HARRY LION RACHLIS

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HARRY LION RACHLIS

September 29, 1926 – April 6, 2023

Harry passed away peacefully at the Simkin Centre. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years Ruth (formerly Promislow), his parents Leon and Sarah Rachis, son Fred, and his three older brothers Morris, Jack, and David.

Survived by his son Michael (Debby Copes) daughter Vivian (Adrian), grandchildren Linus Rachlis (Natalie), Leila Copes, Sarah (Kevin) and Samuel (Rebecca), great-grandchildren, Emerson, Solomon, and Harris, and leagues of nieces, nephews and cousins, with whom Harry took an ongoing personal interest.

With Ruth at his side, Harry attended weddings and other simchas throughout Canada and the U.S. Harry and Ruth both had sincere interests in other people and made them feel at ease. Harry loved young children. He always carried a couple of toy cars with him as amusement and into his eighties would get down on the floor to play. No young child cried while Harry was in the room.

Harry was born to Jewish immigrant parents in Winnipeg's North End. He was the much younger fourth son. His brothers protected him, and he adored them. Harry attended St. John's High School, where he met Ruth. He attended the University of Manitoba, graduating with a BA (hons) in Economics in 1948. Harry and Ruth married that year, with the births of Michael, Fred and Vivian following in 1951 to 1956.

The family's move to Montrose Street in 1959 began a decades-long open house hosted by Harry and Ruth. Family, friends, professional colleagues, kids' friends, clubs and not for profit boards were all graciously welcomed at Ruth and Harry's table and living room. Conversation was rich, agendas were covered, wise counsel and loving support was provided, antics were tolerated, and souls and stomachs were filled to the brim.

Harry started work with Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation in 1948. Affordable housing for all remained Harry’s lifelong mission. After working in accounting positions while completing his formal accounting designation, Harry served as a Ministerial adviser during the Schreyer Government in the 1970s.

Harry had a passion for the local community and was the ultimate volunteer. Harry chaired the Manitoba Housing and Renewal board and served on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival and Women in Second Stage Housing. Through Harry’s early involvement with the Community Income Tax Service (CITS), tax preparation assistance was provided to low income individuals without cost. Harry had first hand experience with family living with mental illness and committed himself to organizations working to provide services and support.

Harry was forever young and was a mentor and friend to many across all generations, education and income levels. As a couple and as individuals, Harry and Ruth believed in individual responsibility to take concrete steps towards social justice; they not only voiced, but actively lived, a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and antiracism throughout their entire lives.

Family was most important to Harry. According to family lore, in his early career days he refused a significant promotion to stay in Winnipeg. Harry delighted in the ongoing Zaida-time with his Winnipeg group as well as travelling frequently to visit grandchildren and other extended family in Toronto, Ottawa and elsewhere.

Harry was proud of his Jewish background and volunteered and gave generously to several Jewish organizations. He and Ruth were founding members of Temple Shalom. Trips to visit family in Israel were particular highlights of Harry’s and Ruth’s lives.

Dementia marked Harry’s last few years. But even when his faculties flagged, he could make us laugh with an upraised eyebrow. The family is very grateful to the Simkin Centre and all the Weinberg 3 staff for their compassionate care.

A graveside funeral was held on April 10, 2023 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Grateful thanks to Richard Yaffe for officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. In tribute to Harry's lifelong commitments, the family requests donations to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the United Way of Winnipeg or to a charity of your choice; or simply enjoy a book, some music or a film from the Winnipeg Public Library’s collection. May his memory be a blessing.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2023