LOUIS KLIMAN

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LOUIS KLIMAN It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Louis Kliman on September 12, 2016. Lou was born on January 3, 1929 in Portage La Prairie to immigrant parents, Meyer Leb and Necha (Chornea) Kliman, and raised in McCreary. He was proud of his heritage and embraced life in rural Manitoba. He considered his childhood friendships lifelong. Lou attended United College, became involved in the University of Manitoba's Drama Society, and appeared in the production that was chosen to represent Manitoba at the Dominion Drama Festival in Ottawa. Upon the sudden passing of his father in 1950, Lou returned to McCreary to run Kliman's Department Store and the family owned movie theatre. However, in 1952, his desire to pursue his passion for theatre prompted him to get on a Greyhound bus that brought him to the heart of New York City, where he enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. While directing a community theatre production in Brooklyn of "You Can't Take It With You", Lou met and fell in love with his lifelong partner, Estelle Kravitz. They were married three months after they met, and due to family obligations in McCreary, they left for Canada. After they settled in McCreary he became deeply involved in regional theatre and formed the McCreary Dramatic Society. He produced, directed and performed with an avid group of actors in plays that toured throughout rural Manitoba. In 1959, Lou co-starred in "Guys and Dolls" on Rainbow Stage. He often commuted to do CBC radio broadcasts in Winnipeg. He was an ardent curler and was a founding member and first president of the Agassiz Ski Club in McCreary. In 1962, Lou, Estelle and now three children moved to Winnipeg, where Lou began his career in the garment industry. They welcomed their fourth child in 1964. Lou and his friend, Hugh Lowery purchased Standard Knitting in 1967 and produced the iconic "Tundra" line of sweaters for the next 25 years. Throughout his successful business career, he continued to be active in radio, TV and film, whenever he could. In 2013, Lou was recognized by ACTRA as the recipient of the "Victor Cowie Award" for longevity and contribution to the performing arts. His last film gig was this past June when he was called to play "an older gentleman". In his time, Lou sat on the Board of the Manitoba Fashion Institute and represented the University of Manitoba at the Banff School for Advanced Management. He served on the Premier's Manitoba Round Table on Environment and Economy, the Board of Directors of the Simkin Centre and Fort Whyte Alive for many years. He was a member of Herzlia Synagogue for half a century. The cabin at Falcon Lake brought him much pleasure and the family bonded there over the years. Lou was a much loved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was predeceased by his parents, daughter Marcie Tenenbaum; sisters Freda Rubenstein (Herb), Ethel Kopelow (Maurice) and Anita Sherr; and sister-in-law, Lovee Kliman. He is survived by and sadly missed by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Estelle; children Danny (Marcia), Sandra (Jeff), and Jeffrey (Katarina); son-in-law Benny; brother Hy Kliman; sister Sybil Dressler (Gerald); brothers-in-law Stan Kravitz (Elaine) and Fred Kravitz (Roberta); grandkids Ari (Naomi), Mark (Alyssa), Noah, Dori, Tracey, Lisa, Rebecca, Marissa, Max and Alexandra; great-grandkids Yonah, Leora, Miriam, Maya, Hila, Eyal and Lielle; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. To say that Lou will be missed is an understatement. He was a warm, exuberant force of nature; a funny, loyal, honest and loving man. Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on September 13, 2016, with Rabbi Green officiating. Pallbearers were Ari, Mark and Noah Tenenbaum, Max Kliman, Dan Kopelow and Bobby Axelrod. Honorary pallbearers were Fred Kravitz, Art Wortzman, Norman Shore, David Rabb and Ted Hechter If desired, donations to Lou's memory may be made to the "Lou and Estelle Kliman Fund" at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Fort Whyte Alive or charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2016