LLOYD ARNOLD FRIEDMAN, DFC

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LLOYD ARNOLD FRIEDMAN, DFC July 29, 1918 - October 9, 2018 Lloyd Arnold Friedman, a gentle soul, a gentleman, whose life compass faced true north strong and free with integrity, valour and unbendable duty to the values of decency and democracy he so cherished. In 1940 at the age of 22, Lloyd joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He trained in Brandon, Manitoba, and became a pilot and a flight instructor. In 1943, he was deployed to England and flew in Squadron 405 comprised primarily of Canadians. He flew 58 missions latterly flying Lancaster bombers on Pathfinder duties. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with the following citation: 'he is an exceptional leader and organizer who, by his own personal example of fearlessness and extreme devotion to duty, has inspired his crew with the same unquenchable spirit.' After the Second World War, Lloyd joined the noble profession of "educator". He taught in schools in British Columbia and Saskatchewan and eventually at St. John's High School, in Winnipeg from 1962 to his retirement in 1983. He is fondly remembered by his many students as a kind and effective teacher. For over 20 years during retirement and up to 94 years of age, Lloyd delivered 'Meals on Wheels' and drove many who required assistance to medical appointments, to grocery stores and other daily activities. He participated fully in synagogue activities at the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia. He was a keen exerciser all his life and was a founder member of the RehFit Centre where he worked out vigorously and sometimes less vigorously well into his mid 90s. He was a stalwart member of all communities in which he lived and worked and is remembered with great affection, by so many people he came into contact with, as a truly righteous, modest individual who could be relied upon to assist others. Upon celebrating the milestone of his 100th birthday, Lloyd received letters of congratulations from Her Majesty the Queen, the Honourable Prime Minister, and other officials. Lloyd Arnold Friedman was born in Southey, Saskatchewan on July 29, 1918. He was the son of Nathan and Sarah Friedman. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Lola, his brother Sam (Jean) Friedman, and his sisters, Faye (Harry) Wasel and Sylvia (Harvey) Pollock. He is survived by his sister Pearl (Bernie) Kredentser, his son Andy (Carla) Friedman, and daughter Francine Silver, by five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many adoring nieces and nephews. The funeral service took place at the Chesed Shel Emes chapel with burial at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Andy Friedman, Martin Pollock, Emmanuel Silver, Lewis Wasel, Ray Friedman, Sheldon Zipursky, and Harvey Pollock (Honorary). From Pirke Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 2:21, the following insight resonates with our memory of Lloyd: 'It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either.'

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 2018