MURRAY TORCHINSKY

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MURRAY TORCHINSKY On Monday, November 2, 2015, surrounded by family, Murray Torchinsky, 87 years, passed away peacefully at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. Predeceased by his parents Charles and Fanny Torchinsky, he leaves to mourn his wife of over 55 years, Ann (nee Sideman), his four children, Lindae, Elaine, Paul (Veronica), and Marc (Sherry); his grandchildren, Justin, Alex, Elizabeth, Hannah, and Sophia, his great-granddaughter Nevaeh; his brother Alick (Carole) of St. Adele, Quebec; and many nieces, nephews, friends and any and all who were engaged by his warmth, smile and friendship. Murray was born in Winnipeg in 1928. In the early 1930s he moved with his family to Montreal's Plateau region where he was raised on Clark Street in the heart of the "Jewish Ghetto". It was here where Murray began to pursue a life built on acts of loving kindness. Murray was an accomplished relationship builder and reconciler. His unassuming character, marked by a gentleness of spirit and an engaging humour, enabled him to bring joy and peace to both family and stranger. His character was forever marked by a selfless desire to give of himself materially, emotionally, and spiritually. Always underestimated, those who knew him best and cared to engage his true self beyond the superficial niceties and boundaries of modern community, understood and benefited by his love of family, friends, and God. Returning to Winnipeg in 1959, Murray met Ann at his aunt's boarding house on Smithfield Avenue, married a year later, and together began to grow their family legacy. Murray worked hard to support his family, instinctively applying what he had learned growing up on the "street", as Boy Scout leader, an advanced first aid trainer, and countless other experiences throughout his life. More, he understood the power of storytelling and took great pride in passing on life's lessons, the primacy of love, respect for others, joy, and faith to his children and their families. His Jewish soul gave him both the confidence and conviction to become what God had meant for him to be - a man of faith, a man of family, a giver, and a friend. Services of thanksgiving to God were held at Congregation Etz Chayim Synagogue in Winnipeg on Thursday, November 5, followed by interment at the Hebrew Sick Beneficiary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, and should any one desire, donations may be made in memory of Murray Torchinsky to the charity of your choosing.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 07, 2015