DR. ALEX MALKIN -

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DR. ALEX MALKIN 1920 - 2002 Alex Malkin was born November 26, 1920. He died November 22, 2002, four days shy of his 82nd birthday. He was born of immigrant parents - Menachem Mendl and Golda, who both hailed from the Tsars Russia. Both parents were hard-working, righteous people: these are but a few of the fine qualities Alex inherited from his loving parents. Alex came from a family of seven siblings: his sister Elizabeth (Betty), Ben, Sam, Saul, Alex, Charlie, and Aaron. All but Charlie, Alexs beloved twin brother, and Aaron, have passed away. He was an adored father to Tannis, Mark and Ian; grandfather to Blaire, Alexis and Avi; father-in-law to Zivan; brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, and cousin to so many who cherished his presence. And perhaps, most importantly, Alex was a genuine friend - a great mate - whose friendships span 75 years. There was nothing transitory about his relationships: they lasted forever. As a young man, Alex was a natural athlete - skilful in many sports, including track and curling. He excelled at baseball - and was the YMHAs teams indispensable catcher. Having completed his dental degree at the University of Toronto in the 1940s, Alex served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Captain. In 1946, at age 26, he married his life-partner of over 30 years, Beatrice (Beatty) Portigal. Alex first worked as a dentist in Estevan, where he and Beatty lived for a few years. They returned to Winnipeg - his home for the rest of his days. Alexs relationship with Beatty, who passed away in 1979, was something to be admired. It was genuine, eternal, loving. Theirs was a partnership characterized by unparalleled devotion. Her passions were his; his were hers. Her family was his; his was hers. As a dentist for over 40 years, practicing in St. Boniface, Alex was very well-liked by his colleagues, and fondly remembered by his many patients. Wherever he went, hed be recognized and greeted by former patients - he had treated whole families, generations. Throughout his life, Alex was dedicated to Judaism and its moral values - observant in his own fashion. His love of the community was manifest in many ways, including his devotion to the Herzlia synagogue. As a synagogue founder, he participated in many of its activities. Among the most memorable was his work behind the scenes with Herzlia plays - a joyous time spent with Beatty, painting sets, finding and building props. The friendships and sense of community generated by the synagogue was central to Alexs life. Alex was a kind, gentle, modest, compassionate, loyal, down-to-earth, non-judgmental, even-tempered (yet emotional) man. He had an admirable sense of right and wrong, an enviable morality. He was never sharp-tongued; always well-meaning. Thats how he lived his life. Thats how he treated others. He was unaccustomed to being in the limelight. He was good-natured; good-humoured; a kibitzer, who liked a good laugh. He wasnt a risk-taker - he liked stability. He left risk-taking to others, who took him on many unforgettable "adventures." He led a life about which he could be well and truly proud. Like so many in his family, Alex died of heart failure - heart related disease. And its no wonder. He gave so much of his heart away. The heart - its physical state, as a muscle that could not sustain his needs any longer, had a huge impact of his physical well-being - for a long long time. But its his heart - his spiritual self, that was so strong; his love; his warmth; his high regard and respect for others that really dictated who he was and what he stood for. Recently, one of Alexs nurses summed him up best when she came to his room to tend to his needs. Upon leaving the room, she looked him in the eyes, and simply said "youre a sweetheart." How true. He was a "sweetheart." A "grand" person. A decent, honourable man. Someone so many will truly miss. Alexs family would like to thank the many caregivers who worked with him over the last few years, many of whom became close friends. Particular thanks is owed to the superb attendants working with Home Care Manitoba. Thanks as well to the nursing and medical teams at St. Boniface, Victoria and Seven Oaks Hospitals. Special thanks to Drs. Elizabeth Giesbrecht and George Louridas, for whom Alex had nothing but the deepest respect. Alexs funeral was held at Herzlia Adas-Yeshurun Synagogue, with interment at Rosh Pina Cemetery on November 24. If so desired, donations may be made to the Canadian Associates of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 209 - 2025 Corydon Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3P 0N5, or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 2002