ALLAN JOSEPH (ALLIE) SHNIER

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ALLAN JOSEPH (ALLIE) SHNIER
Born: June 11, 1928
Passed away: December 4, 2020

It is with enormous sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Allie, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He leaves to mourn, his adoring wife Rhona, of 71 years; sons, Clifford (Ruth Anne), Sara (Jeffrey), Jordon, Gary (Roxan); grandchildren, Carrie, Tammy (Ilan), Kelly, Jared, Noah, Lily, Jacob, Andrew (Baillie), Zoe, Skyler, Bryn; and great-grandchildren, Zoey, Lexi, Ivory. Also leaves to mourn, his beautiful sister Esther, sisters-in-law, Bert, Rae, Hannah, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Allie was predeceased by his parents, Sarah and Moishe Shnier, brothers, George, Clifford, Irving (Eleanor), Bertha (Gordon), Cecil, Norman, Phillip (Shirley), Jack (Esther), Max, Charlotte (Mitchell), and brother-in-law Lanny.
We have not only lost a father and "mensch", but we have almost bid farewell to a tribe of 12 children of Russian immigrants, the quintessential story of parents who fled pogroms and persecution, to give their offspring a life in a country in which freedom, justice and acceptance were valued. These children indeed suffered their own adversities, however strove to make ours even a better world by valuing education, family, and community. The generation may almost be gone; however, the memories will be indelibly engraved in our hearts.
Allie was the baby of 12, born in 1928 in Emerson, Manitoba.
Throughout life Allie was always treasured and showered with love, which is most likely why he in turn was able to bestow that love to us and the world.
Our dad was known as "Allie". Not Mr. Shnier. Everyone in Winnipeg knew him as Allie.
He attended the University of Manitoba, and then joined his father Moishe in a small building on Ross Street in Winnipeg. They carried small houseware items and established a presence. It was there that Allie got his first taste for business. During the following years, his brothers in eastern Canada, who had the rights to lines such as BF Goodrich, introduced the factory to Allie and he eventually obtained distribution rights in the west. The company became Eagle Distributing. Years later all the brothers merged companies across Canada to form the national companies known as G.E. Shnier and Gesco Industries Inc. These two firms eventually became the dominant National Floorcovering distribution company in Canada. After the mergers, Allie enjoyed working many years with his brothers, George, Irving, Norman, Cecil and Phil. In addition to running G.E. Shnier in Western Canada, Allie was very active as the President of Metropolitan Equities, the extended family's real estate investment company. He also sat on several boards.
Our father was a "Quiet Philanthropist'. Whether it be a religious cause, an employee, a family member, or a charitable cause. Wherever and whomever, he always rose to the occasion, helping those in need. It gave him great pleasure by helping others and he often said it made him feel good. He was a modest man and could have taken credit for his contributions, instead he chose to give often and quietly. People knew they could always rely on Dad and never took advantage of him. He was uncomfortable in the limelight, but warmth emanated from him when he stepped into a room. Whether it be the custodian or the President of a National Corporation, the same kindly respect was shown. He was a fair and honest person, a man of integrity.
Allie was a superb crossword master. He was confident enough to do them in ink, occasionally completing the Sunday New York Times puzzles.
Food gave him a great source of enjoyment. He never met an ice cream cone or Chinese restaurant that he didn't like.
The pride and joy of his life were his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His generosity to them was remarkable, and the family vacations, our summers at the cottage and celebrating special occasions, bonded us all over the years. He truly relished in all his family's achievements. These special times will provide memories which will be indelibly imprinted in our hearts.
Allie had a mantra to tell everyone he came in touch with, that he loved them, even if it was the server at a restaurant, or the technician drawing his blood.
His love for our mother was unimaginable. When he was hooked up to a heart monitor, he asked, "does this machine show how much I love my wife?" Our mother has dementia and when she spoke in an incomprehensible manner, Dad would gaze lovingly into her eyes, and would mouth, "I love you."
Special thanks to Dr. Simkin, Dr. Goldberg, Dr. Yang and Dr. Wilson, and the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital.
Immense thanks to caregivers, Nikki, Clarisse, Richelle, Dianne, Ernelle, Vina, Fatima, and former employees, Rachel and Fay.
In lieu of flowers, tribute donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation in "honour of Allan and Rhona Shnier", the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2020