TOBY KESSLER

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TOBY KESSLER Toby Kessler passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at age 89. He is lovingly remembered by his children Esther and Jeffrey Spiegel and Louis and Cheryl Kessler, grandchildren Jeremy (Lisa), Cory (Yarden), Brenna and Brittany, brother Hershey Braunstein, many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. Toby was predeceased by his wife Peggy (Girman) - they married on March 5, 1950 and shared 58 loving years together; his brother Reuben Braunstein of Vancouver, and his sister Sally Shinewald. Toby was born in Tullymet, Saskatchewan on April 7, 1924 as Toby Braunstein. His father passed away when he was seven months old. Toby's first memory was riding by horse and buggy into his new home near Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan with his mother when he was five to join his mother's new husband, Louis Kessler, who became a kind father to Toby. Life on the farm was difficult during the dirty thirties and after his father became ill in 1932, Toby took over running the farm and taking care of the animals and the crops while still going to school. Toby's stepfather passed away in 1940 and Toby then took steps to move his mother and sister to Winnipeg for a better life than the farm could provide. After marrying Peggy, the family set roots down at 375 Perth Avenue in West Kildonan. Toby was a real estate broker for 36 years with his own company T. Kessler Realty which he ran from his home with Peggy's help. He was personable, honest and always thought of his customers' best interests. Hundreds of residents of West Kildonan, Garden City, the North End and elsewhere in Winnipeg fondly remember how Toby helped them buy or sell their home. Toby had a passion for people. He organized several youth groups to get young adults to meet. Many couples have credited Toby for helping them start their lives together. Toby and Peggy were active members of the Reh-Fit Centre since its inception. Toby was member number 69, and continued there well into his 80s. Toby spent his last couple of years on Weinberg 3 at the Simkin Centre, where the wonderful nurses and aides became his friends. Toby had a full life. He mostly enjoyed making life better for those around him. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services for Toby Kessler, father of Esther (Jeff) Spiegel and Louis (Cheryl) Kessler, will be held graveside at the Bnay Abraham Cemetery, 4639 Main Street, Friday, March 7, 2014 10:00 a.m. Meal of Condolence will follow at the Simkin Centre.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2014