SAM M. ROSNER

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SAM M. ROSNER On Thursday, August 3, 2000, Sam Rosner, age 94, passed away at home, as was his wish. He was a wonderful man, for whom family was the utmost importance. Sam is survived by his beloved Bella, his wife, and his two children, his son Bruce (Susan) and his daughter Gail (Irwin Fine) grandchildren, Kimberly, Adam, Jamie, Julie and Jonathan; as well as two brothers, Abe and Bernard. He was predeceased by his brothers, Charlie, Saul, Ephraim, Irvin, Israel and his parents Moses and Julia. He was born in 1906 in Plum Coulee, Man. Later he moved with the family to Lowe Farm, Man. He was the first of eight sons to leave home and set up a business in Morris, Man. Sam married Belle Lubart over 64 years ago. They had a great love for one another and as Belle says, she was always number one in his life. Together they established the Mannequin ladies wear clothing store on Kelvin Street, and then Debbs Millinery on Selkirk Avenue. They expanded the business to Portage Avenue, which continued to be very successful for over 30 years. Everyone who knew Sam, his many friends and employees, always admired his wit, his energy and his integrity. We shared with him his keen interest in history, nature and new technologies. His grandchildren were impressed that at the age of 93 he was interested in computers and the Internet. His family benefited from his knowledge of accounting and his expertise in carpentry, as he helped them set up their own businesses. He was a man who could fix anything and then create something from the most meager materials. He was the first great recycler. Sam also handcrafted many beautiful toys for his grandchildren. He was a pioneer in building one of the first homes on Bredin Drive in East Kildonan. The yard, flowers and hedges were a great source of pleasure for him. He was a wonderful, meticulous nurturer in his garden of life. His greatest pride was to watch his family grow. He was a quiet man of few words, but our individual achievement shone in his eyes. Throughout his life he was constantly helping and advising others, whether it was working for the welfare department during the Depression; helping his brothers with their stores, or visiting his parents, brothers and relatives in their times of need. At age 80 his creative skills blossomed yet again. Papa Sam surprised everyone by developing a skillful technique and discerning eye for colour and detail. His paintings adorn many of our walls and remind us of his quiet presence. One day when Dad had recently turned 92, and was still so actively involved in life, we said to him, "Dad, what is old for you?" He answered, "Dont kid yourself, 92 is old, and some days I feel it. But, other days I feel like Im only 80!" Dads secret to a long and productive life was Cream of Wheat, his barley soup and Bellas borscht. Dad has filled our lives with wonderful memories that we will cherish. He was a man who celebrated life. He will remain in our hearts forever. The funeral was held on August 6, at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Irwin Fine; Kimberley, Adam and Jamie Rosner; Gerald Rosner; and Walter Saltzberg. Rabbis David Cantor and Louis Berkal officiated. The family wishes to thank Dr. David Wiseman, Esther, Maria, Grace, Barbara, Dawn, Wilf and the many other caregivers. We would like to extend a special thank-you to Lynne Fineman. A fund has been established to honour the life of Sam Rosner at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. (477-7525).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 10, 2000