RUBEN C. BELLAN

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RUBEN C. BELLAN With great sadness we announce that Ruben Bellan passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital on April 17, 2005. Ruben is survived by his loving wife Ruth; children, Paul (Josette), Susan (John Anderson) and Lorne (Bonnie Cham); and grandchildren, Norbert, Leon, Steven, Adam, Melissa, Monica, Daniel, Gary and Jonathan. He was predeceased by his brothers, Alex, Joe and Sam. Ruben was born October 2, 1918 in Winnipeg to Lily and Chaim Borach Bellan. He attended St. John's High School. He obtained his B.A. at the University of Manitoba, his M.A. at the University of Toronto under the mentorship of Professor Harold Innis and his Ph.D. at the University of Columbia in New York. He served in the Royal Canadian Air force during the Second World War stationed in Burma as an intelligence officer. He was appointed to the faculty of the University of Manitoba in the Department of Economics immediately after the war. He married Ruth Lercher June 1, 1947 in Winnipeg. He had a long and distinguished career at the University highlighted by his term as Dean of Studies at St. John's College. Ultimately he was honoured by the University when he was named Professor Emeritus upon his retirement. He had an active life in the community outside of the University. He served the City of Winnipeg as a Police Commissioner in the 1960s. He was a frequent guest on radio and television and was often asked to provide expert commentary on economic issues for the Toronto Star. He was known for his clear and insightful explanations and was sought after as a speaker and raconteur. He was a seminal thinker and this led to his publication of six successful books, Principles of Economics and the Canadian Economy (7 editions), The Evolving City, Winnipeg First Century, The Unnecessary Evil and Canada's Cities. Ruben was a man of many interests, he founded the University curling league (even if he couldn't hit the broom!) and was an avid bridge player. He was a founding member of a discussion club that met monthly for decades drawing together people from all walks of life to debate the issues of the day. An enthusiastic backyard gardener, he once tried to put farm economics to the test and grow tomatoes commercially in St. Norbert, after a few years working an acreage with one helper he finally convinced himself that he should leave farming to the farmers! He was devoted to his family. Many hours were spent around the dinner table discussing current events. He travelled widely. He was very charitable. When the Vietnam Boat People crisis erupted in the 1970s, groups were asked to combine to share the cost of sponsoring a family to come to Canada, he pretended to form a group so that he could singlehandedly bring a family of five to a new life in Winnipeg. He continued to be interested in world and family events until ill health finally slowed him down. He was grateful for the devoted medical care he received from his brother Sam throughout his life. Funeral services will be held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, 561 Wellington Cres. on Wednesday, April 20 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ruben and Ruth Bellan Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Ruben Bellan Bursary at the University of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 19, 2005