DR. HENRY FAINTUCH

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DR. HENRY FAINTUCH Dr. Henry Faintuch passed away on September 18, 2000. Henry leaves behind his wife Sonja; three children, Helen (Cyril), Shelley and Jack (Tammy) eight grandchildren, Jay, Mark and Stacey Kesten, Zev, Laura, Alana, Zachary and Jordan Faintuch; his brother Morris (Mildred) and sister-in-law Genya; nieces, nephews and cousins. Our father was a kind, private and gentle man. Although he was a man of few words, his heart, drive and passion to overcome any obstacle were evident in every task he set for himself. He was a survivor in every sense of the term. He was a thinker but more importantly he was a doer. Deeds speak louder than words; our dad sustained us. Life was a series of challenges which he undertook with determination, dignity and pride. The gift he left his family was a legacy of pride in who we are and a desire to embrace life for what it is. Quiet steps leave long and lasting imprints. He will forever be embedded in our hearts and the hearts of the people who were fortunate enough to know him. He was a pioneer who left a remarkable legacy for his community: a community he came to love; a community to whom he gave his heart and soul; a community of which he was extremely proud. From 1949 to his retirement in 1993, Henry was the Executive Vice President and CEO of the Sharon Home. He pioneered the concept of an enhanced quality of life for the aged by broadening the scope of services to meet the medical, social and spiritual needs of residents. Over that time he was the driving force behind five major additions to the Sharon Home. In 1986 his work at the Sharon Home was described in an article in Macleans magazine. Among various honours throughout his career, Henry was the recipient of the National Association of Jewish Homes for the Aged of Americas Award of Honour in recognition of dynamic leadership, lifelong commitment and excellence in care and service of the Jewish aged. The Government of Canada recognized his significant commitment to compatriots, community and to Canada by awarding him the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in 1992. Memorial service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on September 19. Rabbi Allan Green officiated. Pallbearers were Dr. Cyril Kesten, Jay Kesten, Mark Kesten, Morris Faintuch, Gerry Faintuch and Robert Sklare. Honorary pallbearers were Sid Halpern, Justice Nathan Nurgitz, Pinnie Faintuch, SolKane Ozzie Nasberg, David Korn, Manual Thompson, Gordon Pullan and Charles Shore. Our thanks to Dr. Brenda MacDougall, Maxine Brown, Dr. Eddy, Cheryl Bordy, our dedicated personal caregivers and to his devoted Homecare workers.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2000