RONALD LAZAR

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RONALD LAZAR Quietly, Ronald (Rachmiel) Lazar passed away on February 21, 2005, the 12th day of Adar 1, 5765. Ronald was predeceased by Rhona (Teich), his loving wife of 45 years; his parents Eliezer (Louis) and Genendel (Gertrude) and his brother-in-law Sidney Stern. Ron will be remembered with love by his children and grandchildren, Michael and Cheryl (Lavitt) Lazar, Elliot, Gabriel and Levi; Gary and Rhea (Tregobov) Lazar, Casey and Solly; Matthew and Nola (Shnier) Lazar, Ezra, Yona, Galya and Gilon; Susan Lazar and husband Patric Yurkowski and Cindy Lazar (Joel Kay); his sister and brothers, Hilda Stern, Sam and Grace Lazar, Edward and Mary Lazar, Lloyd and Dawn Lazar, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ron was born on October 11, 1930 in Winnipeg and grew up on the family farm in Birds Hill, MB. He attended East Springfield School, St. John's Tech., the University of Manitoba where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering and the University of Illinois where he obtained his Masters of Engineering degree. He was active in the University debating club and blood drive committee. He was awarded several academic awards, including the Canadian Construction Association thesis award. Ron's rural upbringing never left him. He loved hiking with his family, trees, animals, berry picking, vegetable gardening and the sight of cultivated fields spreading to the horizon. His grandchildren continue to be entertained by stories of Zaida Ron's adventures on the farm. Ron and Rhona were married on August 21, 1955 after a whirlwind six-year courtship. Their marriage was loving, respectful and mutually supportive, and remains an example for their family. Together Ron and Rhona raised five children with strong and individual personalities, of whom they were very proud. They cultivated a rich and loving family life which nurtured a strong bond among their children. This bond grows stronger as they sustain and comfort each other at this difficult time. Ron found both his work as a Professor of Engineering at the University of Manitoba and as a consulting structural engineer throughout North America to be fulfilling outlets for his creativity. In the early 1970's Ron, together with Rhona, founded Inter-Struct Ltd., a property development and management firm. He loved the art of the deal and derived much satisfaction from negotiating agreements, bringing people together, and making deals move forward. Ron had a keen intelligence, and a quick and dry wit which he used to bring out the best in others. He was a gentle and soft-spoken person, who often let his sparkling blue eyes communicate for him. He was admired and respected by his family, friends, students, and fellow businessmen. Ron was very generous, and supported many charitable causes, always anonymously. He was socially forward thinking, and believed that people should take care of each other. He emphasized learning and self-improvement. His daily instruction to his children was to learn something useful today . He was quietly modest about his own successes, but took great pride in his children's achievements. Ron taught by example, and his core values of education, family, integrity, independence and interdependence made him an outstanding role model for his children. Ron was afflicted with Parkinson's Disease in the latter part of his life, and continued to accept life's challenges with dignity, grace and equanimity, and without complaint, setting an example for his children and grandchildren. Ron's family extends its sincere thanks to the medical and nursing staff of the Sharon Home and the Victoria General Hospital, Natalie Haitov and his longtime caregiver and friend Natalya Babenko. Ron's family was, and continues to be supported and comforted by friends and family. Ron's funeral was held on February 23 at the Etz Chayim Synagogue. Rabbi Neal Rose and Rabbi Henry Balser officiated. Pallbearers were son-in-law Patric Yurkowski; nephews, Neil Lazar, Marvin Stern, David Lazar and Terry Gutkin; and Joel Kay. Honorary pallbearers were brothers-in-law Hershel and Ira Teich. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ronald and Rhona Lazar Endowment for the Research of Parkinson's Disease. Donations can be made through the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, (204) 942-3085. Honour a man for what he is; But honour him more for what he does. Better than the fragrance of precious oil, Is the fragrance of a good name. A good name is to be chosen above wealth; And character rather than silver and gold. Blessed is the one who bequeaths a good name to his descendants. Blessed is he whose noble deeds remain his memorial after his life on earth is ended. When a man departs this world, neither silver nor gold nor precious stones accompany him; He is remembered for his love of learning and his good deeds.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2005