ISAAC BATTEL, B.Sc., D.M.D.

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ISAAC BATTEL, B.Sc., D.M.D.

October 2, 1930 - October 20, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Isaac Battel, on October 20, 2023, at the age of 93.

Isaac leaves to mourn his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Sandra; his son, Ashley; his brother-in law Harvey Simovitch and sister-in-law Rona Simovitch; cousin Elaine Wiseman, as well as numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Isaac was predeceased by his parents, Abraham Battel and Sophie Battel; sisters, Eleanor Barron, Faiga Cantin and Sybil Kofsky; brothers-in-law, Jim Kofsky, Oscar Cantin and Stan Barron; father-in-law Isaac Simovitch and mother-in-law Sara Simovitch.

Isaac was born in Bruno, Saskatchewan on October 2, 1930, and first arrived in Winnipeg at the age of 13 to study for his Bar Mitzvah at the Jewish Orphanage on Matheson Avenue. After returning to Bruno for the remainder of his high school education, Isaac moved to Eugene, Oregon, first graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, followed by a degree in dentistry.

Isaac's family had moved to Winnipeg while Isaac was studying in Oregon, but on the day of Isaac's graduation from dentistry, he received a call that his mother, Sophie, had passed away from heart failure. Isaac returned to Winnipeg to be with his family and decided to make the move permanent shortly after his mother's passing.

He first began practicing dentistry alongside Dr. Ralph Luke and then, during the 1980s, Isaac built his own practice at Colony Square in downtown Winnipeg, where a number of other dentists were also establishing their practices.

Isaac's compassion and dedication to helping others within his profession led Isaac to have one of the largest dental practices in the city, with thousands of multi-generational patients being treated by his gentle hand and demeanour. An Alpha Omega Association Life Member having practiced dentistry for over 50 years, Isaac also became one of the first, if not the first, dentists in the province to conduct locums, travelling to offices around the province to fill in for other dentists who were out of the office due to holidays, illness and the like.

Whether it be at a grocery store, a shopping mall, a bank, a restaurant or even at a rock concert, former patients - from local boxers to radio show hosts to "Joe and Jane Smith" - would immediately recognize Isaac many years later, walk up to him and share their memories and stories of how wonderful 'Dr. Battel' had treated them.

One evening in 1965 at the Town and Country, a popular dining spot in Winnipeg, Isaac first met Sandra and from there began a beautiful three-year courtship that led to the couple marrying in 1968. Isaac and Sandra's nearly 55-year marriage was truly considered by many as a role model for others to follow. No weekday morning would be complete for Isaac without a smile and a kiss for his wife, Sandra, before heading out to work. The love and friendship that they shared for one another was unparalleled, with both friends and strangers openly stating that it was their life's wish that they would experience such a loving connection in their own lifetime.

Isaac and Sandra welcomed their only child, a son, Ashley, in 1970, from whom both have experienced great 'nachas' [joy] throughout their lives. Isaac never missed out on an opportunity to proudly share the latest on Ashley's work and personal accomplishments. The two shared an unparalleled and unbreakable father-son bond that led to the two enjoying many special moments and memories together, from simple evenings at home watching television to taking in a wide variety of concerts together, from the Guess Who and Fleetwood Mac to Prince and Paula Abdul.

Isaac was an avid sports fan who loved his Winnipeg Jets and, despite being born in Saskatchewan, was also forever faithful to his Winnipeg Blue Bombers! He especially enjoyed watching games and sharing in-game opinions with Ashley and hardly ever missed watching a game for either team, even while in the hospital.

Isaac was also well-known for his jokes and for being a quintessential storyteller. Whether you met Isaac for the first time or the fiftieth time, you were guaranteed to walk away with a laugh, having been on the receiving end of one of the best jokes that you had heard in a long time. When Isaac was in need of some basic home care this past year, one of his home care workers would eagerly stop by each day, stating that the highlight of his day was visiting Isaac and hearing Isaac's latest 'Joke of the Day.'

From the same mind that delivered all of those great jokes also came an immense amount of knowledge. Isaac was extremely well-read and stayed on top of current events in a variety of ways, whether it be the daily Winnipeg Free Press newspaper or watching network and cable TV news. Isaac's mind remained 'sharp as a tack' right until his final days and neither progression of age nor any illness robbed him of his vast lifetime of memories. Even in his 90s, Isaac would often share a story about how he recalls being three years old and having his mother hold him for a family photo and he could vividly detail the activity of that day.

His boundless strength was demonstrated in many ways throughout his life, but perhaps none greater than in some of the health battles that he faced over the years. Isaac never once lost his will to live. He was a survivor and a true inspiration and set a shining example that no challenge is ever too difficult to face head-on.

The family wishes to thank all of Isaac's dental colleagues whose association with Isaac brought him much joy over the years. A special thanks to the late Walter 'Wally' Hulkewych, as well as Bernie Sawchuk and Maylene Davis, with whom Isaac looked forward to his regular visits and their conversations. A special thank you especially goes out to Dr. Kroeker, Dr. Woo, Dr. Bueti and Dr. Rhoma for their exceptional care over the years, as well as the wonderful home care workers, Dada, Gil, Mel and Solomon, and home care nurses who helped to take care of Isaac during this past year.

A funeral service for Isaac took place on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with Rabbi Anibal Mass officiating. Pallbearers were Debra Kofsky, Jerry Pritchard, John Requiema, Ralph Melnicer, Sherry Requeima, and Scott McWilliam. Honorary pallbearers were Ashley's girlfriend, Andrea Maxwell, Benson Labinsky and Sharon Labinsky, Brenda Gibson and Don Gibson, Michael Ginsberg and Barbara Ginsberg.

A Private Shiva followed the service.

Donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 10, 2023, Nov 11, 2023