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BENJAMIN DAVID ITZKOW (BENJI)
Born: Feb 11, 1986
Date of Passing: Nov 15, 2021
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BENJAMIN DAVID ITZKOW
Doctor of Optometry
February 11, 1986 - November 15, 2021
Benji is survived by his wife Eleni Wener, and son Carter Itzkow; his parents, Cathy Moser and Jeff Itzkow; brother Jono and sister Frannie (Emmett Brennan); parents-in-law, Lynne Oreck-Wener and Bob Wener; ever loving grandmothers-in-law, Evelyn Wener and Zoe Oreck; brothers and sisters-in-law, Taryn and Tim, Hart and Jocelyn; and his adoring nephews, Lucas and Cooper. As soon as they started dating, Eleni's family embraced Benji as one of their own, and the love was mutual.
Benji was predeceased by his loving and influential babas and zaidas, Ann and Sam Moser, and Dolly and Bill Itzkow, and precious dog Zoe. Zaida Sam and Baba Ann taught Benji that it was possible to live with a chronic illness and still laugh and enjoy each day to the fullest. Benji loved to better the lives of the Itzkow, Moser, Wener and Oreck families, friends, and community. His generosity extended beyond what was known by his families at his time of passing. Benji also leaves an enormous hole in the lives of his aunts, uncles, and cousins: Meite Moser and Chris Bottrill and Mark Moser and Sheila Kercheff, who played a large role in his life. Their children were extended nuclear family - as he was the eldest cousin, leading his troop of followers and sometimes rebels - Elliot and Nathan Moser, Samantha and Gabe Bottrill. Benji's Uncle Martin and Edward Mah and Uncle Butch loved him dearly and the feeling was reciprocal. Benji enjoyed adventures with Butch and Mary Pokrant's children Rebecca (Matt) and Jacob (Alex) when they came into town.
Benji was a lifelong friend; the kind of friend everyone wanted. He would describe himself as having a small number of friends but the richest of relationships. He had the best friends - his boys who have known him since elementary school and even before, his friends from Optometry at the University of Waterloo, new friends and Benji embraced Eleni's girlfriends across the country. Benji was fun-loving, compassionate, thoughtful, generous, and selfless. He made other people's lives better. Benji and Eleni shared a life together that was always about helping others.
Benji was also someone who made great things happen. He had big plans and he wasn't just a dreamer with his head in the clouds, but a doer. After graduating as a Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2011, Benji honed his skills before starting his own business, Eyes in the Village in 2015. Benji was equally great as an eye doctor and a business owner. Benji had a gentle way of speaking and a kind smile. He was the kind of eye doctor everyone wishes they had. Benji was incredibly talented and thrived on helping people see the world clearer.
Benji loved gadgets. He loved making and creating. He spent his free time woodworking, tinkering on the 3D printer, fishing, going to music concerts, cooking, and baking. But his most treasured roles were as a dad and a husband. His respect, support, and love for Eleni was boundless. In such a short time, Benji taught Carter many things, like how to use tools, and to take time to stare and watch trains, and they had a bond of true love that only a father and son can share. Benji was a dependable, generous, kind-hearted young man, beloved by all who were fortunate to meet him. People were drawn to Benji. He was such a determined fighter and nothing could keep him down. This is the gift he has given us and continues to give us - to be better - and to remember him and honour him by being better, by fighting harder, by trying more. He will be sadly missed by his family and wonderful friends.
The family would like to thank Benji's medical support team - Dr. Charles Bernstein, Dr. Michael Coodin, Dr. Michael Hochman, Dr. Marcus Ng, Dr. Harvey Chochinov, Dr. Laura Chisick, Dr. Marli Leibl and Dr. Noam Katz. They were available 24/7 for consultation and care. Thank you to our countless friends and family that have dropped everything during each emergency. Thank you to the first responders at Fire Station #3. Finally, we are eternally grateful to Benji's wonderful staff that became family at Eyes in the Village. The EITVO team made every day easy for Benji to get up and go to work with a smile on his face every day.
Services were held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on November 18, 2021.
Pallbearers were Jono Itzkow, Gabe Bottrill, Hart Wener, Matthew Frankel, Jordan Fogel, Marshall Weinstein.
Donations in Benji's memory may be made to The Benji Itzkow and Eleni Wener Family fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, www.jewishfoundation.org 204- 477-7520 or to the Health Sciences Centre Foundation Advancing Epilepsy Care Fund with a reference to: In Memory of Dr. Benji Itzkow, https://www.hscfoundation.mb.ca/, 204-515-5612.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 27, 2021
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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My best friend from high school & I BOTH enjoyed having Benji as our #1 eye-physician, & my oldest girl sometimes sat in on my appts with “Doc”...,,,she really liked him, too!!! I was truly shocked when my high school friend, Gabby called me up & told me the horrible news!!! Doc-Benji helped me a lot, & after bombing-out with one surgeon (BADLY) got me in with the GEM eye-clinic!!! & SUCH an empath, & his business is just a 5-minute walk, & I’ll miss visiting with him during appts!!! **Hey, Doc, Gabbs & I wish you an awesome “After-life”- -just becuz YOU, yourself, was sooooo awesome!!!** - Posted by: Esther Hazen (Client/Patient) on: Aug 23, 2022
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JUST HEARD ABOUT THIS, AM SO SAD, CONDOLANCES TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS - Posted by: Joanne Jackson (PATIENT) on: Aug 03, 2022
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I just got an email from EITVO announcing the new owners and I had to look up where Dr Benji was practicing and just found out that he passed last year! My family and I were two-time patients of Dr Benji and he also saw our 3yr old for his first eye appointment. In those two short visits Dr Benji made an impactful impression on us. What an amazing human being. So personable, so attentive, so knowledgeable and just felt like he cared and he was genuine about it. Very few people can make you feel like that especially in such a routine, medical visit. I felt the need to extend my condolences to his friends and family. Truly going to remember this kind man for years and years! - Posted by: Jennifer G (Past patient ) on: May 19, 2022
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My family was shocked to hear of Benji’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and yours. We admired Benji’s smile, sense of humour, and business sense. Although we had only limited interactions as patients, the fact that we knew his name, and he always remembered ours, speaks to his many talents. Benji went above and beyond to assist our son pursue his dreams by cutting through red tape and administrivia. He will be sadly missed. His untimely departure leaves a massive hole in our quaint village. - Posted by: Bryan Payne (Client, Patient, Admirer) on: Dec 03, 2021
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I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Benjamin's passing. Although he graduated over a decade ago, he is still remembered fondly at the School of Optometry and Vision Science in Waterloo. Benjamin was a calm, gentle, caring person who was just as compassionate with colleagues and peers as he was with patients, yet he is also remembered as having a fun-loving nature. His tribute was beautiful to read. I am deeply sorry to his family for this tremendous loss. - Posted by: C. Lisa Prokopich (Colleague, former Professor) on: Dec 02, 2021
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I was shocked & saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Benji. I didn't know him but it sounds like he was a great young man & loved by everyone. My memories are with the Moser Family as our family had a cottage kitty corner at Winnipeg Beach. Cathy, I remember your parents & you & your siblings. My deepest sympathy to your family & the Itzkows at this difficult time. - Posted by: Renee Billauer (Rubinfeld) (former neighbour) on: Nov 29, 2021
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He had the warmest, sweetest and most sincere smile. "Tenderly, may time heal your sorrow. Gently, may friends ease your pain. Softly, may peace replace heartaches, and may the warmest memories remain" Much love to all. Dana and Brad - Posted by: Dana and Brad (Friends) on: Nov 28, 2021
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My sincere heartfelt condolences to the Moser and Itzkow families. I wish you strength at this most difficult time. - Posted by: Tauba (former classmate of Cathy ) on: Nov 28, 2021
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Dear Cathy and Jeff, It is with great sorrow that I offer you my condolences on the loss of your precious son, Benji. I regret that I never had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful person. After reading his obit I felt how amazing a person he was and how much you loved him. We haven't been that close over the years, but I was very close to Sam and Ann and loved them immensely. I have so many memories of good times with them, the earliest being Sam's visits to Edmonton where our family lived and his meeting Ann there and the rich relationship they developed. Ann must have loved her grandchildren very much, Benji among them. My heart goes out to you. Love, Barbi - Posted by: Barbara Moser (Cousin) on: Nov 27, 2021
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Dr. Benji was one of a kind! He was genuinely caring and brilliant. We will miss his expertise. Rest peacefully knowing you helped so many. Heartfelt condolences to his family & staff. - Posted by: Theresa & Claire (Clientele) on: Nov 27, 2021
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Dr. Benji was my eye doctor for a number of years and it was a privilege knowing him. He took the time to explain things to me easily. He was warm and welcoming and I truly enjoyed coming to see him every 2 years. I take comfort in knowing I saw him recently and will remember him fondly. He was a great eye doctor but also just an overall great guy and I'm truly saddened by the news of his sudden passing. My family and I will continue going to Eyes in the Village in his memory. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and staff at Eyes in the Village. Stacie Lindsay and family - Posted by: Stacie Lindsay (Patient ) on: Nov 27, 2021