DONALD BERMAN

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DONALD BERMAN He brought joy to thousands of children, young and old, at carnivals, Expo 67 and La Ronde. On Saturday, November 17, 2001, after a lengthy illness, Donald Berman died peacefully at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal. He was in his 75th year. Born in Fort Erie, MB on November 25, 1926, Mr. Berman was only 14 when his father died. He was forced to leave school and started working to support his family. He joined a travelling carnival at age 15, tried his hand at selling dry goods, but soon returned to the carnival and fanfare circuit. A man of energy and visions, he was an early believer in the potential of Montreals Worlds Fair, Expo 67, and became a major concessionaire there. The fair was a huge success and Mr. Berman stayed on at La Ronde operating some 20 rides and games there until the mid 1980s. Mr. Berman was President and C.E.O. of several other companies including Maple Leaf Toys and Donald Berman Enterprises, a major Canadian importer of toys, games, and giftware. Mr. Berman never forgot the difficult time of his teenage years and was well known for his generosity. At Expo and La Ronde, he regularly sponsored visits by the children from the citys orphanages and poor neighbourhoods. Mr. Berman was a large benefactor of the Jewish General Hospital and numerous childrens organizations. Self-made and self-taught, Mr. Berman served twice as president of the Canadian Chapter of the Showmens League of America, and was twice chosen by that group as Showman of the Year. He is survived by his brother Lawrence (Larry) Berman, of Winnipeg. He will be sadly missed by his cousins, many close friends, and colleagues in the carnival and importing industries. Funeral at Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W., on Tuesday, November 20 at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service and burial at the Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery in Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 21 at noon. (204) 582-2353. Shiva at the home of Lawrence Berman, 680 Niagara St., Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jewish General Hospital Department of Hematology. 514-340-8251.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2001