DANIEL ABRAHAM YANOFSKY

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DANIEL ABRAHAM YANOFSKY Peacefully, on March 5, 2000, Daniel Abraham (Abe) Yanofsky passed away at Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 74 years. Abe was predeceased by his father Abba, his mother Mary, and his brothers Israel and Harry. He is survived by his loving wife Hilda; his children Michael (Andrew), Heather, Rochelle, and Audrey, and their spouses; granddaughters, Courtney, Katie, Jenna, and Stephanie; grandsons, Andrew, Jeffrey, Adam, and Gregory; and numerous, nieces, nephews, and friends. Abe was born in Brody, Poland on March 26 1925 and came to Canada when he was one year old. After his father died in 1938, Abe assumed the position of family provider, working at various jobs during the day and attending public school at night until he completed high school. While attending university, he worked at night to help cover expenses. He served in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. Abe was accomplished in many fields. He was a "chess" child prodigy at the age of 11 years. He went on to become Canadian Chess Champion eight times, North American Champion, and later on British Chess Champion. He beat the World Champion, Mikhail Botvinnik in 1946 and became Canadas first Chess Grandmaster in 1964. For the next 20 years he was among Canadas top players. In 1972, he was awarded the Order of Canada by the Governor General in recognition of his achievements. Abe was actively involved in local politics from 1961 to 1986. He was an alderman and Mayor of the City of West Kildonan between 1961 and 1970 and a Councillor and Finance Chairman of the City of Winnipeg from 1971 to 1986, when he retired from politics. He was a key player in the conception and development of the Seven Oaks General Hospital and the Wellness Institute. In addition, Abe was a well known lawyer from 1951 until 1997 and was appointed to Queens Counsel in 1980. Abes family would like to thank Dr. Sheldon Koven, Dr. Ernie Ramsey, Dr. John Rabson and all of the doctors that cared for Abe. Special thanks also to the staff at Seven Oaks General Hospital, CancerCare Manitoba, and Medox for their help and compassion. Abes funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chesed Shel Emes Chapel, 1023 Main St. Interment in Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, the Canadian Diabetes Association, or Us Too (a prostate cancer support group affiliated with CancerCare Manitoba).

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 06, 2000