HERBERT LIFFMANN

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HERBERT LIFFMANN Peacefully on January 29, 2018, Herbert Liffmann passed away just as he had wished: at home, surrounded by his children, his dog, and a vanilla milkshake. He was 77 years old. Herb was born 1940 to Arthur and Herta Liffmann, new immigrants who had fled to Belgium from Nazi Germany with their immediate family before arriving in Canada. Herb's early years were spent on the family homestead in Springfield, Manitoba, just down the road from his grandparents. Eventually, they moved to Winnipeg - first to Noble Avenue, and then to the longtime family home on Cordova Street. Many of the qualities Herb is best remembered for were nurtured during his childhood: love of family, looking after people, strength of character, and loyal friendship. Over the years, these formed the strong foundation upon which some of his proudest achievements rested. After the sudden death of his father, Herb assumed the role of family caretaker. For the rest of his life, whether assisting with the family ranching business, looking after aging relatives, or keeping in touch with the friends of his parents, he was the de facto Liffmann patriarch. That same sense of responsibility and leadership extended to his career; he was proud to be a lawyer, and in early January he returned to his office and commenced his 50th year as a practicing member of the Manitoba Law Society. His unabashed silliness and sense of humour was the stuff of legend. He loved to tell his kids bedtime stories about getting in a green dump truck and going on picnics beside swimming pools filled with Orange Crush. He wrapped wooden spoons in shiny paper and gave them as Channukah gifts to his friends' young children. He painted Daisy the Boston Terrier's toenails with red nail polish after her baths. And he also took the time to enjoy beauty in many forms: collecting vintage cars, planting marigolds in the garden, and listening to his vinyl collection during weekly Shabbat dinners. Herb will be remembered with love. He is survived by his son Arthur Liffmann and his daughter Caroline 'Mooser' Liffmann, his brothers, Leon (Miriam) and Bert (Isobel); he was predeceased by his wife Carolyn Liffmann. He will be missed by his stepdaughter Kristine Teffaine and stepson Rob Teffaine (Christine) and and their children; his cousin Janet Wagner (Roger); niece Karla Liffmann Livney (Roland) and nephew Reid Liffmann (Nancy) and their families; his good friend Sheron Liffmann, and countless friends, neighbours and colleagues who were touched by the unique style of care and support that Herb quietly lavished on the people he loved. Funeral services were held on January 31 at Congregation Etz Chayim with interment at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery, officiated by Tracy Kasner Greaves. Pallbearers were Herb's family: Arthur Liffmann, Caroline Liffmann, Leon Liffmann, Bert Liffmann, Reid Liffmann and Karla Liffmann Livney. Honorary pallbearers were his dear friends Mesh Silden, Perry Schulman, Harold Segal, Harry Youell, Clarke Culbertson, Bill Crossman, Benjamin Hecht, and David Greaves. We are forever grateful for the care and support received during Herb's illness. Thank you to Dr. Sean Armstrong; Dr. Stephen Goulet and the team at Grace Hospital 3 North; the WRHA palliative care team; and especially to Elba Haid, Angela Pollet and the staff at RealCare for the grace and dignity provided while caring for our father. Special thanks to Tracy, Lori, Nicole, Bill, Kelly, Don and Diane, for your extraordinary support and friendship. Those who wish to honour Herb's memory are invited to make a donation in his name to Beagle Paws, a centre dedicated to rescuing the beagles he loved so much. Friends are also encouraged to keep his memory alive by sharing your favourite Herb stories over a good meal with friends and family - he'd have loved that.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2018