MAX SHNIER

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MAX SHNIER It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Max Shnier, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather on August 22, 2018 in Vancouver, BC. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his daughter, Rochelle Nozick, grandchildren, Jennifer (Alan), Kimberly and Josh (Emily), and his great-grandchildren, Brianna, Madeline, Scarlett and Cody. Max is also sadly mourned by his wife Anita Shnier of Vancouver and her children, Lisa (Mitchell) Freedman, David (Faith) Hillel and her granddaughter Ally, all of whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, Sarah and Moishe Shnier. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Bertha (Gordon) Kliman and Charlotte (Mitch) Finkelstein, sister-in-law Shirley Shnier, and his brothers, George (Muriel), Irving (Eleanor), Jack (Esther), Cecil, Norman and Clifford Shnier. He is survived by his sister Esther Remis, brothers, Phil and Allie (Rhona) Shnier, and sisters-in-law, Bert and Rae Shnier. Max was born on January 6, 1924 in Melfort, Saskatchewan. His early years were spent in their small home in Emerson, Manitoba. Max moved to Winnipeg in his late teens where he became the youngest general manager of the Winnipeg Film Exchange. He was one of 12 siblings and married Minnie Smith, one of seven, in 1945. With their large, extended families they shared countless family occasions and holidays together over the years. Max was instrumental in developing Winnipeg's North Main and Circus drive-in movie theatres, and the Grand drive-in, Portage La Prairie. Soon afterward he began a successful career in land development. With the required business acumen, foresight and people skills he became a major player in the development of Westwood Assiniboia. His company Comax Ltd. developed many shopping centres, hotels, mobile home parks and apartments in the city of Winnipeg. He was a trail blazer, never afraid to take a risk. Max was a roller skater and a tennis player. He downhill skied well into his 80s. He was a bagpipe-loving novice magician who loved to perform slight of hand card tricks for his nieces and nephews. To them he was Uncle Max, everyone's favourite. He loved playing practical jokes, telling stories and and was known to laugh at his own even before he had finished. Max was a handyman who loved gadgets and fixing things. He loved boating and entertaining at his Falcon Lake cottage. He travelled widely and loved adventure in far away places. Max loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was the embodiment of fun, a larger than life presence. When handsome and charismatic Max entered a room...you knew it. Max was generous to both the Jewish and wider charitable communities. He was key in founding the Winnipeg chapter of Variety Club being it's first barker. He continued to be active in Variety at the international level both in the United States and abroad. Max was there for those who needed help. He would always lend an ear and a hand to those in need, listening to their problems and never asking for anything in return. In 1970, Max moved to Vancouver. He was prominent in the community where he continued to be active in Variety Club. He built a beautiful life with Anita and her children. However, Max never forgot his Winnipeg family. He always initiated phone calls, remembered birthdays and anniversaries and travelled away from home for special family events. Anita and he welcomed his Winnipeg family in their home and spent many happy occasions together. Although Max outwardly appeared as a mischievous and good hearted rebel, he was reflective and nostalgic, remembering the goodness of yesteryear when people helped each other out, kept their word and made deals on a handshake. No contracts were needed. Max never passed judgement. He had love for everyone. He talked endlessly about friends and relatives from the past recalling both happy and sad times. His family and his Jewish roots were most important to him. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nursing staff of the Vancouver General Hospital and Banfield Place for their kind and compassionate care over the past six months. We are also grateful to all of those who provided love and support, meals, phone calls and visits. If friends so desire, donations in Max's memory can be made to Variety Club or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Publish Date: Sep 8, 2018

MAX SHNIER The family of Max Shnier mourns his passing on August 22, 2018 in Vancouver. Graveside service will take place at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery in Winnipeg on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Aug 25, 2018

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 25, 2018, Sep 08, 2018