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ALLAN STERN Obituary pic

ALLAN STERN

Born: Apr 06, 1933

Date of Passing: Jun 09, 2017

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ALLAN STERN Born April 6, 1933, Allan Stern, peacefully passed away on June 9, 2017, at the age of 84. Allan is survived by his wife, Donni (Belzberg), daughter, Marlene Stern (Peter Rae), granddaughters, Amanda and Jordana Katz, and brothers, Walter and Gerald Stern. He was predeceased by daughters Susan Stern (1997), Jocelyn Katz (2017), siblings Cyril (1987), Layla (2002), Mel (2005), parents Joseph (1939) and Bessie Stern (1977). Despite or perhaps because of Allan's numerous losses, cardiac surgeries and other medical challenges, he endeavoured to live a long and full life. That became difficult in his 80th year, when Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy (PSP) began to rob his well-being, yet he soldiered on. When Jocelyn tragically passed away in February, he lost his will to live. Allan was a loving husband, father, zaida and caring friend. He was a storyteller with a sharp sense of humour, his one-liners and antics were legendary and memories of family and the business community rich with interesting details. Charitable organizations, in particular Israel were beneficiaries of his time and generosity as were visits to family and friends with compromised health. His autobiography, "The Life and Times of Allan Stern in Verigin, Saskatchewan, 1933-1948", dedicated to his granddaughters, captured his early years. At 17, he moved to Raymore to sell trucks and tractors. He became known throughout the prairies for his business acumen and honesty. He and Donni married in Calgary in 1953 and she joined him in Raymore. In 1957, they settled in Winnipeg, where he and brothers Gerald and Cyril, opened Stern GMC Trucks, the only GMC truck dealership in Manitoba. He retired at 39, selling Stern Trucks to his then partner, Cyril. He didn't strive for wealth. He sold to ensure financial security and more time for his family, community, other business interests, and collections. His most significant collection was antique clocks and pocket watches. He bought, sold and traded hundreds. 'Time in and the timelessness of' the family home, tastefully decorated with hundreds of clocks, holds wonderful memories for guests at numerous parties he and Donni and his teenage daughters hosted. Summers in the 1960s were spent on their cabin cruiser, the SuMarJo, first on Lake Winnipeg and later exploring Lake of the Woods. The family cottage at Clearwater Bay replaced the SuMarJo. For family and friends, their unique cottage (antique clocks banned) was the desired destination for hospitality, gourmet food, laughter, especially when Allan held court, and to observe or participate in a project he had underway. In 1966, Allan made happen the family trip of a lifetime. He bought a school bus and named it Disneyland A-Go-Go. Together with his family, he drove to Calgary, picked up Donni's three sisters and brothers-in-law, 14 kids, ages 5 to 16, 26 in total, and they drove to California, camping most of the way. Business, collecting, visiting friends and exploring the world took Allan and Donni to Europe, New Zealand, Australia and Israel. North American travel was largely in their motorbus until spending winters in Israel and then California. When Allan's health kept them home, he became a regular at flea and antique markets. Last year, after a noticeable absence, one vendor said, "Allan I thought you died", he retorted, "I dug myself out." Classic Allan, quick and funny, until his last day. In his 40s, for interest and experience, he went to auctioneering school, university for a term, and registered to run for Mayor of Winnipeg until realizing Bill Norrie was the front-runner. In 1971, appreciating the historical and architectural significance of the CPR's Royal Alexandra Hotel's famous Selkirk Dining Room for Winnipeg, he saved it from the wrecking ball. He organized the liquidation auction of the hotel contents, and bought and dismantled the dining room with the help of Donni and others. An antique clock museum across from Lower Fort Garry was his plan for the room, until the province expropriated his land to twin a highway. Thirty years later, the room was reconstructed to its former glory at BC's Cranbrook Railway Museum. He and Donni were the guests of honour at the Museum's 2010 weekend of opening events, culminating with a journey in the private vintage luxury rail car, pulled by the refurbished steam locomotive on its maiden voyage from Cranbrook to Fernie. In his 70s, he scoured the city and bought thousands of used books for a bookstore he wanted to open but never did. Another collection was vintage cars. He bought, refurbished, and sold many, save the 1976 red convertible Eldorado Cadillac, that three of his best buddies, Alvin Zivot, Martin Corne and Harvey Pollock drove in as part of the funeral procession from the service at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue to its cemetery. They, along with Jeff Stern and Fred Chernoff were honorary pallbearers. Pallbearers were Peter Rae, Martin Pollock, Cyril Labman, Lewis, David, and Joey Stern. He said a funeral should be when the weather is good and that it not ruin a cottage weekend. His funeral was Monday, June 12; there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Allan's interests kept his wife at the ready, his daughters saying "what", and his working friends envious. His stories would often come back to him boasting about his wife, daughters' and granddaughters' activities and accomplishments and to whom he dedicated his life to instilling good values, a joie de vivre, and to keeping safe. Donni in turn, helped him live longer than his team of medical specialists expected. Their love kept her by his side every step of the way. Allan's family is grateful to the staff on 3W, Deer Lodge Centre where he resided since December, for their excellent care, and to family and friends, whose visits he enjoyed. His charm, love, kindness, and stories kept all wanting more of his company, even when the symptoms accompanying PSP prevailed. His surprise passing was unexpected. While it relieved him from the worst of the diminishment accompanying PSP, it was a huge blow to his family who were not ready to lose him. If desired, donations can be made to the Jocelyn Stern Katz memorial fund: memorial.support.ubc.ca/jocelyn-stern-katz/ 1.877.717.4483 or 500-5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, the Susan Stern and Jocelyn Katz fund at the Winnipeg Jewish Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Publish Date: Jun 30, 2017

ALLAN STERN Peacefully, June 9, 2017, Allan Stern, husband of Donni, father of Marlene Stern (Peter Rae), Susan Stern and Jocelyn Katz, both of blessed memory, Zaida of Amanda and Jordana Katz, passed away. Funeral is Monday, June 12 at 1:30 p.m. at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Longer obituary to follow.

ALLAN STERN
Peacefully, June 9, 2017, Allan Stern, husband of Donni, father of Marlene Stern (Peter Rae), Susan Stern and Jocelyn Katz, both of blessed memory, Zaida of Amanda and Jordana Katz, passed away.
Funeral is Monday, June 12 at 1:30 p.m. at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
Longer obituary to follow.

 

 


Publish Date: Jun 12, 2017

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2017

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

  • I was having a large book sale one summer in my garage. A bookseller, I decided to get rid of some of my slow selling stock. This fellow walked in, looked around and said, “How much do you want for all the books?” Surprised, I looked around at them. I though he was kidding. “$500” I said. There were a lot of books there. “You trying to break me?” he said but placed $500 down on the table. “Okay close up and I’ll be back,” and he left. He later came back with boxes. I helped him pack up the books and load his car. Then I went with him to his house and helped him unpack the boxes. “Put them in the corner here, I’ll cover them with a tarp. I don’t want my wife to see them.” He brought me into his house after to show me his clock collection. Just had a wonderful afternoon with Allan, a terrific guy. We had fun together. He dropped in a few times and he wanted me to teach him the book business. I honoured to have met and known Allan. - Posted by: Ron Holland (Acquaintance and friend ) on: Dec 12, 2022

  • I met Allan at my book sale. I was selling off a lot of my extra books. I am a book collector. Here comes this guy with a baseball cap and dressed like a farmer. "How much for all your books?" He asked. I thought he was joking. I looked them over, there was a lot of them and said "$400." Thinking he would tell me to forget it. "I'll take them," he said and handed me $400. I was flabbergasted. That's how I met Allan. He came back later with a bunch of boxes, we packed up all the books and I helped move them to his garage. " We have to hurry before my wife finds out about this, she'll kill me." He invited me in to show me his wonderful clock collection. We spent some other times together going to book sales as he wanted to open a bookshop and I was teaching him about books. I will never forget Allan. He had a terrific sense of humour and was just an excellent, friendly, down to earth guy. It was as if I had known him all my life. God bless you Allan, I know you are making people smile in heaven. Ron Holland - Posted by: Ron Holland (Friend) on: May 04, 2018

  • Aunty Donni and Marlene In both Uncle Alan and Joc's obits , you are so good with words and so captured the essence of who they both were. Aunty Donni, you and Uncle Alan were so much fun to be with; and were the picture of the perfect and enviable marriage. I'm so sorry about both their losses, and so close together. You are so very brave, and such a beautiful person. The synagogue is so lucky that you are throwing yourself into it, and you are enriching it through your commitment as a result of your love for Uncle Alan, Marlene, and Susan. Marlene you are so lucky that you and Pete have such a strong bond, and love for one another. I am glad that Aunty Donni has you living in Winnipeg, and how close your relationship is. While fleeting I am glad I was able to see you Auntie Donni in Winnipeg; while I'm not usually at a loss for words, I found it difficult to express my awe for the courage you have had to muster this past year. With Jocelyn's yurtzite so close, I wish you and Marlene much health and happy times to come, as though you are leaving not only for yourselves but for them as well. Love, Cheryl - Posted by: Cheryl Sorokin (neice and friend forever) on: Dec 07, 2017

  • Dear Marlene and family, sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you. Gina - Posted by: Gina De Vos (Friend of Marlene) on: Jun 13, 2017

  • My thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Donna Sale (Friend) on: Jun 12, 2017

  • What a great guy...he had some cool cars! Friendly , helpful , generous and always a smile. He always made everyone feel welcome, both in Winnipeg and Palm Springs. Truly an excellent example of a fine gentleman . - Posted by: Brian Klym () on: Jun 12, 2017

  • Marlene, our sincere condolences to you and family. Thinking of you. Robin Shreiber, Karen & Richard Howell. - Posted by: Karen Howell (Colleagues) on: Jun 12, 2017

  • I Loved Alan. So sweet, kind, sensitive, and generous. I remember many Jewish Holidays in Moose Jaw with Alan and his brothers. He had a marvellous sense of humour and great laugh. Fabulous story teller. Unfortunately too much pain and loss in the family. Donni, Marlene and Peter take care of yourselves and relish in the good memories . Glenda and Steven Scheer - Posted by: Glenda and Steven Scheer (Cousin) on: Jun 12, 2017

  • My Sincere Condolences to the family. Remembering the special times we have shared over the decades. May Allan now be truly at peace. May the thoughts and prayers of surrounding friends & family be a source of comfort during this time of great loss. Grant, with Love - Posted by: Grant Kahane (Friend) on: Jun 11, 2017

  • Dear Donnie and Marlene , I LOVED Alan. He had such a sweet ,gentle way about him. Great sense of humour along with his unique laugh. The Joker, The Kibbutzter, the story teller. I remember having him celebrate Jewish holidays with us in Moose Jaw . He was a very kind, perceptive , generous man and let us not forget his handsomeness. Remember the good times, the fun, the very interesting person Alan was, and be grateful he was in your lives. You have wonderful memorires of your time together. Glenda and Steven Scheer Take care of yourselves. Love Glenda We share in your sadness and - Posted by: Glenda and Steven Scheer (Cousin) on: Jun 10, 2017

  • Sending you my deepest sympathies. Your Mom and yourself gave your Dad endless love. May he be at peace. - Posted by: Trish Bergal (Friend) on: Jun 10, 2017

  • Marlene, so sorry to hear of your dad's passing so soon after Jocelyn's. All too much. Thinking of you. Paul Sweatman - Posted by: Paul Sweatman () on: Jun 10, 2017

  • Dear Marlene, So sorry to hear of your father's passingly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary and Andy Lessing-Turner - Posted by: Mary Lessing-Turner (Friend of Marlene) on: Jun 10, 2017

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