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NATHAN (NATE) NURGITZ
Date of Passing: Oct 19, 2019
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NATHAN (NATE) NURGITZ
Nate was predeceased by his parents, Hymie and Dora, brother Barney and sister-in-law Sally, sister Anne and brother-in-law Irv Steen. He leaves to celebrate his life and mourn his loss, his children, Marshall and Grace (Burdett) Roben, and Robert Mcgugan; three grandchildren: Jesse, Lisa and Maia.
Nate was born in Winnipeg in 1934. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954, and a Bachelor of Law degree in 1958, and was called to the Bar in 1959.
Nate served as an alderman of the City of West Kildonan from 1963 to 1969. From 1970 to 1971, he was National Vice - President, then President, of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. He received the Queen's Counsel in 1977. From 1968 to 1975, he sat as a Magistrate in the city of West Kildonan. He was elected a Bencher of the Law Society of Manitoba in 1978, then re-elected in 1980.
In 1979, Nate Nurgitz was appointed to the Senate of Canada and served in that capacity until 1993. As a Senator, he served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, as Co-Chair of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons on Scrutiny, and on numerous committees related to, agriculture and forestry, foreign affairs, banking, trade and commerce, and national finance. He was elected Chair, Canadian Group, Inter-Parliamentary Union in 1987, then re-elected in 1989 and 1990, and led delegations to Europe, Asia and Central and South America.
Also in 1979, Nate joined Thompson, Dorfman, Sweatman and became partner in 1980 until 1993. In 1993, Nate was appointed as a Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench, a position which he held until his retirement from the bench in 2009. He also served from 2005 until 2009 as a Deputy Judge of the Nunavit Court of Justice. On his retirement from the judiciary, Nathan Nurgitz was welcomed back to Thompson, Dorfman, Sweatman and retired in 2012.
Nate volunteered and dedicated time on many Boards throughout his lifetime. Most memorable were the Boards of the Red River Exhibition from 1978 to 1985, President in 1982 and 1983, and the Simkin Centre 1992 to 1995.
In his private life, Nate was a vibrant man who appreciated his family and friends. He enjoyed travelling, reading, squash, tennis and football. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren, and reached out to them daily.
We would like to express our thanks and appreciation for the support, love and compassion demonstrated by his relatives, friends and caregivers during his Alzheimer's diagnosis and its progression. Many thanks to the Simkin Centre for years of support and care. A special thank you to Comforts of Home-Care and caregivers; Bohdanna, Carol and Blake. You were with him for every step of his painful journey. We will never forget you.
Donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada Research Program would be much appreciated.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 23, 2019
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Offering my heartfelt condolences to the Nurgitz family. - Posted by: Nick ( .) on: Jan 07, 2020
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Dear Marshall & Roben & Families, So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad & grandfather. Although he had been ill in recent years, I'm sure his passing will leave a hole in your hearts. We remember him in happier times when our parents were younger & socialized & kibbitzed. We're thinking of you all. The Rubinfeld "Girls" - Renee (Rubinfeld) Billauer, Sandy Rubinfeld & Andi Levy - Posted by: Renee (Rubinfeld) Billauer (Family friend) on: Nov 25, 2019
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We took long walks talking about our respective futures. Our paths separated. I was proud of his many accomplishments. - Posted by: Sherwood (Sherry) Sharfe (From high school - YMHA -law school -) on: Nov 23, 2019
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Nate was my friend and colleague. We shared an apartment in Ottawa. He was an extremely diligent Senator often returning to the apartment after 9 pm. He and I shared hours of serious discussion but more importantly hours of fun. Charlette and I often visited he and Linda in Naples enjoying wonderful meals at his favorite restaurant P.F. Changs and solving the world's and the Conservative Party's issues very simply. With the onset of his memory issues I gradually lost a friend and confidante. There was great sadness in seeing this incredibly sharp mind slip away. In his quiet way he contributed enormously to Canada. He never asked for much but he gave a lot. To Marshall, Grace, Roben, Robert and your entire extended family. May the pall of sadness soon pass to be replaced by the many fond memories of his selfless contributions to his community and devotion to his family and friends. Sincerely Leo Duguay - Posted by: Leo Duguay MP ( retired) (Colleague Roomate in Ottawa) on: Nov 23, 2019
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He was my mentor, advisor and great friend. The hardest working, loyal, funniest guy and best lunch companion. He is deeply missed. - Posted by: Graham Gork (Friend, political colleague. ) on: Nov 23, 2019
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I am saddened to learn of Nate's passing. I have many fond memories of working with Nate and his sister, Anne, on numerous PC election campaigns, both provincial and federal, as well as some leadership contests. Nate was a solid and hard-working Senator for Manitoba who represented our citizens with distinction. I am proud to have called him a friend, not to mention a trusted lawyer. Sincere condolences to Nate's family in your time of loss, and thank you for sharing Nate with his many political friends back in the day. - Posted by: Jae Eadie (friend) on: Nov 23, 2019
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To the Nathan Nurgitz Family, We are so sorry to learn of Nate's passing. Our experience with Nate dates back to 1968 when he looked after the sales and purchases of our home in West Kildonan. In 1974 we transferred to St. Albert, AB, and Nate guided us in this move. A true professional and a very caring person in handling above transactions. We are left with ever lasting memories of this truly outstanding Gentleman. It was an honor to have had him as our legal counsel. Larry & Connie Sopiwnyk - Posted by: Larry & Connie Sopiwnyk (Business Relationship) on: Nov 23, 2019
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Our sincere condolences to you Marshall, Grace, Roben, Robert and your entire extended family. I have always considered it an honour to call myself a friend of your father. Brian Baizley & Janice Day - Posted by: Brian Baizley (Friend) on: Nov 23, 2019
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