebrating and that's what his family asks of you. A service was held on June 24 at Etz Chayim. Pallbearers were Bernie Chodirker, Alan Finkel, Sheldon Finkel, Adam Gutkin, Jonas Hurtig and Ben Hurtig. Honorary pallbearers were Barney Charach, Nate Dana, Isaac Gotfried and Jacob Kirshner. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Winnipeg Holocaust Education Centre or to any charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2013