DR. ARNOLD (ARNIE) HARVEY GREENBERG

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DR. ARNOLD (ARNIE) HARVEY GREENBERG Arnold Greenberg, 59, died peacefully at sunrise on Sunday, February 11, 2001, surrounded by his wife and children. He is survived and deeply missed by his wife and partner in life Faye Hellner; children, Juliet (Adam) and David Greenberg, Marni (Grant), Rachel (John) and Kathy (Bryan) Hellner; granddaughters, Isanne, Maya and Noa Goldberg; sister Rhetta Glazerman; parents-in-law Max and Ruth Kettner; family and friends all over the world. Arnie was born in Winnipeg in 1941 to parents Samuel (Zebe) and Bertha (Bert) Greenberg. As a child, he spent summers in Beausejour at the family creamery. It was there that he developed his love of wildlife and nature. As a young man, he studied medicine at the University of Manitoba, was a pediatric Resident and Fellow at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and received a Ph.D. in Immunology at University of London, England. He returned to Winnipeg to join the Institute of Cell Biology where he became Director from 1988 to 1999. His accomplishments as a brilliant scientist, an exceptional academic and a dedicated administrator resulted in numerous awards and international recognition. His early research in tumour immunology resulted in the discovery of a new class of natural killer cells. Later he made ground-breaking discoveries in molecular biology related to cell death. As Director of the Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, he built a world class cancer research institute which is internationally known and respected for the caliber of its scientists and students. Determination and perseverance were constants in his life and stayed with him throughout his illness. He focused on his work and his family until the day before he died. He excelled in everything he undertook; he was in constant pursuit of knowledge, was an avid reader and a highly competitive sportsman. It was no coincidence that everyone wanted to be on his team for Trivial Pursuit. He had eclectic taste in literature, music and art, and ranging from Aristotle and Asimov to Wagner, Warkov and Zelazny. His interest in history, politics and economics was insatiable. Arnie loved and respected his family and was proud of their achievements. Faye, Juliet, David, Marni, Rachel and Kathy were the focus of his passion, love, care and admiration. He adored his grandchildren and they loved their "Zaida Arnie Barney." It delighted him to read to them and watch them play, especially during his illness. Despite being a complex man in all aspects of his life, Arnie loved simplicity. Humility and generosity were qualities that he exuded. He was playful, gentle, soft spoken and carried his intelligence and wisdom without arrogance. He was simply a wonderful human being. Before Arnie died he established the Greenberg Lectureship Fund at CancerCare Manitoba, with the hope that those who wished to contribute could help him continue the legacy he started at the Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology. Each academic year the fund will be used to invite outstanding scientists to inspire and challenge new generations of investigators and students. Contributions should be sent to Cancer Care Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, Man., Canada R3E 0V9.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 18, 2001