EARLE LAVEMAN

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EARLE LAVEMAN Earle Laveman passed away suddenly on Friday, January 12, 2001 at the age of 70 in Palm Springs, California. Earle was predeceased by his father Samuel (1948) mother Charna (1963) sister Ytta (1919) and sister Goldie (2000). He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Phyllis and his children, Sheldon and Ruthie (Judy Plotkin). Also surviving Earle are his sister Anne (John Pollock) brother Charlie (Esther) and nephews and nieces, Zailig Pollock (Didi), Nuchum Pollock (Jennifer Motha), Shmee Pollock (Terry), Rosalind Laveman, Lola (Albert Kakon), and Suzanne (Moti Perl) and many great-nieces and nephews. Earle was born in Winnipeg in 1930 and attended Talmud Torah and St. Johns Tech. After the death of his father, he left school to help support his family. He worked as a handicapper and assistant editor for the Daily Digest for 20 years. In 1970, he joined Cliffords Ladies Wear until his retirement in 1995. Earle had a great interest in theatre of all kinds. He performed in school operettas and was a member of the chorus at Rainbow Stage. John Hirsch recognized Earles co-ordination skills and offered him the position of Stage Manager and later Production Coordinator first at Rainbow and then at the newly-opened Manitoba Theatre Centre. It was through his theatrical associations that Earle met his future wife Phyllis in 1958. They were married in 1959 and Earles theatre career took a pause while he concentrated on raising his family, to which he was completely devoted for the remainder of his life. He was devoted as well to his brother and sisters and to his nieces and nephews, and, in particular, provided tremendous support to his sister Goldie in her declining years. Earle was a happy man and drew great pleasure from his family and their accomplishments. The unconditional love, warmth and patience which he showed his family were a constant. He always had a smile on his face, was well-loved for his sense of humour and got great pleasure in sharing funny stories, jokes and trivia. He touched the lives of countless people with his gentle demeanor, integrity, and honesty. Earle always recognized and celebrated the gifts of others and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Earle was a sociable person throughout his life. He greatly enjoyed weekly bowling and the social time it provided with his fellow bowlers, and he had a deep love for movies, television and entertainment in general which he shared with family and friends. But the theatre bug never left him - when the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre was formed in the late 1980s, Earle and Phyllis became very involved as volunteers and managed the box office for each production. After undergoing angioplasty in 1993, Earle undertook significant lifestyle changes with the unwavering support of Phyllis. He began a regular exercise regime first at the Reh-Fit Centre and most recently at the Seven Oaks Wellness Centre where he and Phyllis became regulars. He walked daily in the park or the mall and completely revised his diet to maximize his well-being and health. Earle embraced these changes with the discipline required. Once their children were grown, Earle and Phyllis enjoyed many vacations together to Israel, New York and Palm Springs. They were especially enthusiastic about spending time with their Palm Springs friends each of the last three years. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 16, at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue followed by interment at the Shaarey Zedek Memorial Park. Rabbis Alan Green and Louis Berkal officiated. Pallbearers were Earles nephews, Zailig Pollock, Nuchum Pollock, Shmee Pollock, cousin Jerry Weiss and family friends, David Pesochin and David Novikoff. Heartfelt thanks to the many close family friends in Palm Springs and Winnipeg for their support during this difficult time. Shiva is being observed at 112 Gilia Drive. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Earle Laveman Memorial Fund dedicated to the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre Endowment Fund c/o the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, phone 477-7525. Earle will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 20, 2001