ALBERT SCHULTZ 1921-2013

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ALBERT SCHULTZ 1921-2013 We sadly announce the peaceful passing of Albert Schultz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend on October 24 surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents Fanny and Victor, sister Myrna Mitchell, daughter-in-law Anna Cholakian, niece Sharon Pollack and nephew Mark Shenback. Left to forever cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 62 years Laurane, daughters Erica (Phil) and Lois, sons Victor and Myron (Elana), granddaughters Dafna, Abbie and Liat who brought him immeasurable joy, sisters Ruth Shenback, Alice Halprin and Sally (Morley) Shuckett, the Goldberg family, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who admired and respected him greatly. Born in Sambor, Poland in 1921, his family came to Canada when he was six. His mother's early passing led him at sixteen, to become a mature and devoted family leader who gently helped his grief-stricken father and four younger sisters. He worked alongside his father in a small fur trim manufacturing shop which he later grew, through amazing ingenuity and a matchless work ethic, into a well known and respected business that continues to operate under the names Lambskin Specialties and The Wonderful World of Sheepskin. He was a kind and generous employer who worked side by side with his team on the factory floor and enjoyed wonderful relationships with all of his customers, suppliers and business associates throughout his long working life. After he retired from his daily work routine he remained active and impactful in the affairs of the company, and was extremely proud to leave the daily operations in the very capable of hands of son Myron and long-time friend and valued employee Melvyn Pollins, who became his business partners in 1993. Even when he was not on the premises, his presence was deeply felt and tremendously respected. Though he continued to work well into his 80s, he also enjoyed extensive travel with his wife and often the entire family, and was an avid collector of art, books, chess sets, and most passionately, stamps. His remarkable stamp collection became almost a second full-time career, portions of it always travelling back and forth with him each year when he wintered at the family home in Palm Springs. Every entry was meticulously researched and reflected his lifelong desire to learn everything he could about the many and varied subjects that intrigued and fascinated him. Above all he was a man completely devoted to his wife and family, always filling his home with love, laughter and music. In 1951 he met and married the beautiful woman he always referred to as "My Bride", and any time his children asked him about his early years he invariably answered "My life began when I met your mother". There was not a more contented man anywhere, and to his very last day, if anyone, friend or stranger, asked him how he was feeling, his response was always "I'm in love". Many thanks to Dr. Roman Koczanski, his long-time primary care physician, who helped keep him in excellent health for many years. Also thanks to Drs Homik and Kuegle and the staff at Concordia Hospital who treated him and the entire family with great kindness and respect during his few days in their very professional care. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure and honour of knowing him. His intelligence, wisdom, wit and kindness made an enormous impact on so many lives and will continue to do so. Funeral services were held October 27 at Congregation Etz Chayim, beautifully led by Rabbi Larry Lander and Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves. The family thanks very special friend David Weinberg for his loving delivery of the eulogy on their behalf. Our sincerest thanks to Pallbearers Harold Goldberg, Allan Kiesler, Hart Pollack, Melvyn Pollins, Steven Raber and Brett Shenback and Honorary Pallbearers Jason Cristall, Ben Goldberg and Ray Van Bastelaere, for performing this deeply meaningful rite in his honour. Those who wish to remember him through an act of charity are invited to make a donation in his most esteemed name to Siloam Mission (300 Princess Street), or any worthy organization of their choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2013