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JACK SHINDLEMAN
Born: Sep 30, 1923
Date of Passing: Oct 28, 2020
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JACK SHINDLEMAN
September 30, 1923 - October 28, 2020
Jack Shindleman was the second youngest of seven children, and grew up knowing the challenges of being a member of an immigrant family, particularly when others were not always friendly. His parents, Harry and Shprintza came to Canada from Zhitomer, Russia with their first two children, Clara and Max. His siblings, all of blessed memory, were Clara Greenberg, Max Shindelman, Sophie Goldstein, Elsie Yuffe, Eddie Shindleman and Gladys Kushner. Jack was also predeceased by his loving companion, Doris Bordian.
Jack learnt to become a watch repairman, but ultimately left his hometown of Winnipeg to join his sister Clara and his brother Eddie in Portage la Prairie. Jack and Eddie became a team at work in a grocery store, as livestock buyers, and as dealers in scrap metals and furs. He was also a founder of Prairie Abattoir in Portage la Prairie. Over the years, they were the true welcoming team to many a Portage family. With humour and a large dose of generosity, bonds of trust and loyalty were developed with customers. Many adults today will remember the joking and teasing, as well as the genuine interest in and care for their welfare that came along with a visit to the grocery store. Jack was an integral part of this. Jack always had a story to share, always made people welcome.
Elected and re-elected several times as city councillor in Portage la Prairie, Jack's approach was summed up in one sentence: "My name is Jack Shindleman and I will work for Portagers to make Portage a better place." Simple. To the point. And, indeed, that is just what he did. Jack also served as Deputy Mayor.
He had an expansive knowledge of world affairs, but he also had an encyclopedic mind of every corner and highway in the province of Manitoba. In his early years, Jack drove a horse and buggy to travel rural Manitoba along with his father in the livestock trade. A trade he continued throughout his life. And, those roads were indelibly written in his mind. Imagine the winter storms he prevailed through. It showed, because no matter how challenging the weather or road conditions, Jack was the driver (by horse and later by car) who remained calm and always got to the destination. It did not hurt, as well, that the horses knew the way home!
In 1967, baseball matches of the Pan Am Games were held in Portage la Prairie. Jack was there to help and support the teams. He took a continuing interest in the sport throughout the decades that followed. One of his last conversations with his great-nephew Edward, who recalls that Jack's mind remained sharp, was about the upcoming World Series. Jack's passing was hours after the completion of this year's World Series. How timely for a man passionate about the sport.
His regular visits with his nephews and nieces were Jack's truest pride. His advice was sought on innumerable topics. His visits with family were much awaited. Jack never missed a birthday of a nephew or niece. He was always there with a hug, stories to share, and loving kindness.
Few people actually capture the essence of a place. Manitoba is "Friendly Manitoba". Jack took this to become his mantra. He took a genuine interest in those he met. He had a view on how others could be helped, or indeed how they could help themselves. His experiences of people from all across society fostered wisdom that he shared eagerly.
After his sister Clara became a widow, Jack took it upon himself to attend to Clara's well-being and was very dedicated to her. Jack was mechanically-inclined and well organized. He could fix everything and anything. Just give him a task and he did it. Somehow he always figured it out.
Going to an appointment meant that Jack first stopped to buy Morden's chocolates to give as a gift to whomever he met, and their assistants. It was an act of kindness without any expectation. True kindness. Jack came from most humble beginnings, experienced the Great Depression and the war years, and lived a modest lifestyle.
He became a fixture on the local casino circuit, as well as taking casino tours to the United States with friends.
After returning to Winnipeg for retirement, he soon found that retirement could be as busy as work. With brother Eddie, he travelled around always busy with too many tasks to complete in a day. The loss of Eddie in 1998 lead to an ever-increasing bond with Eddie's sons, Robert and Sandy. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners together. Baseball and hockey games too, always together. Caring for the family pets, always together. Shabbos and holidays spent together with family were a longstanding tradition not to be missed.
Jack's siblings predeceased him. He is survived by many nephews and nieces, including great and great-great-nephews and nieces, and their families.
We wish to express our appreciation for the care and comfort Jack received at the St. Boniface Hospital, by Dr. Kevin Coates, and a very special note of appreciation to Marlene who became Jack's faithful aide, driver and companion. We also thank the pallbearers, Howard Yuffe, Stephen Yuffe, Michael Kushner, Jared Kushner, Stephen Rosenfield, and Howie Raber.
Doing the right thing came naturally to Jack. Donations of food, clothing, his time, as well as financial support were all part of his way. Should anyone wish to make a donation, please contribute to the Gray Academy of Jewish Education, the Canadian Institute for the Study of Antisemitism ("CISA"), or a charity of your choice.
Jack is missed, but not forgotten. His humour and humility, his friendship and fellowship, his wisdom and wishes for others, will always be remembered to bring light to future days. May Jack's memory forever be a blessing.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2020
Condolences & Memories (25 entries)
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My thoughts and prayers are with the family of benefactors. - Posted by: Philip Bialk (Former athlete representative - Special Olympics Manitoba) on: Dec 03, 2021
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I am very sorry for your loss. My Dad fondly remembers Jack and Eddie and says that they were two of the kindness men he has ever met. Clara was such a beautiful soul and on behalf of Michael, Paula and myself please accept our condolences to your family. - Posted by: Carla Irvine (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2021
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Condolelences to his family,Jack was one of the good guys never heard him say a bad word about any one,friendly and very intelligent.The time that Jack spent with me was a lot of fun,he took me out to Delta to which I believe was his sisters cabin we always had fun.Had me over for BQ at his place when he lived in Portage.Jack never forgot to bring me a Fruit cake at Christmas he was a kind and giving man,he will be truly missed by all, HE was the Best of the Best! Susan Mackenzie - Posted by: Susan mackenzie (Good friend.) on: Nov 07, 2020
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Always enjoyed the conversation and visits from Eddie and Jack when I had the service station. - Posted by: Richard Egan (Friend ) on: Nov 04, 2020
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My father Ray Bowman was friends with Jack and Eddie for many years. I remember him well from Greenberg's store. Such a kind, generous and funny man. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: James Bowman (Friend) on: Nov 03, 2020
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To all who wrote comments; As I have no way of contacting most of you, I wanted, on behalf of the Shindleman Family , to thank all for taking the time to write and to say such nice things. We know and remember with great fondness all of you and giving us the chance to remember the best days of our lifes, in Portage la Prairie. May all of you be well, be safe and healthy and happy. We were very close with Jack and will miss him greatly. With great respect, Robert Shindleman- rshindleman@shindico.com - Posted by: Robert Shindleman (nephew) on: Nov 03, 2020
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Our family grew up shopping at Greenberg store in Portage. Eddie or Jack always threw something in mom’s grocery cart for us kids. The Shindleman brothers often visited our farm with the cattle business. Fondly remembered by all the Roy and Elsie Hunt family. - Posted by: SANDRA DUCHAK(Hunt) (Friend) on: Nov 03, 2020
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Sorry to hear of his passing.. We still think of "Greenberg's" and those beautiful steaks. Time reminds you of good memories and people that were part of your life. Remember Jack, Doris and Eddie from 50 plus years. - Posted by: Joyce (Shyiak) Brown (friend) on: Nov 03, 2020
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Jack was a very special person to my sister Doris. My condolences to Jack's family. He will be remembered as a loving and caring person by the Bordian family. - Posted by: Bill Bordian (Brother of Doris Bordian) on: Nov 02, 2020
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Condolences to the family. Sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Wonderful memories of growing up next to Greenberg’s in the late 60’s. A life well lived. - Posted by: Steve cann (Aquaitance ) on: Nov 02, 2020
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Condolences to the family. Jack was a great man. - Posted by: Randy and Marina James (friend) on: Nov 02, 2020
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RIP JACK.... - Posted by: Henry Bunnik (Friend) on: Nov 02, 2020
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Sorry to hear of Jack passing I worked with Jack at Greenbergs Grocery Store many years,those were great years. My prayers with the family. - Posted by: Doreen Ryan (Friend) on: Nov 02, 2020
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Myself, my parents and my siblings got to know the Shindlemen brothers very well when we moved to Portage from Toronto in 1964. The whole crew at the store was welcoming and always looked out for our best interests right from the start. Jack and Eddie always had a kind word for all of us. Jack helped many people in the community. Young and old, everyone was treated with respect. I ran into Sandy at a luncheon I was working. He was the speaker, I the photographer. He invited me to sit as his table. That short talk with him actually warmed my heart. We even got a picture together to show 'Uncle Jack". Yes, Rest in peace Uncle Jack! - Posted by: Dave Darichuk (Family friend) on: Nov 01, 2020
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My deepest condolences for the loss of Jack. Jack, Eddie, Robert, Sandy and Danny were almost a daily part of our lives growing up. How fortunate we were to have this family run business a block from our home. As I got older I realized how much this family has done not only for Portage and Winnipeg but Globally as well. My thoughts are with you all Jack and the rest of your family will always be apart of my Portage memories - Posted by: Rhoda Brown (Acquaintence) on: Nov 01, 2020
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Lots of good memories at the grocery store . Jack always added a level of fun and joy to the moment. He was there for everyone especially the kids . My thoughts and wishes go out to the family. - Posted by: Gerald O’Neil (Family friend from Portage la Prairie ) on: Nov 01, 2020
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Always recall as a little girl going to Greenberg’s and Jack ( and Eddie) we’re always so kind and made you feel special. Recall in later years after they moved away and seeing them in Portage. They actually remembered me and we had a great chat. Miss those days and those wonderful men. RIP. - Posted by: Melanie HankeDickenson (Lived near Greenberg’s store in Portage) on: Nov 01, 2020
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Heaven will be a better place ! They have a true fun friend. You will meet your friend, others, enjoy !!!! Take care Jack ! Will miss our chats, lunches ! - Posted by: Peter Bordian (Friend ) on: Nov 01, 2020
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Jack lived a very accomplished life and was a valued member of the community in Portage la Prairie. My mother, Osono, and I recall his friendly reception and service at Greenberg's store. He and his brother would visit our family farm to pick apples in the fall. We are saddened for you loss and send our sincere condolences. - Posted by: Terry and Osono Tully (Friends) on: Nov 01, 2020
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What an interesting man. I delivered Tribune Newspapers to the store on 4th and my parents were daily customers to the store. Jack's smile will always be what I remember. - Posted by: Milford Frederick Cumberland (Friend) on: Nov 01, 2020
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I have many fond memories of Jack’s friendly smile and gentle teasing. He never forgot a face / family connection. He was a kind and caring man. - Posted by: Shelley McDougall (Case) (Acquaintance ) on: Oct 31, 2020
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Condolences from the Mulligans. I certainly remember Jack’s friendliness AND his teasing! What a wonderful life of service. Take care. - Posted by: Ruth Mulligan (Neighbour) on: Oct 31, 2020
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Jack was a friend of mine and I was very sorry to hear of his passing. Jack's goodness was well expressed in his obituary. He was one of "THE GOOD GUYS"; "A REAL MENSCH". My condolences to his entire family. - Posted by: sheldon Blank (Good Friend) on: Oct 31, 2020
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Always looked forward to going to Portage and seeing the Schindlemans. They always had great stories to tell. - Posted by: George Simmons (Codville Rep) on: Oct 31, 2020
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Was told of Jack's death by Danny Maxwell. I loved our phone calls, the last one being on his Birthday, September 30th. He always spoke so kindly of the family and especially of Robert and Sandy. May he Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Shirley Wilton (Niece of Doris Bordian) on: Oct 31, 2020