HERSCH ZENTNER

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HERSCH ZENTNER It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hersch Zentner on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 at the St. Boniface Hospital. He will always be remembered by his loving wife Lillian; his daughters, Pam and Ali; his son-in-law Jason; his grandson Jonah; and many dear relatives and friends. Hersch was born on August 18, 1937 in Winnipeg. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Vancouver where he lived until 1959. He returned to Winnipeg where he met Lillian Bober. They were married in 1961 and had two wonderful daughters. Hersch was a very gifted teacher. As an educator he encouraged a deep regard and respect for others. He provided an environment for students to achieve a positive sense of self and an awareness of the achievements of humankind. He was an exemplary role model for his students and colleagues. Herschs teaching career ended prematurely in 1992 when he became physically disabled with an illness which affected his hearing and balance. In the two years following his illness Hersch was determined to lead a more productive life. Despite his continuing struggle with partial deafness and vertigo, he helped design a Holocaust Education program. He travelled throughout Manitoba, presenting this program to students in Junior and Senior High Schools. It was Herschs mission to influence students to become proactive and to fight racism. Hersch dedicated himself to the thesis "tikkun olam" (repairing the world). He believed that the betterment of mankind lay in the study of our painful pasts. In 1998 Hersch was diagnosed with colon cancer. He continued his antiracism presentations until October 2001, when his illness compelled him to stop. During his adult life Hersch enjoyed many hobbies. He continually challenged himself to explore life to the fullest. He was an avid gardener, fisherman and chess player. He was a model airplane enthusiast, designing and building fully functional planes. He also possessed extraordinary talent for the art of home renovation and enjoyed his status as a "computer maven". Hersch had a wonderful ability to make people laugh. His sense of humour and good natured disposition permeated all that he did. As a husband, father and zaida, Hersch gave so much love and was a firm believer in the phrase "Actions speak louder than words." He was also devoted to his relatives and friends; he leaves a legacy of a large "extended family", all of whom were very important to him. Herschs family is deeply grateful for the compassion, care and dedication of the entire staff of the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit, especially Rachel and Tim. Funeral service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Friday, June 14 with interment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were six special young men, Paul Muchnik, Leonard Numerow, Eli Rosenberg, Nevin Rosenberg, Carey Smith and Michael Victor. To honour Herschs memory, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 22, 2002