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HARVEY ROSEN
Born: Nov 22, 1939
Date of Passing: Dec 22, 2022
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HARVEY ROSEN
November 22, 1939 December 22, 2022
After a brief illness and a prolonged battle with dementia, Harvey Rosen passed away peacefully on December 22, 2022.
He is survived by his children, Pam and Kevin (Judi); his grandchildren, Stella, Jakob, and Emery; and his sister, Beverly Binder. He was predeceased by his parents, Morris and Sarah Rosen, and his brother-in-law, Bernard Binder.
Harvey was born in Portage la Prairie and moved to Winnipeg at the age of five. He grew up in Winnipeg's North End, where he attended Luxton School and later graduated from St. John's High. He attended United College as well as University of Manitoba before embarking on a 33-year career as a full-time schoolteacher. That journey began in Carmen, then Winnipeg at Isaac Newton School followed by Andrew Mynarski School. Harvey taught junior high English, French, social studies and consumer education. He also coached the Andrew Mynarski boys' baseball teams to tournament victories on multiple occasions.
Though teaching was his full-time gig, many people knew him for his side hustles: as a sports reporter for the Canadian Press covering the Jets, Blue Bombers, Moose, and other matches. And of course, as the weekly sports columnist for the Winnipeg Jewish Post, covering the achievements of local and non-local Jewish athletes for more than 40 years. Though Harvey retired from teaching in 1995, he continued his sports writing until dementia began to steal it from him in 2018. He loved watching and discussing all sports so his part-time career was a dream come true.
As a family man, he was in a word: devoted. Harvey was a loving and affectionate father who, despite a busy schedule, made sure to spend time with his kids. He loved them dearly, had a close relationship with his sister Beverly, was married to Judy Goodman for 26 years, and later committed himself to long-term relationships with two subsequent partners.
Harvey was a mensch: a kind and decent human being. He was a truly empathetic person who took a keen interest in others. He was incredibly appreciative and grateful for everything he received. He often said, in reference to his family, that he felt like he won the lottery of life. He marked every family milestone with a generous gift and a beautifully heartfelt handwritten card.
Harvey had a great sense of humour and a singular way with words. His jokes were steeped in wry commentary, tongue-in-cheek observations, self-deprecation, and a playfulness that he retained until the very end.
When the onset of dementia became evident, Harvey moved first to an assisted-living facility and eventually to the Simkin Centre, where he resided since May 2022.
A funeral service and burial took place on December 26, 2022.
Harvey is dearly missed and fondly remembered by his children and grandchildren, friends, past partners, former colleagues, and extended relations, as well as the thousands of students and readers he inspired throughout his longstanding twin careers: school teaching and sports writing.
Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2023
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I knew Harvey for 73 years from the time we we attended Champlain School and will always remember him as a loyal friend besides being a compassionate human being, and who will ever forget his great sense of humor? - Posted by: Edward Katz (friend) on: Feb 03, 2023
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I was sorry to hear that Harvey has passed away. Although I left Winnipeg some time ago, my memories of Harvey are of a sweet man who demonstrated many of the fine qualities of the Rosens, who were close to my mother, Ethel Goldstein. Those connections were strong and helpful. His family is fortunate to have the comfort of experiencing his positive and kind nature. His memory is a blessing to those who knew and loved him. - Posted by: Barbara Okun (Cousin) on: Jan 21, 2023
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Harvey z'l" was a classic north ender, and was the first person to write about my career in the professional wrestling industry. Over the years he'd continue to stay in touch. He was a fan of my radio program on Kick-FM and our sports interviews and he had some very helpful hints. A really funny guy and always supportive of me. - Posted by: Marty Gold (Colleague) on: Jan 15, 2023
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Harvey was a wonderful man. When I was starting out as a cub reporter in the Jets press box, Harvey would always make time to talk to me about my career, what work I was getting and would share words of encouragement. Over the years, he would continue to do that, even sending me notes after he retired, complimenting a recent story I had written. He always reads the newspapers. RIP, Harv. One of the good ones. - Posted by: Scott Billeck (Colleague) on: Jan 14, 2023
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Sorry to hear of Harveys passing. We met in high school, and we always had a good relationship. Have not seen HARVEY since we moved. RIP Harvey - Posted by: Jerry Wexler (Friend) on: Jan 14, 2023
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Where to begin about what a great guy Harvey was? We worked together for years for The Canadian Press sports, he for radio and me for print. I used to call him my “little buddy.” His knowledge about sports was like an encyclopedia! I was often in awe. He had a wonderful, dry sense of humour that kept us reporters in the press box laughing. He was also so complimentary about my work, boosting me up when I would have a bad day. He was such a smart, witty, kind man. He will always, always be fondly remembered by so many of us in the sports community. - Posted by: Judy Owen (Former co-worker) on: Jan 14, 2023
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I am saddened to read of the passing of my former colleague at the best school at which I have taught. My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Harvey Rosen. May he continue to entertain in Heavenly peace and mental stability. - Posted by: Lana Storey (former colleague at Andrew Mynarski Junior High) on: Jan 14, 2023
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My condolences to Harvey's family and friends. Harvey will truly be missed. For 9 seasons I covered the Winnipeg Jets for the Winnipeg Sun. And at every home game Harvey sat beside me; the stories were endless. From school to his family, Harvey was never short on conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed his company and banter. His children were very important in his life and shared many stories about them between Dale Hawerchuk goals, or Shawn Cronin fisticuffs. Harvey was truly one of a kind. He was a sports nut. Unfortunately, as the years passed and careers changed I lost contact with Harvey and I missed our back and forths. RIP old chum. I'll miss ya! - Posted by: Brian Smiley (Media Member) on: Jan 14, 2023
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I knew Harvey because we were both sports reporters. He was always a delight to be around in the press box. His favourite quip early in a game would be "It's stil, anybody's game." and it made us chuckle every time. I last saw him after he had moved into a his senior's residence and have a wonderful visit with him. He was a lovely man and will be missed by anyone who knew him, - Posted by: Geoff Currier (Colleague) on: Jan 14, 2023
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My thoughts and prayers to The Rosen Family. Mr. Harvey Rosen was a colleague of my Dad, Al Kozak at Isaac Newton. My Dad spoke with great respect of your Dad/ Grandfather. Cherish the wonderful memories. A True Gentlemen. I am sure they're sharing some sort of Sporting Event up above! - Posted by: Kim Kozak (Colleague of my Dad @ Isaac Newton) on: Jan 14, 2023