FRED BRICK

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FRED BRICK Fred Brick, local entrepreneur and businessman, died July 4, 2016 at 4:26 p.m., after a lingering illness. He was 80 years old. A loving family man and friend, he is remembered for his sense of humor, his delight in nature, his joy in singing, and his weekly column, which appeared for twenty years in the Winnipeg Free Press. People were often surprised to find out that his full name was simply Fred Brick. Born September 11, 1935 in Winnipeg to Philip and Ida Brick, Fred grew up in Winnipeg's North End, living above the family store, Variety Fruit. He helped out in the store from a very young age and after completing his schooling went into sales. Scraping together a modest investment, Fred and his wife founded Brick's Fine Furniture in 1969, where he continued to work until his recent illness. When asked to do an informational advertisement for the Winnipeg Free Press in 1993, Fred began a twenty year sojourn as the writer of a weekly newspaper column. He loved writing, and creating his articles was a source of great pleasure to him. In 1987, when The Brick Warehouse claimed proprietary use of his family name for their business in Winnipeg, Fred challenged them. He said that the only thing you leave this world with is "your good name," and he was prepared to fight, however hard, to keep it for the business he had already owned for eighteen years. It was a five year challenge through the Federal Court, The Court of Queen's Bench, and the Manitoba Court of Appeal, but in the end he prevailed. No matter what the business challenge, Fred's tenacity led him to emerge the victor against much larger foes. He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Cynthia, his children Marsha, Ira (Susan), Robert (Krista), Lisa, and Stuart (Cheryl), and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his older siblings, Bernard and Jerry Brick. He was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter Sarah and his sister Bertha Ginsberg. Funeral services were held on July 7 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Shiva will be observed at 70 Tanoak Park Drive on Sunday, July 10 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and on Monday, July 11 and Tuesday, July 12 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
Publish Date: Jul 9, 2016

FRED BRICK Fred Brick, local entrepreneur and businessman, died July 4, 2016 at 4:26 p.m., after a lingering illness. He was 80 years old. A loving family man and friend, he is remembered for his sense of humor, his delight in nature, his joy in singing, and his weekly column, which appeared for twenty years in the Winnipeg Free Press. People were often surprised to find out that his full name was simply Fred Brick. Born September 11, 1935 in Winnipeg to Philip and Ida Brick, Fred grew up in Winnipeg's North End, living above the family store, Variety Fruit. He helped out in the store from a very young age and after completing his schooling went into sales. Scraping together a modest investment, Fred and his wife founded Brick's Fine Furniture in 1969, where he continued to work until his recent illness. When asked to do an informational advertisement for the Winnipeg Free Press in 1993, Fred began a twenty year sojourn as the writer of a weekly newspaper column. He loved writing, and creating his articles was a source of great pleasure to him. In 1987, when The Brick Warehouse claimed proprietary use of his family name for their business in Winnipeg, Fred challenged them. He said that the only thing you leave this world with is "your good name," and he was prepared to fight, however hard, to keep it for the business he had already owned for eighteen years. It was a five year challenge through the Federal Court, The Court of Queen's Bench, and the Manitoba Court of Appeal, but in the end he prevailed. No matter what the business challenge, Fred's tenacity led him to emerge the victor against much larger foes. He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Cynthia, his children Marsha, Ira (Susan), Robert (Krista), Lisa, and Stuart (Cheryl), and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter Sarah. He is also survived by his older siblings, Bernard and Jerry Brick. Funeral services will be conducted at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, 561 Wellington Crescent at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 7, with burial at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. A meal of condolence will follow at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

Publish Date: Jul 6, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 09, 2016