PERCY HERSHBERG

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PERCY HERSHBERG It is with deep sadness that the family of Percy Hershberg announces his death on Tuesday, September 23, 2003, four days after his 95th birthday and 19 days after he and his beloved wife, Dora, celebrated their 71st anniversary. A loving and gentle man, a gentleman, he died peacefully at Victoria Hospital. His greatest blessings and his primary passion were his long and happy marriage and his family. Besides his wife, he is survived by his adored only child, Arlene, and her husband, Sam Klapman. He was a proud and devoted grandpa to Jordan and Betsy Klapman, Seth Klapman and Lisa Bennett, and a doting great-grandpa to Sarah and Daniel Klapman, Amaya Black, and Adam and Emily Bennett. He will be especially missed by his sisters-in-law, Esther Breslaw and Mollie Wash; his nieces and their husbands, Susan Tessler and David Gillies, Debby and Jim Davis, and Shelley and Peter Robertson, and by his great-niece and her husband, Jennifer and Andy McKiel; his great-niece Laura Gillies; and his great-nephews, Jonathan Davis and Joseph Gillies. He had a special place in his heart for his great-great-niece, Rachel McKiel. Percy was born in 1908 in Winnipeg, the oldest of Pearl and Si Hershbergs seven children. As a young husband and father, he volunteered for the RCAF during the Second World War, serving as a physical education instructor and reaching the rank of sergeant. After the war he went into business with his brothers Harry and Eddie, operating Hershys at the corner of Broadway and Donald for many years. He later worked for Imperial Agencies. He retired in stages, not giving up work until he was in his mid-70s. He and Dora then were able to enjoy annual retreats from Winnipegs winter in Palm Springs, California. A life-long fitness buff, Percy belonged to the YMCA and then the YMHA for more than 60 years, often working out daily. As a young man he wrestled at the policemens gym and played football and hockey. He exercised, lifted weights and swam at the Y and was an avid curler and golfer, for years playing every Sunday with his brothers. He was predeceased by his sisters, Molly Bogdonov and Dorothy Bogdonov and his brother Harry Hershberg. He is survived by his sisters, Tootsie Ludwig and Lola Roadberg; his brother, Eddie Hershberg, and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service was held on Thursday, September 25, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park, with Rabbi Neal Rose officiating. A special prayer was offered by family friend Steven Hyman. The family is grateful for the loving care Percy received from the staff at the Simkin Centre of the Sharon Home. Donations to the Sharon Home in Percys memory would be appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 01, 2003