BOOM (ARTHUR IRVING) CRISTALL

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BOOM (ARTHUR IRVING) CRISTALL After a brief illness, on March 6, 2000, in Brandon, Man., at age 73. Lovingly remembered by his wife Ellie (Simkin) his daughter Ferne (Robert) of Peterborough, Ont.; and sons, Jeff (Pat) and Neil (Brenda) of Brandon; his grandchildren, Gabe, Jonah, Katrina, Jordan, and Michael; his love-not-blood granddaughter Ali Everitt; his brother Dood (Faith) sister Beulah Brick (Bernie) and sister-in-law Diane; and many nieces and nephews and countless friends and other relations. Predeceased by his mother Fanny, father Gary, and brother Sam. "I am Jewish and I am Canadian," Boom said not long before he died. For years Boom and his brother Dood owned and operated the New System Store in downtown Brandon - a store founded by their father Gary in 1912 and still in the family today. Boom was known both within his family and the larger community as an immensely wise, caring, and generous individual - with his many acts of kindness and generosity more often than not remaining in the background. He had a deep love of family that went beyond biological coincidence. He was an active member of the Kinsmen and K40 clubs, in which he made friends for life. He was an avid golfer, hunter, and curler - but he participated in those activities not so much for the sport as for the social fellowship - the "fun with the guys". Boom was known for his "shuffling gait, wry smile, sly look, and slow, deep voice". He had a deep social conscience. "Boom was one of the most humane, centred people I ever met," said his nephew Gary Cristall at the service held in his memory. "Wise, humourous, caring. Boom was a rarity.... To know a man like Boom, some of him lives in you. Some of him has made you better than you would otherwise be." The family and his friends - in Brandon, in Canada, around the world - will miss him greatly. We all want to thank the staff - and especially the nurses - at the Assiniboine Centre for their incredibly strong care and support during the days of Booms stay there. A service in celebration of Booms life was held at the Brockie Donovan Funeral Home on March 9. Interment followed at Bnai Israel Cemetery in Brandon. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Brandon University Foundation, "in memory of Boom Cristall", 270-18th St., Brandon, Man. R7A 6A9. Arrangements were in care of Brockie Donovan, Brandon.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2000