LChaim EARL BRAEMER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

LChaim EARL BRAEMER August 27, 1922 - February 9, 2003 It is with great sadness that the family of Earl Braemer announces his sudden but peaceful passing at home on Sunday February 9, 2003. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years Laya (Klonoff), children Shelley Tadman (Marty), Bernie, and Joel Braemer (Leah), his grandchildren Jack, Danielle and Marc, Ryla, Avi and Sam, his brother-in -law and sister-in-law Dr. Harry and Mary Klonoff and many nephews and nieces. Earl was predeceased by his parents Binyamin and Rivhka Abramovitch and his siblings Danny, Harvey, Murray, Sarah, Davey and Harold. Earl was born and grew up in North End Winnipeg. On Friday Night Sabbaths he and his brothers vied for the opportunity to sing My Yiddishe Mamma to their Yiddishe Mamma. As a youngster he held numerous jobs to save enough money to buy a clarinet. In 1937 he joined the Pritchard Eagles, a social club for Jewish Youth. His lifelong special friends and fellow Eagles Morley Fenson and Moishe Settler celebrated Earls eightieth birthday in August. At 17 Earl enlisted in the Canadian Army. He served in the Fort Garry Horse Armoured Division and fought in Europe in a tank as Israel Abramovitch, at a time when many anglicised their names. Later, he regaled family and friends with his war stories. He was so very proud of his participation in the liberation of Groningen Holland in 1945, for which he was decorated. In 1948 Earl married Laya Klonoff and moved to Trail B.C., the birthplace of their children. Earl owned Braemers Menswear and became a leader of the Trail community. He was an active Kinsman and was master of ceremonies at a fundraiser in aid of Polio in Seattle. He sponsored the Braemer Bulls hockey team which sent a player to the World Championship. In 1959 Earl moved his family back to Winnipeg. He owned the Fireplace Restaurant and later began his career as a financial advisor with I.O.S. and then Pro-fund Distributors. Earl had a way with people. His charisma and the ease with which he talked to all people served him well throughout his career. Many of his clients became his friends. He retired in 1996 due to ill health. Later his special caregiver, Marni Hughes, became a dear friend. Earl loved bridge and taught his children to play. It was a gift given that was shared so many times throughout the years.. Earl had a beautiful voice and was always singing and playing the ukulele for family and friends. He proudly performed in the Rosh Pina Purim Musicals in the 60s and 70s and in other local productions. He loved a good party but if there wasnt going to be music and singing, there was no use having a party. Hed make sure there was a piano and also always had his ukulele with him. In recent years Earl went with his friend Al Andrusco to the Norwood Hotel on Tuesday nights. He and his buddies would sit around Als piano and sing, and sing and sing. Earls hobby was taping himself singing and playing the ukulele. He distributed many copies to family and friends far and wide. A born entertainer and joke teller, he continued to perform until the night he died. In fact on Saturday, February 8 Earl went to a Fort Garry Horse fundraiser at the Armoury on Mcgregor and sang. The only thing more important to Earl than his music was his family. He loved his children and loved his grandchildren even more. He burst with pride over the achievements of each of his grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with them. Earl loved to quote the Bard and this was one of his favourites: "All the worlds a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts...." Earls world was a life shared with family and friends and was filled with laughter and music. He spent his last evening doing what he loved to do, singing and then playing computer bridge at home. What a fitting way for Earl Braemer to make his exit. Pallbearers were Marty and Jack Tadman, Avi and Sam Braemer, Marshall Carroll and Larry Adelman. Honourary pallbearers were Morley and Shiffie Fenson, Minnie Karlinsky, Moishe Settler and Harry and Mary Klonoff. The Fort Garry Horse Honour Guard was in attendance. Services were held at the Chesed Shel Emes with internment at the BNay Abraham Cemetery on Tuesday, February 11. Donations may be made to the Earl Braemer Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 477-7520.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 1969