JACK FISHMAN

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JACK FISHMAN May 8, 1921 - January 28, 2014 Passed away peacefully at the Simkin Centre January 28, 2014. Jack is survived by his devoted wife Nancy (with whom he recently celebrated sixty years of marriage), children Brian and Susan of Toronto and Larry and Michele of Winnipeg. He also leaves his four grandchildren Tory, Robert, Aidan and Akiva, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their children across North America. He was predeceased by his parents Beryl and Rivka Fishman, his brothers and sisters-in-law Albert and Dorothy, Alec and Zelda, brother-in-law Ike Lipen, sister-in-law Molly Folb and nephew Barry Fishman. Jack was born in Poland and came to Canada as a young boy with his mother and brothers, following his father who had come earlier. The family's immigration was helped by their relatives the Danzkers of Winkler. Jack's family lived in Winkler before moving to Sault Ste. Marie, ON where his father became the spiritual leader of the town's Jewish community. Jack was an excellent student, graduating high school at age 15. Although he would have loved to attend university and law school, Jack never got the opportunity to do so. He spent many years in the retail clothing business with his brothers in the Soo. In 1967 Jack and Nancy decided to relocate to Winnipeg to give their sons a Jewish education and better opportunities for their future. In Winnipeg Jack continued to work in the retail clothing business and later worked "on the road" as a clothing manufacturer's agent, travelling through Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northern Ontario. Jack's priorities were family and Yiddishkeit. He felt that a formal Jewish education was essential for his sons and left his family and business to move to Winnipeg to facilitate this. He also felt strongly that their education must also be supplemented by traditional Jewish practices at home and regular attendance at synagogue. Jack attended the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue regularly as long as circumstances and his health would allow. He regularly led services there and all agreed that he was the best "untrained" chazan they had ever heard. Jack enjoyed a long and loving marriage to Nancy. Together they built a warm, traditional Jewish home. They were able to enjoy a long and healthy retirement together, spending many memorable winters in Palm Springs. Funeral services were held on January 30, 2014 at the Chesed Shel Emes with Steven Hyman officiating. Pallbearers were Aidan Fishman, Akiva Fishman, Chuck Narvey, Robbie Waldman, Murray Greenfield and Max Feierstein. Burial was at Shaarey Zedek Cemetary. Our family wishes to express our gratitude to the excellent staff of the Simkin Centre for their care of Jack during his time there, especially in the difficult last week. A special thank you is extended to Jack's companion Cion Laoat for her exceptional care. Finally we extend our thanks to staff of the Dialysis Units of Seven Oaks Hospital and St. Boniface Hospital for their professional, comprehensive care of Jack over the last seven years. Our family requests that donations in Jack's memory be made to the Simkin Centre (Sharon Home), the St. Boniface Hospital Dialysis Unit Fund (Account 9340) c/o St. Boniface Hospital or to the charity of your choice.
Publish Date: Feb 15, 2014

JACK FISHMAN Passed away January 28, 2014, at the Simkin Centre. Funeral services - Thursday, January 30 at 10:30 a.m., Chesed Shel Emes. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Jan 30, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 15, 2014