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MENDEL SCHNITZER
Date of Passing: Mar 26, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMENDEL SCHNITZER Our dear Mendel Schnitzer died on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at the age of 68, having lived for 30 years with chronic kidney disease. We adored Mendel. He was a wonderful and loving father and husband. He had abundant warmth and intelligence, and his zest for life was never diminished by his illness. He was devoted to his darling Deborah, his companion for nearly 49 years. He was role model, friend, and teacher to his boys, Ben (Chris) and Zach (Maia), and beloved granddaughter Sybil Inez. He will be missed by his sister Anne (Joe) and nieces, Bella (Rob), Wendy (Stuart) and Evy (Elliot). He loved his many great-nieces, nephews and cousins, including Barb and Dick, with whom he spent the summers at West Hawk Lake. Mendel was born to Holocaust survivors, Malka and Leib, in Lodz, Poland, and grew up in Toronto. He blazed his own trail, transforming the trauma of his childhood by discovering the possibilities of community service, advocacy and lifelong learning in his new country. Mendel was exquisitely smart, capable and driven. He worked as a teacher and principal in Easterville and Fisher River, and then as a senior negotiator and policy analyst with what was then Indian and Northern Affairs, where he collaborated with band councils to return control of federal schools to bands in reserves throughout Manitoba. When his illness cut short his career, he gave his time and expertise to countless causes, spanning the arts and education, as well as Indigenous, LGBT and patient rights. Mendel was a longtime recipient of hemodialysis. He played an integral role in leading the province to successfully implement nocturnal home hemodialysis, and was the first person in Manitoba to receive this treatment. Recently, when he learned that some who could reap the health benefits of home hemodialysis were unable to do so because of the financial impact of increased water and electricity costs, Mendel organized a successful campaign to have the provincial government cover these additional costs for all patients on home hemodialysis. He was also an advocate for organ donation with Manitobans for Presumed Consent, and at every turn, with ingenuity and compassion, he sought out ways to better the lives of those living with chronic illness. Mendel's determination to live a full and purposeful life in the face of adversity remains an inspiration to all who knew him. Mendel had many dear friends who enriched his life and with whom he enjoyed sports, theatre and music. He took interest in everyone, was generous and thoughtful, had a wicked sense of humour, and relished spending time with those he loved. We are grateful to Dr. Rush, the Transplant team, and the staff of GD4 at HSC, to Dr. Komenda, Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Rigatto, and the wonderful dialysis nurses at SOGH for their excellent care throughout the years, to Dr. Paul Daeninck for easing suffering and addressing the complexities of living with chronic illness, and to nurse Anne Loewen at HSC, who provided exceptionally compassionate care in the last day of Mendel's life. In keeping with Mendel's wishes, no formal service will be held. Mendel would have encouraged everyone to make their organ donation wishes known to their family and register their decision on www.signupforlife.ca. Donations in Mendel's memory can be made to the Chronic Disease Innovation Centre through the Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation, 2300 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V 3M3.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 08, 2017
Condolences & Memories (22 entries)
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so many memories. such a good friend - nothing was ever too much. he was a role model - never complained. how can we all go on without Mendel ? thank you world for Mendel. what an honour to have known him. my condolences to his family. - Posted by: faigie greaves (friend) on: Apr 27, 2017
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I remember Mendel when he was principal at Fisher River!I ( was Local Government Advisor) and then at DIAND regional office. Always warm and a big smile,and I loved his never-ending array of outrageous,colorful ties!! A decent and caring man. I will miss him. - Posted by: Michael Kirkpatrick () on: Apr 15, 2017
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We think of Mendel often, in fact he comes to mind whenever I think of my mom and her own health struggles. I always remember his good humor and presence in spite of the challenges. Our hearts go out to you. - Posted by: Judy and Erwin Huebner (friends) on: Apr 14, 2017
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Fondest memories of a treasured Principal at Fisher River School who always provided me encouragement, taught me to believe in myself and maintain my self confidence. My mentor during my college practicum. We were truly blessed to have your family to be a part of our family and community. Mr. Schnitzer fought valiantly and with determination so others could benefit. My sincerest condolences may you find comfort that others share your loss. Sincerely Dorothy Hudson and family - Posted by: Dorothy Hudson (Student & Mentee) on: Apr 13, 2017
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Dear Debbie and Family, My heart goes out to you! Mendel was our Hero. Through my Bill's difficult years and struggles with home dialysis Mendel was his inspiration. You were mine. I send gratitude and love. Sally - Posted by: Sally DeMaria () on: Apr 12, 2017
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So sorry to hear of Mendel’s death. He is on my shortlist of the most congenial people I have met in my life. He was likeable from our first meeting. When I was president of Temple Shalom, he was my right-hand man on the board. He helped me immeasurably, and I’ll never forget him as a worker and as a friend. - Posted by: David Topper (friend) on: Apr 11, 2017
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Ben, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are in my thoughts. - Posted by: Tania Turner (Ben's friend and co-worker) on: Apr 10, 2017
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I am without words and devistated at hearing this very sad news. my heart goes out to you Deb, the boys and the entire family. I loved my friend and missed him very much. the years and distance took us apart but he was always on my mind. I did write but received very little response. I know how ill he was. i remember the school years and sports we played. I will forever remember!! - Posted by: Jack Krepel (Friend) on: Apr 09, 2017
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Debbie and family, We're so sorry to hear of Mendel's. We have such fond memories of your family during our summers at the cottage. Mendel's intellect and humour will always be remembered. Janet & Nilo - Posted by: Janet ,John, Maria and Nilo Fabbro (Friends and former neighbours!) on: Apr 09, 2017
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warm memories of you two and four Shared time and trials Think of you often. Miss ed Sorry sorry sorry. - Posted by: Faye Mount (Friend) on: Apr 09, 2017
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My very sincerest condolences to Debbie, Zack, Maia, and Ben. We are so very sorry for your loss. In my own way I loved Mendel and will miss him too! His courage and humour were very inspiring. - Posted by: Steven Mitchell (Friend) on: Apr 08, 2017
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We were blessed to have Mendel in our life as he was a great leader in school and our community..He is always remembered and referred to as"the best Principal"-one with integrity, compassion and wisdom...Thoughts and prayers for family. - Posted by: Joyce and Arnold Cochrane () on: Apr 08, 2017
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My deepest condolences to all the family. Mr. Schnitzer was our school principal in Fisher River and he was the best principal! May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Louise Lavallee (Hudson) () on: Apr 08, 2017
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As eloquent and accurate an obituary as I've ever read. Mendel would not describe us as friends, in fact he slapped me around a time or two from which I still remember the sting but also my respect for him. We all knew of his illness and his suffering some 25 years ago or more. And we all knew of his strength, humour and uncomplaining acceptance of his lot in life. But we never knew (at least I didn't) of the holocaust thing and his early background. All of that combined bespeaks true personal greatness. It reminds us as well that the memories of the holocaust will not die with one generation but will live forever in the shame and history of mankind. Everybody has a story to tell but no one hears the other guy's until it's too late for him. But it's never too late for us. - Posted by: Jim Millar (Only an acquaintance and fellow employee of Indian Affairs) on: Apr 08, 2017
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Dearest Deborah and Family, I am so sorry for you Dear Deborah in your loss of this most incredible human being. I feel very lucky to have known Mendel, albeit for a brief period of time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Laurie Cornell (Friend) on: Apr 08, 2017
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My condolences to the family. Mendel and I shared many memories of 'our people' and enjoyed our visits at the Lake. I will cherish our times together. - Posted by: Alfred Linklater (Friend and colleague) on: Apr 08, 2017
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Deborah,I am so very sorry for this tremendous loss that you have suffered. It has been a very long journey for your family. I remember talking with you aboout it over coffee at your home one afternoon. Keep well. Liz - Posted by: Liz Mitchell (friend) on: Apr 08, 2017
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Jeff and I are very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. You are in our thoughts. - Posted by: Elan Marchinko (Friend of Zach and Maia.) on: Apr 08, 2017
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To the Schnitzer, our heartfelt sympathies and condolences. Laurent and Will - Posted by: Laurent Beaulieu (friend of the family) on: Apr 08, 2017
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My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Valerie Alderson (healthcare provider ) on: Apr 08, 2017
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Please know that I am holding you all in my thoughts with fond memories of Mendel's humour, warmth and dignity, Ted - Posted by: Ted Dodd () on: Apr 08, 2017
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I'm sorry for you loss, Deborah. I only met Mendel a couple of times at your house. Even though he was struggling with health issues, he had a great way of expressing himself and seems like he had a vivacious approach to life. - Posted by: Robert Stermscheg (Friend(writer)) on: Apr 08, 2017