ELLSWORTH ALGERNON POLIAH

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ELLSWORTH ALGERNON POLIAH 1935 - 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather Ellsworth on February 9, 2016 at 80 years old. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife of 48 years, our mother Lena, in 2008. Left to cherish Dad's memory are his sons Schenley and Ravi Poliah, daughter Arlene Elliott, and grandchildren Shaylyn and Jared Maharaj-Poliah and Keegan and Adam Elliott. Dad was born on Harris Street in San Fernando, Trinidad on June 30, 1935. He was the eldest brother to seven brothers and sisters. He will be greatly missed by Ken, Frank, Merle, Marion, George, Wayne and their families in Trinidad and his sister Angeline (Charles) In Florida. They can take comfort in knowing their "mambo king" is now teaching angels to dance in heaven, eating coconut ice-cream and sharing jazz history to an appreciative audience. Ellsworth came to Canada as a qualified teacher in 1966 to teach in Moose Lake, Manitoba. We joined him a year later to begin a new life in Canada. When we moved to Winnipeg, Dad taught at General Vanier Elementary School and then J.H. Bruns Collegiate in the St. Boniface School Division until his retirement. Dad was an enthusiastic and gifted teacher. He had a gentle way of listening that made his students feel that their lives mattered and that encouraged them to reach their potential. Dad was a man of quiet strength, dignity and strong faith. He delighted in making friends from many faiths and cultures. He taught us to respect people, to seek to understand others and to celebrate differences. Dad always lead by example and encouraged us to "be the change we wanted to see in the world." In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service and reception will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 19, at the Glen Lawn Funeral Home at 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. A private family interment will take place at the Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of may be made directly online at www.Parkinson.ca or to a charity of your choice. Our family would like to express our gratitude to all of the family, friends and neighbors for their love, support and prayers throughout the course of Dad's illness. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of the staff, students and families on the 3E Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre for their care and support during his time there and to the St. Boniface Home care staff who cared for him at home. We were truly touched by all of your dedication and compassion. He wanted to die on his own terms in comfort and with dignity and he did- thanks to all of you. Cry not when you think of me For now my soul flies high and free Take comfort in knowing there is no more pain Encircled in the Lord's arms I live again. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2016