ALVIN RAETZEN

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ALVIN RAETZEN November 22, 1912 - October 29, 2016. Just weeks before his 104th birthday, Al passed away peacefully at The Simkin Centre after a long full life. He was able to continue residing in the condo where he had lived for forty years until just this past April. Al was born and partly raised in Winnipeg. He spent much of his youth in Canora, SK. and Windsor, ON. He joined the RAF in 1941 and was a flight navigator on many missions during the Second World War. In 1944 his plane was shot down and he was captured and imprisoned for one year in a German POW camp. This experience shaped the rest of his life. After the war he returned to Canada and shortly thereafter met and married Abigail Levinson, his wife of 55 years. They had two children Mark in 1946 and Anne in 1951. In the early years of their marriage, Al worked for Abby's father Hesse Levinson on a mink ranch in Headingley, but most of his career was as a manufacturer's representative in the menswear industry. He continued working well into his seventies. He always had a passion for golf which he played into his nineties. In fact, he usually preferred walking the course rather than using a golf cart, even in his younger days when he might play 36 holes on any given day. He had a hole in one at age 40 and again at age 80. In his retirement, Al and Abby enjoyed many winters in Palm Springs. Al drove until age ninety-two and continued playing the stock market until he was nearly ninety-nine. Al was predeceased by his beloved wife Abby in 2001 and every other family member from his generation as well as many from the generation following. He is survived by Mark (Andrea) and Anne (David) and many loving nieces and nephews as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews. Al was an uncomplaining stoic man who faced whatever obstacles he encountered with determination and a positive attitude. He made a wonderful life for his wife and family despite his modest beginnings. He was also very generous and regularly contributed to many charities. Al was an ardent sports fan, especially the Bombers and the Blue Jays, and he and Abby enjoyed going to the symphony, theatre, ballet and opera. In earlier years, the month of July was spent at Clear Lake, memories of which will never be forgotten. A graveside service was held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery, November 1. Pallbearers were, David Milani, Steven Ratson, Gary Ratson, Reese Ratson, Kevin Zuk, and Blake Robert. Cantor Anibal Mass officiated. The family is grateful for the wonderful care Al received these past six months at The Simkin Centre. He was very happy there. Special thanks to Medox and the kind compassionate care provided by their staff. Thank you especially to Hector Baclao for his years of service and for helping to make Al's last summer so enjoyable. Al enjoyed life almost to the end and recently said he was still happy to wake up every morning. A life well lived. If friends so choose, a donation in Al's memory may be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. No shiva.
Publish Date: Nov 5, 2016

ALVIN RAETZEN Al Raetzen passed away at the Simkin Centre Saturday morning, October 29, 2016, less than one month before his 104th birthday. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 1 at 12:00 noon at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery, Main and Armstrong, Gate 3, Section 3H, Row 10. Lunch to follow at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. There will be no shiva. Longer obituary to follow.

Publish Date: Oct 31, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2016