HARRY GURVEY

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HARRY GURVEY Peacefully, on June 12, 2005, Harry Gurvey, beloved husband of Evelyn, passed away at St. Boniface Hospital. Harry will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by Evelyn, his devoted wife of 48 years; his children, Martin Gurvey (Brenda), Gayla Schwartz (Ken) and Alan Gurvey (Marcy); and grandchildren, Faren, Marli and Harlan Gurvey, Rayna, Lisa, Carly, Ali and Lindsey Schwartz. He was predeceased by his brother Morris Gurvey. He is also survived by brothers, Gerry Gurvey (Bunny) and Sid Gurvey (Maxine); and sisters-in-law, Irene Gurvey and Mindy Cantor; as well as many other relatives and friends. Harry was born in Winnipeg on July 18, 1915. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in Pharmacy and embarked on a long and respected career as a pharmacist in Winnipeg. He was recognized and honoured in 1995 as a 60 year member of the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association. He served with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a number one radar mechanic during The Second World War in Nova Scotia and Scotland. Over the years, Harry owned the Ellice Pharmacy, and then partnered with fellow pharmacist Rudy Goldman to form Gurvey and Rudy's Ellice Pharmacy. He concluded his career with Shopper's Drug Mart. Harry was a gentle, unassuming, affable man, with a seemingly unlimited breadth of knowledge. His interests were widespread, ranging from music to the arts to science and technology to business to current events to sports. His sense of humour and welcoming smile were the backdrop of a caring and interested man who never sought recognition or accolades. In his many years as a pharmacist he quietly touched the hearts of many, always there to provide astute advice and practical wisdom. He connected with people from all walks of life, mostly because he took a sincere personal interest in who they were and what they had to say. He was revered by his customers for his empathetic, understanding and non-judgemental demeanour. Harry not only amazed with his extraordinary knowledge, but also with his ability to fix anything and everything. Somehow, he seemed to know how everything worked. In recent years, he so enjoyed attending the Tuesday Retired Professional and Business Men's Club meetings and lunches. Other passions included travel, gardening, the serenity he found at his cottage at West Hawk Lake and his beloved Toronto Blue Jays. But Harry's greatest passion was his family. He was infinitely proud of his children and grandchildren, always there for them with a never-ending dose of unconditional love and support. Funeral services were held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on June 15, 2005. Pallbearers were Faren Gurvey, Marli Gurvey, Harlan Gurvey, Ken Schwartz, Mac Mills and Michael Kay. If friends so desire, donations may be made to The Harry Gurvey Endowment Scholarship Fund for the School of Pharmacy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (942-3085).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2005