AUBREY (AUBIE) MARK RUSEN

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AUBREY (AUBIE) MARK RUSEN August 27, 1935 - October 6, 2016 On Thursday, October 6, 2016, Aubie, beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital, surrounded by his family, at the age of 81 years. Aubie will be deeply missed by his children, Sara and Howie, Janis and Jeff, and Marnie; his five grandchildren, Benjamin and Hannah, Anna and Noah, and Matthew; his sister, Ruth Claman; his brothers-in-law, Marvin Shenkarow and Richard Stall (Lisa Berger); and his many nieces and nephews. Aubie was predeceased by his devoted wife of 46 years, Shelley; his sister, Beatty Short; and his parents, Eva and Louis Rusen. Aubie grew up in Winnipeg, where he excelled in athletics and academics and developed lifelong friendships. In school, Aubie had an affinity for numbers, which not only proved to be an asset later in business school and the business world, but also at home where he was able to do complicated math calculations in seconds and help both his children and then his grandchildren with their math homework. His love of all sports continued throughout his life, being both a gifted athlete and spectator. He was a loyal Winnipeg Jets fan and season ticket holder and a proud Winnipeg Blue Bomber season ticket holder since 1948. Aubie earned his law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1958 and later his MBA from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario in 1960. He was a respected executive in the Winnipeg garment industry for most of his professional life. Aubie took pride in his Jewish heritage and was an active board member of (the former) Ramah Hebrew School and the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, where he served as chairman of the cemetery committee for several years. Above all, Aubie was a devoted and loyal family man. In 1958, he married Shelley Stall, which marked the beginning of a love affair and partnership that would last over 46 years. They had three daughters together and Aubie's love for all of his girls was limitless and unconditional; there was absolutely nothing he wouldn't do for them and they felt his love every day. This same love, devotion and attention carried forward to his five grandchildren. Aubie was never happier than when he was spending time with his grandchildren, whether it was cheering them on at their hockey and ringette games, sitting and watching sports or their favourite shows together or discussing an interesting topic; he was always willing to listen and talk. Aubie and Shelley were also fortunate to have numerous lifelong friends with whom they shared many special times. They loved their cooking and dinner groups (Chinese food was a favourite) and spending time together at Winnipeg Beach. These same friends were there to lift and support Aubie after Shelley's death and during his illness and most recent hospital stay. In the face of his own illness over the past several years, Aubie fought very hard to overcome the challenges he faced. Those close to him admired his persistence and determination to maintain his independence throughout this time. The family is grateful for the care given to Aubie over the past several years by Dr. Jack Rusen and staff as well as Dr. Barry Campbell, and most recently, by the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital, wards 6E and 5B. Funeral Services were held on October 7, 2016 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Pallbearers were: Howie Fogel, Benjamin Fogel, Jeffrey Wassermann, Noah Wassermann, Matthew Raber and Jack Rusen. Honourary Pallbearers were: Bob Corne, Harold Diamond, Frank Short, Ted Hector, Joey Wilder, Norman Shore, Marvin Shenkarow, and Jackie and Sigi Wassermann. If friends so desire, donations in Aubie's memory can be made to the Shelley and Aubie Rusen Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204) 477-7525.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 22, 2016