ERNEST (ISRAEL) TESSLER

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ERNEST (ISRAEL) TESSLER It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Ernest (Israel) Tessler, at the age of 74, on November 29, 2004. He is mourned by his wife of 50 years, Faye; his children, Zane, Alan, Brenda and Michael; their spouses, Shawna, Shari, Joel and Michelle; his grandchildren, Dana, Alix, Brett, Melanee, Justin and Brendan Tessler; Jessica, Joshua, Zachary and Adam Donen; his sister Chaika Kirshner; his mother-in-law Lillian Bender; and a long list of extended family and friends. Ernie was born in Medzerich, Poland, on April 13, 1930, to Zalman and Breindl Teslar (nee Guralnick). He was the youngest of five brothers and one sister. At age 11, he lost his parents and extended family at the hands of the Nazis. Through the kindness of a gentile farmer and his wife, Ernie, his sister and cousin Marty Tennenbaum were safely hidden beneath a kitchen stove for nine months. Forced from their hiding place, they lived with a partisan group in the forest until the end of the war. Ernie immigrated to Canada with his sister and cousin in 1948, settling in Winnipeg. He met the light of his life Faye Bender in 1952 and they wed on October 31, 1954. They raised, nurtured and educated four children, welcomed and spoiled 10 grandchildren and recently celebrated their 50th anniversary at a gala affair last month. Ernie came to this country with the clothes on his back and a few dollars in his pockets. Through dogged determination and an unrivalled work ethic he honed the skills of a master salesman. Over the last four decades, partnered until 1991 with the late Leonard Paul, his company, Imperial Soap and Supplies Ltd., developed into an industry leader in this community. Ernie was highly respected and a gifted businessman. His dedicated staff respected him and will miss him dearly. He was involved in many community service projects and he proudly participated in Steven Spielbergs "Survivors of the Shoah" - a visual historical testimonial of his life during the war. He was devoted to the cause of Zionism and to the betterment of the Jewish community. He held leadership positions in ANAV, Bnai Brith and was a member of the Montefoire Club. Above all else, as a Holocaust survivor, Ernies family was his most cherished possession. He provided his family with the lifestyles, comforts and securities that he was denied as a youth. Each of his grandchildren represented a triumph over adversity in Ernies eyes. Family dinners and holiday celebrations were filled with his personal touches including his famous Caesar salad, homemade pickles and wine, latkes and his notorious herring. In his spare time, Ernie enjoyed travelling, bowling and particularly playing cards - Gin Rummy and Poker with the boys. Those whose lives he touched will never forget his sparkling eyes, his incredible smile and the warmth of his embrace. He considered his friends as his family and they considered him a brother. His dream of taking his entire family on a cruise later this month will not be realized this year, but his family is committed in fulfilling his vision. A funeral service, officiated by Rabbi Henry Balser, Rabbi Peretz Weizman and Tracy Kasner, was held on December 1, 2004, at Congregation Etz Chayim with interment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brett Tessler, Joel Donen, Mitchell Chargo, Rory Paul, Ivan Tessler and Israel Ludwig. Honorary pallbearers were Earl Bender, Harvey Chargo, Morris Davis, Izzy Friedman, Joe Riesen, Frank Weinfeld and Jack Weiss. The family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the medical staff at the Seven Oaks General Hospital and to family and friends for their incredible support during this difficult time. Those wishing to honour Ernies memory may do so by making a donation to the "Faye and Ernie Tessler Fund" in care of The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. He led by example and the values and love he imparted earned him the love and respect of all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his life will be an inspiration to all and he will live in his families hearts forever.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 2004