PHILIP BRICKER GUBERMAN

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PHILIP BRICKER GUBERMAN It is with great sadness we announce Philip's passing on Friday, April 15, 2005. He was born in Winnipeg on April 5, 1955 and lived in the city he loved all his life. He was a wonderful son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, friend, a tireless supporter of BB Camp, a producer, a volunteer, and so much more. What a fantastic uncle Philip was to his seven nieces and nephews. They were such an integral and important part of his life. Their pictures adorned his home. He would do and did do everything for them and with them. He loved spending time with each one and there were always treats from uncle Phil. For his nephew Jonathan, there was no need to provide a name with the word, Uncle. Uncle meant only one person. Philip had an overwhelming love for our family cottage at West Hawk Lake. Whether it was taking the kids for a boat ride or ice cream or playing challenging cribbage games with Michael and Matthew, to be at the lake was paramount for Philip. For him it was just that much sweeter with the kids. After completing school Philip started work at the YMHA and then moved on to be the Youth Director at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue for many years. Later Philip went to work with our father, Monty Guberman, in the family business, The Pancake House. It was a wonderful and rewarding experience to work with his dad. Being independent was important to Philip and so he moved on to a wonderful career in sales with the International Inn Hotel. Through this work he met hundreds and hundreds of people who were all captivated by his engaging personality. Throughout his very active working life he made sure he found the time to volunteer for many organizations. Philip danced to his own beat and made sure that whatever he did, he did it his way. There was a strong sense of pride and independence that was coupled with a part of him, and maybe a large part, that remained a kid. It gave him the ability to always see the lighter side of things. What a sense of humour Philip had. His quick one liners always brought a smile to your face. As a child Philip enjoyed music and theatre. The kids on and around Mathers Bay can well remember the many back yard productions he put together. Later through Nephesh Theatre, he produced several plays in Winnipeg. He loved the modern musicals and his work in theatre. It brought him great satisfaction and indeed was an endeavour he had a right to be justly proud about. Friends were so important to Philip. His loyalty to them had no boundaries. Always he kept in touch with the many that moved away. Two of his friends are worthy of mention because of their devotion to being there for Philip. Aubry Margolis and Leonard Hornstein, our family can not thank you enough for all the help you gave to Philip. BB Camp and Philip were almost one. There certainly was a time if you looked up the definition of BB Camp, it said Phil Guberman. As the BB Camp nominee Philip was a recipient of the Winnipeg Jewish Community Shem Tov award (Good Name award) and he was deeply touched by that honour. When Philip's health problems arose, he met the challenge head on including taking up a new occupation. In between dialysis days he volunteered his time teaching ESL. He really enjoyed that opportunity. His home was his castle and that was where he wanted to be. It was open to all and was a special place for him. Throughout there was never a complaint. How courageous he was. Earlier this month we were fortunate to celebrate a milestone birthday with Philip. What a wonderful evening arranged by our mother. Philip thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Our mom was always there for Philip even though his pride would always want him to do for her and not her for h im. He greatly appreciated all that she did. Mom only wished she could have done more for the baby of our family . He also knew he always had his brother's and sisters' unconditional love and support. Philip had a heart that always gave to others. His path in life crossed so many and all were enriched as a result. We will truly miss him. Philip was predeceased by his father Monty. His memory will be treasured by his mother, Peggy Guberman; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Cindy , sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy and Joe, Barbara and Alfred; and his nieces and nephews, Ariane, Jessica, Janna, Jonathan, Michael, Chelsea and Matthew and his many relatives and friends. A special thank you to the dialysis unit and the palliative care unit at the St. Boniface Hospital. Your kindness was truly appreciated. In honour of Philip donations may be made to a fund established in his name with B'nai Brith Camp, B100 -123 Doncaster St., Winnipeg, MB R3N 2B3.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 23, 2005