TED JACOB

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TED JACOB Ted Jacob died in Winnipeg, the city of his birth, on November 10, 2003 at the age of 76. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife and soul mate Rita Shapera; his children, Lisa, Jinny, Gary, and Sari (Simon) his grandchildren, Jaimie, (Michael) Arielle, Gregory and Rachel; and Ritas own children and grandchildren whom he embraced, as only Teddy could, as his own. His life was his message, and the message was his love for his family, and for a great web of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Ted was the last born of Ben and Dora Jacob, and his beloved sisters (Minnie and Helen) and brother (Nathan) all died before him. The Jacobs, along with the Crowley family, founded Jacob and Crowley, a pioneering firm in the garment industry in Canada. Ted grew up in the business, learned from the business, and through the business forged relationships that would last a lifetime. Jacob Crowley was a partnership of Irish Catholic and Jewish immigrants, and their bonds, founded on the shop floor of a small factory, crossed religious and cultural barriers with a power that has spanned generations and that still lives today. Ted was an insider in the development of lasting industry innovations of the time, including the original labour agreement between the International Ladies Garment Workers Union and the Garment Manufacturers Association of Manitoba, which established peaceful relations between previously warring factions; and the first prepaid health services contract between union and management in Canada, which guaranteed quality care for workers, a forerunner of our medicare system. In later years his wealth of experience in labour management issues were put to use in many businesses in Winnipeg, and in the community as a whole through his contributions as a commissioner of the Manitoba Pension Board and for the Age and Opportunity Agency of Winnipeg. Teds special gift was in finding a balance between business and family and ensuring that both served his main purpose, which was people. He was the master of weaving the threads of personal relationships into the fabric of life; loyalty to friends and family, trust and honesty in dealings and love. Ted was a devoted family man and a well respected member of the Winnipeg community. He touched every one he met with his wry sense of humour, his contrarian spirit and his personal warmth. Ted was a natural athlete and avid golfer whose good walks were never spoiled. Though his brother Nathan was Manitoba Amateur Champion, insiders often said that Ted was the better natural player. He was a charter member of Glendale Country Club, but in 70 years of golf he probably only owned two sets of clubs, and never lost a ball. He was an intrepid sport, taking up downhill skiing at 54, and water skiing at 75. For many years he played squash almost every morning at the Squash Club. No one remembers how well he played, but they all remember what a great companion he was. Ted also loved cooking and sketching, both of which he engaged in with enthusiasm, discipline and a respect for the craft. Above all, Ted valued his family and friends. Teds first marriage, from which came his four children, ended in divorce. After many years as a bachelor, Ted fell in love with and married Rita Shapera on May 17, 1995. Their marriage brought happiness to them both and their life together was a blessing to both families. The family wishes to acknowledge the countless relatives and friends who visited frequently, offering love, support and encouragement in the good times and bad. Special thanks to Dr. Garcia and the wonderful staff at Riverview Hospital, the staff at Ward 5B and in palliative care at St. Boniface, particularly Dr. Daenick, Bonnie Johnson and especially our angel Bunty Anderson. Donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation (toll free 1-877-407-2223 or 787-4143) or The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204-477-7520).

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2003