RUDOLF COHN

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RUDOLF COHN It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Rudolf Cohn, on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at St. Boniface Hospital. Rudolf fought a long and courageous battle with Gaucher's disease. His will to overcome was tremendous, but eventually this disease and it's complications took him. Rudolf was born in Frankfurt, Germany on July 20, 1926. During the Nazi occupation, Rudolf's father was enslaved in a labour camp. By a miracle, he was smuggled out and escaped to Colombia. While waiting to hear from his father for help, Rudolf realized time was running out. At the tender age of ten, Rudolf took upon himself the responsibility to get his family out of Germany. Rudolf had the clarity of mind and ingenuity to write a letter to the European Jewish Agency and he was able to secure the passage out of Nazi Germany for his mother, younger brother and himself. They arrived in Colombia in 1938, without any resources and not speaking a word of Spanish, to begin a new life. Rudolf worked from a very young age, first to help provide for his parents and brother, then to provide for his wife and children. Rudolf was charming, kind, funny and a clever businessman, self taught and self made. He built two successful businesses over his career that gave his family the comforts that he did not have growing up. In Colombia, Rudolf learnt the meaning of happiness when he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. Theirs was true love, in every sense of the word. They shared a connection that is rare to find. They loved and nurtured one another for over 50 years. He was an active and giving member to the Jewish Community and B'nai Brith in Colombia. Rudolf was able to make a positive impact on his community. He made many lifetime friendships in Colombia. Together, he and his wife, Elizabeth raised their three children, Ingrid, Arnold and Herbert in a loving home. It became evident in 1982 that Colombia was becoming a dangerous place to live. He selflessly left behind his business and friends for the well being of his children, and began a third chapter of his life. Rudolf moved his family from drug cartel infested Colombia to Winnipeg. In Canada he was able to enjoy his retirement, further the education of his children and spend his leisure time with his wife. They loved to travel and explore the world together. Rudolf was predeceased by his parents, Valentin and Gertrude, and his brother, Heinz. He leaves to mourn his wife, Elizabeth, his children: Ingrid, Arnold (Carla), and Herbert (Cara), his grandchildren: Lizzy, Sam, Daniel, Joey, Melanie and Tyler. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Ricardo Quesada, Dr. Majid Shojania, Dr. Andrew Cooke, the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital and CancerCare Manitoba for their genuine care and support. Funeral services were held on November 6, 2011 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, with Rabbi Alan Green officiating. Pallbearers were Arnold, Herbert, Sam and Daniel Cohn, Darryl Levy, and Jack Hurtig. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Boniface Hospital by calling 237-2067 or to Jewish Child and Family Service, 477-7430.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 12, 2011