LEONARD KARR

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LEONARD KARR After a long life filled with love, Leonard passed away on August 31, 2017 at the age of 96. Cherishing his memory are his siblings, Mona (Allen) and Velia, his children Marsha (David), Ellen (Louis), Yehuda (Shira), Richard, Susan (David) and Carole, 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and his many nieces and nephews, family and friends. Leonard was predeceased by his parents Sarah and Bert Karr, his brother Harold, Sadie, his first wife of 17 years, and Charlotte, his second wife of 45 years. Born on March 27, 1921, the child of Russian Jewish immigrants, he grew up in Winnipeg's ethnic North End where he attended St. John's High School. After school, he worked in his father's shoe store, Gladstone and Karr. Len was a sensitive guy; he'd get teary singing old-time songs and while telling stories of his long ago youth, remembering everything in exacting detail. Handsome and athletic with a famous head of thick black hair, his mother thought him a prince, his sisters adored him, and he had a way with the young ladies. He left Winnipeg to attend the University of Toronto School of Dentistry. While working on his degree, Leonard lived with the Rosenthal family, sharing a room with Alan who would become his brother-in-law when he married Sadie Rosenthal on August 2, 1944. He served with the Royal Canadian Dental Corps during the Second World War in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Following his discharge from the army, Leonard returned to Winnipeg and commissioned the construction of a building at the corner of Fleet and Stafford as a new home for his wife and young family. It would also house the offices of his dental practice for years to come. His happy life with Sadie and their three daughters came to a tragic end with Sadie's untimely death from breast cancer in December 1961. He married his second wife, Char (Charlotte Freeman, nee Bank) in January 1963. Recently widowed herself, together they created a new beginning with a blended family of six children. Len was a trusting, loving parent. Supportive and accepting, he gave his children room to grow and express themselves. Len was a member of Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity, taught at the School of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, and was a lifetime member of the Winnipeg Dental Society serving as chairman in 1970. He was the dentist to more than one generation, retiring in 1993. Leonard was a long-standing member of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and a strong supporter of the Winnipeg Jewish community. A spiritual person and an observant Jew, Leonard said nightly prayers asking for help for friends and family to overcome obstacles and illness. Leonard led an active life playing tennis, and with a lifetime membership at Glendale Country Club, was still golfing at the age of 91. He loved to watch sports, especially tennis, golf, curling and CFL football. He also loved his quiz shows on TV and playing scrabble with family in person and online. He socialized and played bridge with his many, many friends. He loved to garden, taking great care of his indoor jungle, planting his favourite flowers every spring, and experimenting with growing different types of tomatoes. Fond of travelling, there were many family motor trips with Sadie and his three daughters, and later trips with Charlotte to Mexico, Hawaii, China and England. Summers were spent at the cottage at Gimli on Lake Winnipeg with all six kids, and winters in Florida and California. Leonard had a sharp, clear, pure mind and a tender heart. He lived gracefully, gratefully accepting what life offered him. Eating delicious food was one of Leonard's simple pleasures. He had an amazing appetite. His eyes would grow large with anticipation of a steak on the grill or an apple pie in the oven that he would soon enjoy. Leonard exemplified what it is to be an honourable person, always thinking well of others. Resilient, he overcame loss and serious health issues with his never ending positive attitude. His spirit impressed everyone and anyone who met him. Leonard loved animals and nature and was an extraordinarily kind, gentle, and compassionate person. A charitable man, he was loved by all: family, friends, patients, colleagues, and his friends at Shaftesbury Park. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence, and the staff at the Health Sciences Centre Renal Clinic and Adult Emergency. A funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on September 3, 2017, followed by a meal of consolation and shiva at Shaftesbury Park. Pallbearers were Louis Leroeye, David Lokken, Jerry Bank, Lester Meltzer, Richard Cockrem and Michael Patterson. Rabbi Anibal Mass conducted a beautiful funeral with just the right words and led shiva prayers in the evening. Donations may be made to the Charlotte and Leonard Karr Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
Publish Date: Sep 9, 2017

LEONARD KARR Sadly, Leonard Karr passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2017. Funeral service will be graveside on Sunday, September 3 at 10:00 a.m. at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery, Main and Armstrong, Area 3, Section K. Family and friends are invited to gather at Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence following the funeral service. Shiva will be held at Shaftesbury Park on Sunday, September 3, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Publish Date: Sep 2, 2017

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2017