MATTHEW WINSTEN (WIESENTHAL)

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MATTHEW WINSTEN (WIESENTHAL) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear brother, uncle, friend, great-uncle and cousin, Matthew Winsten, born Matthew Wiesenthal, on July 3, 2003, at the age of 77. He passed away surrounded by his friends, in the loving care of Trinity Hospice for the sick, in London, England. He had only just hours before he said goodbye to his devoted brother Joe. He was predeceased by his parents; older sister Golda; and life partner John Folger. He is survived by his loving brother Joseph and Evelyn Wiesenthal of Winnipeg; and his many nieces and nephews, Benjamin Wiesenthal of Winnipeg, Frayda Wiesenthal-Shomron and Amnon Shomron of Jerusalem, Zeph and Kim Wiesenthal of Gimli, Ellen-Ruth Wiesenthal and Eyal Daniel of Vancouver, Anna-Mae Wiesenthal and Andrew Kelly of Winnipeg and Alain and Moleigh Wiesenthal of Hamilton. Matthew was born in Winnipeg on June 26, 1926, to Benjamin and Frayda Wiesenthal and danced for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (1943 to 1948). It was difficult growing up in Winnipeg, and after his mother died at a young age he pursued his passion and career in dance by moving to London, England, soon after the war in 1948. In London he continued performing in musicals such as "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Carousel," as well as in pantomime, television and opera. In 1959 he became the overseas organizer with British Actors Equity Association and eventually the Office Comptroller and later the Chief Steward for the non-performing staff for the National Theatre, London. In 1967 he was invited to be the First General Secretary of the Benbesh Institute of Choreology and later became the Finance Director of Artsmail Limited. "Retirement" brought involvement as a Dancers Trust Board Member and volunteer with the Gay and Lesbian Bereavement Project, Age Concern and Victim Support. He continued his involvement, volunteering as a Dancers Trust Board Member, with the Dancers Resettlement Trust and with the Gay and Lesbian Bereavement Project. He had a great impact on many people, especially his nieces and nephews to whom he imbued an appreciation for art, music and of course fine food. His amazing resolve to continue enjoying life in the face of enormous health problems was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was not slowed by the replacement of his hip, by the loss of his sight or by the advancement of his cancer. Despite his suffering health he still enjoyed the opera, cooking, fine dining, visiting his many friends and travelling to Winnipeg to spend time with his family and be part of their celebrations. We would like to thank the outstanding care provided by Trinity Hospice as well as to Anthony and Anne White, Allan Pearson, Joan Sinclair, Ian and Jillian Bailey, Bev Wohl and Anne Folger who cared for him until the very end, making his final passing as comfortable as possible. The biggest legacy a man can leave, and the greatest testament to his worth, lies in the friends that grieve for him. They are a reflection of his caring, of his loyalty and love. Surely Matthew leaves a strong legacy. Donations may be made to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Uncle Matthews memory.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 07, 2004