H. IVAN BERKOWITZ

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

H. IVAN BERKOWITZ H. Ivan Berkowitz, born November 23, 1936, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2017. Ivan will be sorely missed by his partner Irene and her family, sister AC Dolgin, husband Marc and family, children, Jay and wife Bonnie, Wendy Poer and husband Colin, daughter Niki and their mom Sheri. He was a devoted Bapa/Zaida to Christopher, Agnes and Henry. Ivan was born in Winnipeg, Canada and he couldn't have been prouder to be a Winnipegger and Canadian. He received his B.Comm. from the University of Manitoba and an MBA from Harvard. After graduating, Ivan joined the family business, Monarch Wear of Canada Ltd. and with his innovative marketing leadership, the company introduced stylish denim "jeans" as a fashion choice for teens, a trend which swept Canada. Next, Ivan founded H. I. Marketing and they promoted the popular home shows, car shows and boat shows at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. After losing both of his beloved parents far too early to heart disease, Ivan began a long, passionate career as a volunteer and supporter of many heart-related causes. He served as the President of the Manitoba Heart Foundation and left his indelible mark leading the Foundation to its first $1,000,000 Year. He spearheaded the Canadian introduction of "Jump Rope For Heart", he served on the Board of St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation, was a founder and President for nine years of the Myles Robinson Memorial Heart Fund. For the past 15 years, Ivan served as the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences Director of Development working with acclaimed heart surgeon and researcher Dr. Naranjan Dhalla. Their tenure together was highlighted by winning the bid to host the XVII ISHR World Heart Congress, in Winnipeg, July 6 to 11, 2001. The results were unprecedented with over 2,000 delegates attending; reports were picked up nationally and internationally on CNN and the BBC. For his own heart health, Ivan ran 22 to 42 km full marathons all around the world. He was a trainer of more than 100 first-time marathoners and he served over 10 years on the Manitoba Marathon Board of Directors. Ivan has made a selfless contribution to international charitable undertakings including: Chief Barker Manitoba and International Vice-President of the Variety Club, Management Committee of the successful Winnipeg Jets "Save The Jets" Campaign, Board Member and volunteer Vice-President of Marketing for the community-owned Jets, and catalyst for the Jets to create the "Goals For Kids" fundraiser. Ivan was the recipient of many honours including: the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal; Medal of Merit from SERVCOR, Brazil; The Reh-Fit Foundation Healthy Living Award; the Big Heart Award for Organizational Achievement by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba; and the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences "Distinguished Service Award in Cardiovascular Science, Medicine and Surgery" see pictures and hear the audio: http://futureofhearthealth.blogspot.ca/ Ivan was a passionate collector and supporter of the arts. He served on the Board of Directors of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet; he was a longtime supporter of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Ivan became an artist himself at age 60. He was an accomplished pottery designer with multiple exhibits and shows. See his incredible work here: https://ivanspottery.shutterfly.com/ Ivan was a most devoted father and grandfather, a loving partner and the most loyal and dependable friend to so many, a true mensch. Perhaps more than anything, Ivan loved spending time with family at his cottage at Trout Lake, Ontario. He recently celebrated his 80th birthday with his family and his heart and soul will always have a place on his beloved Blueberry Hill. Memorial service will be held at Temple Shalom, 1077 Grant Avenue at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 20, 2017. Friends of the family are invited to a Shiva Tuesday and Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at 240 Lipton Street. Irene and family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff of Grace Hospital who provided such tender loving care to Ivan over the last three weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Ivan's favourite cause - the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation Heart Research. Please make your donation in memory of Ivan Berkowitz and select "research" https://www.saintboniface.ca/ foundation/en/donate/

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2017