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JESSE VORST
He leaves a legacy of thousands of lives touched through his community-building, his activism and his academic career. Dad would have liked his obit to be a group effort, so with love, pride and sorrow we share here how people remember him:
- Jesse had an enormous impact on my life
- How can one not like Jesse?
- At eight years old the police confiscated his soccer ball for playing in the street. He didn't have to pay the usual fine AND convinced them to give the ball back.
- A great humanitarian.
- As a uni student he would re-type his notes, always layering carbon paper underneath so that others could benefit from his work.
- He changed my life.
- Leaning on his bicycle handlebars, he would orate for hours -- usually of revolution. And the crowd around him grew ever bigger.
- His joy, sense of humour and kindness had a huge impact on my childhood.
- The world was certainly a better place with him in it.
- He taught us kids how to do soccer headers.
- He was one of the most impactful teachers I ever had.
- A fine man, with deep passions for justice and equality.
- He spent many hours teaching me about compassion, resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
- He gave me a C in economics, but he was being kind with that grade.
- Jesse was the best of men.
- A mensch among mensches.
- He showed interest in us, would really listen (with those twinkling eyes of his).
- We need more Jesses.
In lieu of flowers you are invited to share memories, raise a glass of something non-alcoholic and hug the people in your bubble and absolutely everybody else who lets you, when it is safe to do so.
If you are considering making a donation, please support your local Alzheimer and dementia research foundation. In Winnipeg, Jewish Child & Family Services were also an organization dear to his heart: we would be grateful for donations in his honour.
The family would like to thank the staff at WRHA Access Fort Garry who worked to make Dad's last years better. A special thanks to Jesse's daughter-in-law and primary caregiver, Edee Fraser, for years of dedication and care, 24/7, until the very end and beyond.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 05, 2020
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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It was with great sadness that I recently learned of Jesse's passing. It seems like only yesterday that I ran into him--where else but in a bookstore. I was his teaching assistant and thanks to him I was offered a sessional lectureship while completing my MA. I think I learned just as much from the courses I taught, if not more, as from the courses I took. The world has lost a deeply caring human being. - Posted by: Norman Mayer (friend/mentee) on: May 02, 2022
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I had not realized that Jesse passed until now. He was the most inspiring of all the University profs I had. He both challenged and rewarded his students (an A during course work meant you needn't write the final exam). I still have on my shelf his textbook: "The Economic Way of Thinking" by Paul T. Heyne. I managed to meet up with him just once after that, decades later, and we had the most pleasant conversation. A good man! A positive influence on my life. - Posted by: Louis Kessler (Student (1974-75)) on: Jan 16, 2022
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I knew Jesse for years and always had a crush on him. I used to enjoy our conversations while leaning on our handlebars, when our paths crossed on campus. A gentle soul I missed him when I moved out of town. He was part of the fabric of Winnipeg. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Mora Gregg (U of M employee (Libraries), neighbour, fellow lefty and bike rider.) on: Jan 31, 2021
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I took more than one economics course from Professor Vorst on my way to a double major in Economics and Psychology, then on to Law School. Professor Vorst ranked among the top four professors that I looked up to. I Have a written speech that Professor Vorst wrote and read on November 11th, in about 1979. I read it again sometimes to remind me of the past. I once made Professor Vorst laugh when I said to him joking, "If you're 18 years old and not a socialist, there is something wrong with your heart. If you're 30 and still a socialist, there is something wrong with your head." He laughed because he found that funny. He is the only professor that I had during those 8 years at the U of M, that invited me to his home for a party. I loved Professor Vorst. - Posted by: Carl Burch (Student ) on: Jan 30, 2021
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I first met Jesse when I worked at University College at the University of Manitoba. He was this friendly, talkative retired professor who was still helping graduate students and active in the university community. When I moved to the Financial Awards office, I got to know more about Jesse's philanthropy and his deeply engrained passion for learning, teaching and helping support students on their academic journey. Jesse was incredibly kind and passionate and he loved deeply. This included his family, teaching, and the beautiful ballet he called football. He had a remarkable life and he made sure to make the most of the time he had on this Earth. My sincere condolences to his family and to all who knew and loved Jesse. I wish there were more people like him! - Posted by: Candace Woywada (Former U of M colleague) on: Dec 30, 2020
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Jesse taught me economics 40 plus years ago ..think I was in Norm Yusims class! I remember Jesse as everyone has , a true mensch . He made the world a better place . - Posted by: Aubrey Rogerville (Past student) on: Dec 19, 2020
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My family, the Linnemanns, lived next door to Jesse for over 40 years and we will always remember Jesse as a kind, friendly and supportive neighbour and friend. My parents were immigrants from northern Europe too, had similar socialist beliefs and mom worked at the U of M too, so there was definitely common ground. Jesse and Alice were so kind to our mother, especially in her later years. I remember Jesse as such a positive, intense man, always ready to have a conversation. He was a staunch community supporter and advocate, often helping other neighbours as well. I also recall becoming involved in a community project he organized in the 70’s. He persuaded me to knock on doors in our neighbourhood to get signatures opposing plans to make the quiet pastoral back lane backing onto University fields into a through street, something which would have changed the character of our neighbourhood forever. The plans were scuttled because of this effort and I am so grateful to Jesse - it was also my introduction to the power of activism. I can’t recall how many times we would see Jesse jump on his bike and take off down that same back lane heading for the U of M, even after retirement. It was a lifelong love of the place, it seems. - We also enjoyed reading his comments and opinions in letters sent to the editor at the Winnipeg Free Press. - Most importantly, we recall how proud Jesse was of his 3 sons, Tommy, Edward and Ben and their families. Our deepest condolences to you all. Vera (Linnemann) Willson and family - Posted by: Vera (Linnemann) Willson (neighbour) on: Dec 15, 2020
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I met Jesse taking my Labour Studies degree and did some work for him on various projects (I think he took pity on me because he knew I was a poor student). He was kind, funny, and encouraging. I would run into him occasionally over the years and he always remembered me by the nickname he gave me - which stuck for a certain group of my friends (and some other professors). I can see from the comments that I wasn't the only one who felt that special connection. May his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Shauna Martin (Former student) on: Dec 11, 2020
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We were privileged to meet and know Jesse through his son Ben, our daughter Jeannine's husband. It has been an honour to know Jesse's wisdom and generosity. We remember seeing people walking through his yard and remarking on it! Jesse simply said: "Those are students on their way to classes behind here at the University. They are welcome anytime!" That was Jesse - understanding and helpful, plainspoken and the ultimate erudite. His depth of empathy undoubtedly stemmed from being a survivor of the Holocaust. We will miss him. Pauline and John Chudzik - Posted by: Pauline Chudzik (In-laws) on: Dec 09, 2020
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Jesse was my economics professor my first year at university. Everything was so new and he put my mind at ease. Economics was not my thing and I think he knew it! He was kind and vulnerable with us. My roommate said I talked about him all the time! Bless you, Professor Vorst - Posted by: carol bergman (former economics student) on: Dec 07, 2020
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My condolences to all of Brother Jesse’s relations. I knew him when I took my degree in Labour Studies, and recall his spirit, kindness and wisdom fondly. - Posted by: Allan Beach (Student and friend ) on: Dec 06, 2020
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I met Jesse when I was a graduate student at the University of Manitoba and, through common interests and mutual friends, our friendship continued after I graduated. Jesse was one of the most sincere people I've ever known. Not only was he dedicated to the cause but he always offered wise advice, kind words and, yes, funny stories. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Avis Mysyk (Friend and colleague through University of Manitoba) on: Dec 06, 2020
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Jesse was a wonderful educator and mentor. He made my years at UofM Labour Studies meaningful and wonderful. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. Thank you Jesse for all of your contributions to students at the university. In solidarity Suzanne Hrynyk - Posted by: Suzanne Hrynyk (Friend and former student) on: Dec 06, 2020
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I first encountered Jessie as my Economics 101 prof at the UofMB. His classes were packed and he was always interesting and entertaining. He told us if we could give him a believable reason for a wrong test answer...he'd consider that and regrade our test. So...I spent many post-test days knocking on his office door. We became friends during my many years on campus. Jesse was a kind, humorous, and highly principled individual who will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Mary Anne Shore (Friend/Former Student) on: Dec 05, 2020
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My condolences to the family and kin on Jesse's passing. He was a good man who cared about people and was committed to social justice. - Posted by: Stanislao Carbone (friend) on: Dec 05, 2020
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Jesse was one of my favourite colleagues, someone I was always delighted to see, warm, wise, and one of the kindest men I ever met. - Posted by: chris johnson (colleague and friend) on: Dec 05, 2020
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Jesse Vorst taught me Economics in my third year of University. What I remember about him is he was a true gentleman who cared bout his students. Everything described above has me shaking my head in agreement. What more can I say without being repetitive. He made an indelible mark on my life for his kindness. A true Mensch! Thank you Jesse. - Posted by: Norman Yusim (Student) on: Dec 05, 2020
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My deepest condolences to all of you...Fly with the Angels, Jesse. - Posted by: Andrea Thomson (Family Friend) on: Dec 05, 2020