SAM DESHELL

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SAM DESHELL Our beautiful dad, Sam Deshell passed peacefully at the Simkin Centre at 6:00 p.m. on Remembrance Day, November 11, 2017 at the age of 98. At his side was his loving son Murray, and Dad's wonderful aides Terry and Lisa. Sam was a loving husband to Laura who passed in 2007, a wonderful dad to Judy (Gary) and to Murray, and a doting Zaida to Benjamin - his grandson. He was a devoted son to Binom and Annie Deshell, brother to Gertie, Alice and Maier (all predeceased); and an uncle, brother-in-law to Marcia Corrin and a cherished friend to Elsie. Sam was born in Pavolich, Russia on March 15, 1919. His family moved to Kishiniv, Romania a year later and then immigrated to Canada in 1925. Settling in the North End of Winnipeg, times were tough as Sam's family began to adapt to a new life, but at an early age Dad discovered the movies. He would spend hours on the weekends enjoying every genre from Charlie Chaplin, Boris Karloff, Fred Astaire to Tom Mix serials. As well, he spent much time devouring books at the old St. John's library. Sam was a great baseball fan and would watch the world series ticker displayed on the front of the old Free Press building on Carleton Street. He also liked to listen to all the boxing matches on a crystal radio set before his family could afford one with a speaker. And of course, with that radio, he would hear all the great Beethoven symphonies and all the great radio shows of the Depression era. Born with a natural singing voice music was a constant in Dad's life and subsequently in ours. In his late 20s Sam made a street-booth disc recording of one of his favourites - the Spanish "Adios Mariquita Linda". Singing was second nature to Dad and the story goes he even won our mom over with his rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight". Sam was a veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps from 1942 till 1946 stationed mainly in Liverpool and later in liberated Holland in a clerical capacity. Upon returning home to Winnipeg Sam eventually met Laura and they married in March 1950. Sam began employment at Beattie Auto Electric, and then in 1951 with the Winnipeg Post Office. Blessed with a kind, good nature, winsome personality, and a wonderful sense of humour, Sam was loved by everyone. He earned the respect of his co-workers, and in his capacity as supervisor responsible for training staff he dealt with every situation fairly and honestly. Many friendships were formed during this period and continued on even after Dad's retirement in 1984. Singing, music, and an appreciation of humour and tradition was a daily part of our lives. Cantorial music was a special love of Dad's and he so enjoyed singing along with the great cantors of the time, always with tears in his eyes. So many wonderful memories of our family Passover Seders and Dad conducting them in his beautiful voice. When Dad retired in 1984 all of his passions took hold. He enjoyed, as he always did, puttering in the yard - he took pride in the work he put in. He and Mom enjoyed their walks in the park and meeting up with friends. Dad loved walking in general and in his younger years often walked home from work. Always loving the Spanish language Dad took this opportunity to enroll in a Spanish class. For practice he would amuse himself and us by translating English or Yiddish jokes into the Spanish - forever the humourist, i.e. upon meeting someone for the first time he would sometimes muse "you know I was so skinny as a kid, that whenever I took a shower, I had to move around to get wet! " Now was the time for Dad to enjoy one of his prime passions - baseball. He joined the Manitoba Allstars 60 plus Slowpitch during which time he was Captain of the team for several seasons. He loved it! Always number 33 Dad had a motto as captain - "Fun, Fitness and Friendship". Dad played baseball till the age of 89. His last position was designated pitcher but he remained a fan forever. Retirement afforded our parents the opportunity of many other pastimes - travelling with friends, trips to Vancouver and New York visiting family, singing in choirs, attending concerts and shows, and enjoying their young grandson Benjamin. Very often his grocery shopping errands turned into social events as he would bump into friends and acquaintances also shopping. Dad would inevitably tell a few jokes as he did so well and so naturally, and everyone enjoyed - he truly had a fan club. Our Mom passing in 2007 was a huge turning point for all of us. We eventually convinced Dad to join Gwen Sector. He also began attending daily services at Chavurat Tefila and thus began a very positive experience to help Dad readjust somehow. During this time, he was fortunate to become reacquainted with a family friend, Elsie Weinshenker. They enjoyed each other's company and this camaraderie was heartwarming for us, and helped give our dad a new lease on life. We love Elsie. After a time Dad also joined the Rady Centre (the Seniors Stay Young Program) and their choir, and so began another vehicle for music. During this period, luckily Dad was able to travel and visit Judy's family in New York, spending time with his brother, Maier and his grandson Benjamin. This was a true gift. At age 94 - another turning point and Dad became a resident of the Simkin Centre. Early on Dad was hospitalized several times for an inconclusive recurring infection. Two residents at Victoria Hospital were absolutely instrumental in prolonging Dad's life. We are so grateful to Dr. Ben Foltz in his relentless perseverance in attempting to determine the origin of the infection, and to Dr. Heather Watson-Burgess, who suggested that we simply keep Dad warmer with extra blankets at all times, to help regulate his body temperature. That recommendation miraculously worked and Dad remained physically stable for approximately three more years - another wonderful gift. When Murray became aware of music therapy being offered at Simkin he immediately signed Dad on and the wonderful Cindy Bass came into our lives. The one on one sessions were invaluable to Dad in terms of pure enjoyment and stimulation. He thrived on it. We are forever grateful to Cindy for her gift of music. How Dad loved it! During this time Dad was cared for by some wonderful aides at Simkin and was able to partake and enjoy the entertainment and activities offered. We will be forever grateful for Terry and Lisa - Dad's wonderful personal aides and Angels, who cared for him so respectfully and so lovingly. We want to thank Doctors Pacin and Chung for their care, as well as Lucy, Olga, Andrea, Jenny, Ramone, Nada, Manny, Joey and Sarah Reid. Also Doctors Joshua and George at the Grace Hospital and all staff, and thanks to Karen Lee and all who helped our father at the Victoria Hospital earlier on. We also wish to thank Dr. Felix Sikora for our father's care before he went into the Simkin Centre. Dad, how fortunate we were to have had you in our lives as long as we did and what a wonderful legacy you and Mom have bestowed upon us all. We shall always carry your light in us.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 09, 2017