ALAN HIRSCHEL BRONSTONE -

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ALAN HIRSCHEL BRONSTONE 1932 - 2005 With great sadness we announce the passing of Alan Hirschel Bronstone on September 12, 2005. Alan was born on April 18, 1932 in Niverville, MB, a small city just outside Winnipeg. The older of two sons of Hymie and Merle Bronstone. Alan leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Sharon, daughters, Linda (Jay) and Heather (Zvi); son Adam; and granddaughters, Samantha, Morgan, Or and Braidin. From early on Alan's parents raised him in a Jewish home, albeit without the ability to give him and his brother Robert a formal Jewish educational upbringing. Alan worked with in the family business, Bronstone Building Supplies, and upon the death of his father took over the business with his mother. The family and company remained a pillar of the Niverville community until the move to Winnipeg, so much so that three years ago the first street to be named after a founding family was named after the Bronstones. Upon their move to Winnipeg, Alan transitioned the company into a builder and owner of houses and apartments. After many years in the business, Alan and his family moved to Israel. Upon their return, Alan became a licensed travel agent, first working and then eventually buying Witman Travel and, in his final years, working with Platinum Travel. From 1984 until his passing, Alan always prided himself on giving service par excellence to his clients, be it with late night service for the stranded, hand-delivering of tickets or by picking someone up at the Palm Springs Airport. Even after he was not able to go into the office, Alan was still working, answering client needs from his home and making sure they were taken care of the right way. Throughout his life, Alan had many other passions. He was devoted to his family, and cared for his mother, two great-aunts and cousins. For his mother and two great-aunts Alan could commonly be seen doing their grocery shopping or taking care of their other needs. For the rest of the family, he was a central figure - knowing everyone, and always making them feel welcome in his home. Jewish education, Israel and Judaism were always staples of Alan's life. Friday night Shabbat meals were a family tradition and not to be missed, he was a long-standing member of the Board of Shaarey Zedek and served as the head usher for the synagogue for over 20 years, spent much time in Israel as part of his work and with his family, and made sure that his three children received a strong formal jewish education by their attendance and graduation from the Jewish day school system in Winnipeg. His four granddaughters carry on that tradition today. Finally, Alan loved many other aspects of life, including Scottish music, bagpipe and drum bands, watching football and baseball games with his family and also, a good dinner out with friends and family. Recently, Alan was able to spend his last birthday with his entire family on a mini-trip to the United States, and also celebrated his 46th wedding anniversary, which took place on September 6, with most of his family around him. Funeral services were held graveside at the Hebrew Sick Benefit Association Cemetary on Wednesday, September 14. The eulogy was given by his son, Adam, and services were conducted by Rabbi Balser and David Bloomfield, a dear friend of the family. Pallbearers included son-in-law Jay Filbert, cousin Alec Arenson from Winnipeg, cousin Frank Berman from Minneapolis, cousin Lyon Palef from Ottawa, and Winnipeggers, Ami Margovski, Sid Palansky, Howard Gilmore and Ron Reider. The entire family wants to extend its deepest gratitudes to Alan's many doctors, nurses and aides, and a special thanks to the staff at the Sherbrooke Dialysis Unit for their service to him. We want to further express our thanks to all of our friends who have helped us through this time with condolence cards and Shiva meals and visits. Donations on behalf of Alan can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Manitoba Division or Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Branch. Alan courageously battled to live. He endured many difficult procedures to prolong his life because continuing to live was important to him. But it was becoming more difficult and, perhaps as a blessing, he died suddenly at home early Monday morning, in Mom's arms. Alan Bronstone lived life to the fullest and leaves many great memories behind for both his family and friends.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2005