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TED KESSELMAN
Date of Passing: May 20, 2016
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
DR. TED KESSELMAN 1951 - 2016 It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the passing of our husband, father grandfather, brother, and friend. On Friday, May 20, 2016, true to his nature, Ted quietly slipped away on his own terms, peacefully at home, secure in the fact that his family have the qualities to carry on: strength and resiliency. Left to mourn his loss are his wife of 35 years, Jane; his children, Lindsay (Carew), Andrew, Michael and Emily; his grandchildren, Isaac Edward and Zoe Jane Duffy; his siblings Murray (Jane), Bob (Gina) and Shelley (Michael); his beloved nieces and nephews; his aunts and uncle, and his many cousins. Ted was predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Laila Kesselman, and his uncle Harold Buchwald. To a special group of his life long-friends he was known as Teddy or Doc. We thank all of them for the on going love and support that they provided to our dad and mom, especially Judy and Marshall Pollock. Up until six weeks before his passing, Ted passionately practised medicine, exercised almost everyday, practised golf, texted his kids with endless emojis, never missed his grandson's hockey games, and was always L84GOLF (not really, golf was a priority). He lived life to the very fullest. In this time many have graciously reached out to show their support through a card, a meal, or a snack. Time and time again the same words keep coming up. Kind hearted, sweet, loving, brilliant, devoted father, patient, and hilarious. It is so affirming to realize that everyone thought of him in the same light as his family did and always will. His passion for and career in medicine meant so much to Ted. He often spoke of the enjoyment he got from the challenge of treating patients, and being the person to fix them. He always told his children that the key to being a good doctor was to treat each patient with humour and patience. He encouraged his kids to use those same qualities in every day life. His sense of humour, his patience, and his intellect were there right to the very end. We would like to thank our dad's many colleagues at The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, the Leila Clinic, the Thompson General Hospital, and Seven Oaks General Hospital. Yes, he simultaneously worked all four jobs, and no, he had no trouble fitting in golf. Our dad had an amazing team of caregivers during his battle with cancer. His team started with Dr. Joel Gingrich and his nurse Cheryl (a saint), and Dr. Darrel Drachenberg. Thank you for giving us the gift of time. His team later progressed to the Palliative Care program, especially his home care nurses Lisa and Dominique, and his friend and doctor, Dr. Tamara Buchel. Thank you allowing Ted to be cared for at home until the end and remain comfortable and dignified. Throughout his battle, his children and grandchildren, his "Team Ted', were there every step of the way. Above all, his wife Jane was his number one warrior and advocate. Above all others, we would like to express our most sincere gratitude to the Emergency Department, Seven Oaks General Hospital. It was our dad's second home and second family, and he loved working there and truly loved his friends and colleagues at SOGH. Our dad always told us that he had our backs, and throughout his battle, everyone at SOGH had our dad's back. With every crisis that would arise during his five year battle with cancer, he and our mom sought refuge there and our mom always knew that they would be taken care of. We will always be grateful for the respect, support, kindness, friendship and care that you gave our dad. Ted will be laid to rest on Tuesday, May 24 at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom. There will be no reception following the funeral however we invite all those wishing to support Ted's family to Shiva, to be held at the Kesselman family home on Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 328 Oxford Street. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to CancerCare Manitoba, Siloam Mission or the Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation. To us, he was pop, dad, or TMoney, depending on the mood. He was a spectacularly devoted husband, father and friend. We will live every day to make him proud.
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 24, 2016
Condolences & Memories (20 entries)
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I can still recall the first day that I met Dr. Kesselman. I was about 7 months pregnant, working maybe about a triple shift by that time, all the while trying to deal with a complex situation during my first week at SOGH. I was tired, hungry, & my feet were as big as my belly. Ted came over & grabbed the chart from me & firmly said, "GO HOME!" I tried to introduce myself, but he wouldn't let me finish stating, "you can introduce yourself tomorrow, now go!" I have to admit I was somewhat taken aback & quickly left the ER. The next night, I tried to avoid him, but Dr. Kesselman introduced himself & then took the time to show me the ropes. I had so much respect for this doc. He genuinely listened to the patients as well as to the other ER staff. He treated everyone fairly in a kind & gentle manner. Ironically, after I had that baby, I took a position at WCB & low & behold, there was Dr. Kesselman! When Dr. Kesselman proudly showed me pictures of his beautiful grandchildren, his face would light right up. Words can't capture the respect & admiration that I had for Dr. Kesselman. I still see his face smiling all the while I knew that he wasn't feeling good or was having a bad day. It hurts greatly to say goodbye to such a respected colleague & person. May you rest in peace Dr. Kesselman & to Dr. Kesselman's family, my sincerest condolences. - Posted by: Nicole Benes (Previous Co-Worker SOGH & WCB) on: May 27, 2016
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I'm very saddened by the loss of such a great man. Growing up with Andrew, I fondly remember all of the time spent in the Kesselman household and the bright presence that Ted would always fill up a room with. My heart goes out to the Kesselman family. He will be missed by all who had a chance to know him and very fondly remembered. - Posted by: James Finkbeiner (Friend of the family) on: May 26, 2016
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Ted was a mentor to me in the early years of my Emergency Medicine career at SBGH and I was blessed to be able to try and pass on his wisdom to many students and residents. He was so gentle and caring and never flustered. Our sincerest condolences to Jane the children and his siblings. - Posted by: Bert and Paula Finkelstein (Friends and Colleague) on: May 26, 2016
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Much love and many hugs to the Kesselman clan. He was a great man with an amazing family that must have made him proud every single day. Just seeing the amount of people that were at the funeral was a great tribute and showed the amount of love and respect his friends, family, and colleagues had for him. - Posted by: Kevin McIntyre (Family friend) on: May 26, 2016
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Teddy and I were childhood friends. Although I have not seen Teddy for several decades I fondly remember summer times at Winnipeg Beach as young kids. Teddy was always the nice guy. He was cut from a different cloth as compared to many others. I am truly sorry to hear of his passing and wish only healing to his family. - Posted by: Joel Berman (Childhood friend) on: May 25, 2016
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Such a huge loss. I'm sure anyone who worked with Ted loved him. I used to love hearing his stories about his family, especially his beautiful grandchildren. He always joked about how his lovely wife would let him think he was the boss at times. I wish I would have met her. Rest in peace, Ted - Posted by: Kathy Johnson (co-worker) on: May 25, 2016
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My condolences to Ted's family I worked with him in Thompson. I took an immediate liking to him, someone who "had it together". He radiated confidence calm and knowledge. he was unflappable in difficult circumstances, just calmly took the situation apart and solved it. On top of all that he had a wry sense of humor and was always fun to work with. I shall miss him greatly. Dr Andrew Hamson Paediatrics - Posted by: Andrew Hamson (Colleague) on: May 25, 2016
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My deepest condolences to Ted's family. I met Ted when we worked at Seven Oaks Hospital together. I then re-connected with him when he started working in the "North". He was a great physician, but also a kind soul. He will be sorely missed! - Posted by: Harold Nyhof (Colleague) on: May 25, 2016
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Such a nice man.. always a pleasure to see and talk to . He looked after my Dad and son he was so gentle. - Posted by: Terry Stoker Better body Fitness (Came to my gym in Thompson) on: May 24, 2016
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I had the privilege of working with Ted, we had many conversations about, family, religion, politics, sports his watch collection, and Jane's roses. He adored his grand children and carried many brag pictures on his phone. Once while he was in the ICU I brought him a yard length of bubble gum, that was back when he loved chewing gum. I loved to tease him and the last time I saw him I asked him if doctors were being paid so little that they could not afford a hair cut. He laughed and said Ana F###k off , I replied get a hair cut and lose the ponytail, we both laughed and went our own way. Ted was a wonderful human being and he will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. - Posted by: Ana Herntier (Co-worker and friend) on: May 24, 2016
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I am saddened to hear of Ted's passing. I enjoyed making the Kesselman's travel arrangements over many years. Ted was always a pleasure to deal with. He was a kind gentle person and I am so sorry for your loss. Brigitta Voth - Posted by: Brigitta Voth (Travel agent) on: May 24, 2016
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Condolences to the Kesselman Family. Dr Kesselman was always great to work with, he will be missed. - Posted by: Jenna (Coworker - Thompson) on: May 24, 2016
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I worked with Dr. Kesselman for a short time at SOGH. He was a very nice man, willing to help me out since i was new to the department. RIP Dr. kesselman - Posted by: Tammy Kyryliuk (Ex co worker) on: May 24, 2016
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My deepest sympathy for your loss. I share your gratitude for the support and care of the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital. They are an ongoing bulwark in my own husband's life. May the loving support of your family and friends help you and your children through this difficult transition into another chapter in your life. Best Regards Muriel Aboul-Atta, University Women's Club of Winnipeg - Posted by: MURIEL ABOUL-ATTA (fellow member of Jane's at University Women's Club of Winnipeg) on: May 24, 2016
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I worked with Ted in the early 2000's at 7 Oaks. He was so wonderful to work with... what a sad loss. Sending condolences to all his family and close friends..... Tracey - Posted by: Tracey Harris (Previous co-worker) on: May 24, 2016
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Ted Kesselman was an exemplary physician, always respectful and diligent. His quiet approach and caring manner was always a support for his patients. Ted extended that respect to his coworkers, along with his sense of humour and professional courtesy. His joy in his family was always obvious when he spoke about his kids and Jane. My condolences to them at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Debbie Mintz (Co-worker, SBGH) on: May 24, 2016
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With my deepest sympathy as you remember Doc Ted. I'm going to miss him, too - Posted by: Jun magsino (Co-worker /fruend) on: May 24, 2016
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our sincere condolences to the Kesselman family. Our family is very saddened to hear of Ted's passing. Ted was our neighbour for the past 24 years during which times we have many fond and fun memories. Ted never hesitated to come over if one of the kids were sick or injured to give advice, I recall when Emily had the chicken pox and my youngest was the same age and had not had them yet and I was hoping my daughter would catch them from Emily and get it over with. Suggestion was to perhaps share their soothers which was a brilliant idea. Ted was a dedicated husband and father with a quiet sense of humour. He will be missed. - Posted by: Atkin family (Neighbour) on: May 24, 2016
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It was a pleasure working with Dr. Kesselman. He will be missed by all. - Posted by: Sheila (Co-worker TGH) on: May 24, 2016
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Dr K was one of the BEST doctors that i ever worked with at SOGH. Deepest sympathy to the family - Posted by: IBylyna () on: May 24, 2016