SIEGBERT (SIGI) WASSERMANN

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SIEGBERT (SIGI) WASSERMANN
November 13, 1931 - April 3, 2020

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. Sigi will be deeply missed by his wife Jackie; children, Jeffrey (Janis), Trevor (Michelle), and Michele; his six grandchildren, Anna, Noah, Sarah, Jenna, Joyce and Joshua; and his sisters, Erna Florsheim and Ilse Wassermann.
Sigi was predeceased by his brother Julius Wassermann; and his parents, Hannchen and Jakob Wassermann.
Sigi was born in Konigsbach, Germany in 1931, the youngest of four children. He described his early childhood memories as happy and carefree, but also vividly recalled Kristallnacht and how his life was changed forever. At the age of seven, he waved his final goodbye to his parents and set out on the Kindertransport to England. Arriving as a young boy in 1939, he was placed in various foster homes until settling into a children's hostel, where he was raised until the completion of high school. Sigi then apprenticed as a cabinet maker before serving in the British Army and eventually moving to Canada in 1953.
Arriving in Vancouver with only $50 in his pocket, Sigi secured a job and a place to live within the first week. Soon after, he met and married Jackie Conway, with whom he shared nearly 62 years and raised a close-knit family. Two sons were born in Vancouver and a daughter was born in Winnipeg, which became their home. Family was always important to Sigi, who cared deeply for his children and took great pride in their many accomplishments. He enjoyed family vacations and his children remember fondly the many day trips to Gimli, weekend drives to Fargo and long road trips to Vancouver and Mount Rushmore.
Sigi was a devoted grandfather, he adored his grandchildren and took many trips to visit them in Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. He was a quiet man, but his grandchildren never questioned his love and support, posing for the many pictures he took and lovingly receiving them weeks later in the mail, along with letters, emails and Facebook posts telling them how proud he was of their accomplishments in school, sports or work.
Sigi took great pride in his own work and had a strong work ethic. He worked for many years at Western Display and in 1974, began a 25 year career with the Winnipeg Convention Centre. During this time, Sigi made a number of meaningful relationships with his colleagues, who would describe him as one of the most patient, kind and generous people they had the pleasure of working with.
In 1999, Sigi retired from the Convention Centre and turned to various volunteer positions to fill his time. In 2003, he began teaching chess at Gray Academy for children in grades one and two and quickly became known in the community as the 'chess man.' Sigi would hold this position for nearly 14 years, while also delivering Meals on Wheels and volunteering with Jewish Child and Family Services to take elderly Winnipeg residents to their medical appointments. This devotion to serving the community, which continued well into Sigi's 80s, only stopping once his declining health forced him to step away, was always admired by his family.
When he wasn't working or with his family, Sigi and Jackie enjoyed spending time with their wonderful group of friends. Together, they enjoyed many trips, movies, and holiday dinners. Even as Sigi's health was declining, and particularly in these recent weeks, the friend group has been a constant source of love, support and encouragement.
The family would like to thank Dr. Marvin Slutchuk and Dr. Grant Goldberg, as well as Dr. Shelley Zieroth, Rose Grant and all the staff in the Heart Failure Clinic at St. Boniface Hospital for their incredible care over the past several years. The family would also like to thank the Palliative Care Home Program of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, particularly Erin, Lisa, Trish and Dr. Bruce Martin, for their exceptional dedication and support during Sigi's final weeks of life.
Funeral services were held on April 5, 2020, at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Phil Simon, Alec Gilman, David Cohen, Lyle Smordin, Ken Katz and Howie Fogel.
If friends so desire, donations in Sigi's memory can be made to The Kindertransport Association or the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
Publish Date: Apr 18, 2020

SIEGBERT (SIGI) WASSERMANN

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Siegbert (Sigi) Wassermann, aged 88, on Friday, April 3, 2020.
Private service was held on Sunday, April 5, 2020. Longer announcement to follow.
Publish Date: Apr 7, 2020

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 07, 2020, Apr 18, 2020