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MELVILLE NEUMAN (MEL)
Born: Apr 04, 1925
Date of Passing: Apr 26, 2022
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MELVILLE NEUMAN
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Melville Neuman on April 26, 2022, at age 97.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 29 at 3:00 p.m., graveside at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery, 230 Armstrong Ave., Winnipeg.
Mel is survived by his three children, Debbie Bellan (Phil), Ralph Neuman (Miriam) Jody Adelman (David), bonus children, Debbie Shaen, Michael Shaen (Anita Mackey); his brother and sister-in- law, Hy and Lil Neuman, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gerry and Phyllis Arron; seven grandchildren, Marnie Bellan Garrett (Brian), Jamey Bellan (Rachel), Lane Bellan (Kate), Cara Oppenheimer (Andrew), Lauren Epstein (David) Ruel Neuman and Jenna Neuman; bonus grandchildren, Jeff Walker (Caitlin), Andrew Walker, Emma Shaen, Rachel Shaen, Laura Shaen, great-grandchildren, Melayna, Drake, Wesley, Brooke, Blake, Vail, Teddy and Sidney.
Mel was predeceased by his parents, Moses and Minnie Neuman, sister Betty Whitley, wife Ruby Neuman and second wife Shirley Shaen Neuman.
Mel was born April 4 1925 in Govan, SK. At age two he moved to Regina spending most of his childhood and adolescence there. Mel was dedicated student throughout his life even skipping a grade at one point. After high school he ran his father's General store for a year until he joined the Air Force to become a radio mechanic. Mel enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan, receiving his B.A. and LLB, where he posted the highest marks in his faculty. He was later recognized with a Gold Medal for those achievements.
Soon after he was introduced to his first love, Ruby Arron, he enlisted in the Army Reserve who provided him a scholarship to Harvard Law School to earn his Masters of Law. After completing his masters he returned to Canada and married Ruby in 1951. They lived in Regina, where he practiced law and became a proud father of three. The Neuman family moved to Winnipeg in 1963 when he became a partner at Newman Maclean. He had a distinguished career and in 1968 was appointed a Q.C.
Mel was a loving husband, father, and later grandfather and great-grandfather. His wife Ruby died after 37 years of marriage. Mel met his second wife Shirley Shaen in 1989. They were married for 17 happy years until her death.
Mel was extremely friendly and loved to talk to everyone and anyone he came in contact with. He had a wonderful sense of humour right to the very end. He was always positive and rarely complained. Mel loved to exercise, and spent five days a week at the Rady Centre. He loved to speed walk chasing after the nearest pretty young woman.
Mel retired from Taylor McCaffrey at age 83, had a second Bar Mitzvah and learned to enjoy retirement. In 2016 he moved to Victoria and lived at Somerset Retirement Home. After his decline from Dementia he spent his last year well taken care of at Selkirk Place. Even in his final years, he was always positive. When asked how he was feeling, he replied, "Excellent". This endeared him to everyone.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Selkirk Place for the wonderful care given to Mel in his final days.
Donations in Mel's memory can be made to Congregation Shaarey Zedek.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 28, 2022
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I had the pleasure of working with Mel at Taylor McCaffrey for many years. He was always a fun person to be around and he clearly loved practising law. He was always cheerful and full of anecdotes which he enjoyed sharing. As someone else has mentioned, he always answered "excellent!" when you inquired after his health. Rest in peace Mel, and my condolences to the family and his many friends. Carolyn Gillespie (co-worker at Taylor McCaffrey) - Posted by: Carolyn Gillespie (co-worker) on: May 16, 2022
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Mr. Neuman was a great man. He taught me many yiddish words and regaled me with stories of his days at Harvard and in the courtrooms but the thing that he shared with me that will stick with me the most is his positivity. Everyday I would ask him how he was and even if he wasn't feeling the best he would always respond with an enthusiastic "excellent". His positivity always lifted me up especially during these stressful covid times. From time to time you would here him singing "Home, Home on the range where the deer and the cantaloupe play" which would always make me laugh. My condolences. - Posted by: Terry Wong (Friend) on: May 05, 2022
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Up until the time of his passing, those members of the staff at Somerset House who knew and/or cared for Mel while he was here, inquired of me how he was doing, and I would tell them, He even talked to a staff member who happened to be in my unit when he called once. I was fortunate that a visiting friend took me to see him, after he had been away for a while, so that I could relate first-hand how he was. Mel was a man who was interested in those about him, and the world in general. He inspired laughter and friendship. He was a special person. Rest now, Mel-your work has been well done. Jean - Posted by: Jean M.L.McClure (Friend from Somerset House) on: May 04, 2022
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I met Mel at Somerset House. He was a kind, caring and thoughtful man. I know his family will surely miss him. May you honour him through your memories and stories of him. - Posted by: Win McClure (Acquaintance) on: Apr 28, 2022
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So sad to hear about your loss. Deep condolences to the family at this most difficult time. I worked for Mel Neuman at Newman MacLean for 11 1/2 years as a Corporate Paralegal. Working for Mr. Neuman was a great challenge and gratifying experience. I learned to do things "right" from the get go. There was no second best, always had to be top notch. I thank him for my excellent work ethics. We had some of the most enlightening conversations and disagreements (two stubborn personalities were at work) most days. He taught me a lot about being a dedicated employee, and he was a very hard working and influential partner. Family was always so special and important with him and he always made me feel that my family was very important as well. - Posted by: Karen Claeys (Former long time Paralegal ) on: Apr 28, 2022