NATHAN NORMAN SARBIT

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NATHAN NORMAN SARBIT It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, brother, grand-father and great-grandfather, Nate Sarbit, at home on Tuesday, October 3, 2000, at the age of 79, with his family at his side. He was predeceased by his wife Rose (Wolfson) the love of his life on May 1, 1997. He was also predeceased by his parents Jacob and Goldie Sarbit and his brother Dr. Sam Sarbit. He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Sam Sarbit (Claudia), Karen Avery (Jerome), Merle Sarbit (Sam Czemerys), Joel Sarbit, Teresa Pester (Greg) grandchildren, Robyn, Tammy, Avram, Matthew, Megan, Michael, Jared and great-granddaughter Danica. He will also be sorely missed by his sisters, Sylvia Cohen of California, Molly Kowalson of Winnipeg and brother Sid Sarbit of Winnipeg, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who hold his memory dear to their hearts. Nate was born on November 6, 1920 in Selkirk, MB, the youngest of five children. His parents and his three older siblings emigrated from Palestine to Selkirk in 1914 and 1916. In his younger years, Nate worked in the family grocery and dry goods store in Selkirk. The Sarbits store developed a reputation for fair dealings and was well known in Selkirk and throughout the surrounding area. The family cared about the community they lived in and worked hard to serve it. At the age of 16, Nate met his future wife, Rose and commuted for five years back and forth from Selkirk to Winnipeg until their marriage on February 2, 1941. Nate and Rose were very compatible. Their marriage was as close to ideal as one could imagine - a source of pride and inspiration to their children and grandchildren. Nate looked forward to weekends at Winnipeg Beach with his family in the summers and in later years enjoyed winter vacations with Rose in Florida. After Roses death, it was never the same. Nate was devoted to his family. He was always there for each of his children and grandchildren, listening to their concerns and supporting them in their important decisions. In the early 1940s Nate opened his own corner grocery store in Winnipeg on Inkster and St. Cross. In the 1950s he opened a larger store known as Save-On-Foods at Redwood and Main. In the 1960s Nate started Sarbit Insurance Agency and in 1980 added a second business, Sarbit Travel Centre. He developed a large clientele and continued the Sarbit family trademark from the Selkirk days of integrity and service to the community. The Sarbit home was always filled with family and friends who were welcome at all hours of the day and night. Nate had a keen interest in current events, music and sports. Nate was a "people" person, always ready to relate a joke or interesting story. People were drawn to his warmth and caring attitude, his personality and his sense of humour. Many of the friends Nate made in Selkirk and later in Winnipeg remained close friends throughout his life. Funeral services were held at the Beth Israel Synagogue, on Thursday, October 5, 2000 officiated by Rabbi Arthur Oleisky and Cantor Arky Berkal with interment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jerome Avery, Avram and Matthew Sarbit, Greg Pester, Sam Czemerys and Chris Squires. Honorary pallbearers were Kenny Boyce, Aaron Kowalson, Tom Maters, George Meyers, Allen Morrison, Larry Sarbit, Morley Sheps, Mike Wolfson and Rick Wolfson. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. C. Mihalcioiu and staff at Victoria Hospital for their compassion and support. Thanks are also extended to Manitoba Home Care for allowing our father to fulfill his wish to remain at home close to his family during his illness. Special thanks to long term care givers, Orlando, Phyllis and Helen and physiotherapist Lorraine for their excellent care. Shiva is being observed at 41 Arrowwood Drive North. Donations may be made in Nates memory to the Manitoba Lung Association. A remarkable man is gone now And this world seems A little lessened somehow Because he is not a part of it A little less wise and great A little less good and brave. He will never be forgotten by those whose lives he touched.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2000