BEN RABER

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BEN RABER Surrounded by his loving family, Ben Raber passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at the Sharon Home Simkin Centre at the age of 84. Dad was predeceased by his wife Sadie (Pinsk) in 1985; his brothers, Wilfred and Michael; and sister Anne Lewengood. He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Allentuck, Marilyn Raber, Elaine Goldstine (Ian), and his grandchildren, Adam and Sarah Allentuck and Daniel and Jason Goldstine. By all accounts he was a mensch and a guta nashuma (a good soul). He was gentle, kind, considerate, compassionate and always willing to lend a hand to those in need in a selfless manner. He never sought the limelight. Dad was born in Poland and arrived in Winnipeg at six months of age. He grew up in Winnipeg's North End and graduated from St John's High School. He enlisted in the RCAF and saw action in Mossbank, Saskatchewan in the Ferry Squadron. He was an aircraft mechanic, and in spite of his lack of mechanical skill, we still won the war. He met his future wife in Regina during that time where they married in 1944. After the war, he studied at the New York School of Design where he learned to be a fashion designer. Dad worked for a number of companies in Winnipeg including Jacob Crawley, Sportease, and National Cloak. Dad and Mom opened their own factory, Raber Togs in 1965. They worked together until 1984 when they retired. The foundation upon which he built his life was based on love of family, the community and Israel. He was active in many organizations, such as the Combined Jewish Appeal, Jewish National Fund, Brandeis Lodge, YMHA's Stay Young, Jewish Child and Family Service, and Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre. He was a faithful Red Cross blood donor where he made over 100 donations. He also canvassed door to door for many organizations, including the Cancer Society, Kidney Disease, and the Canadian Diabetes Association. He was a member of the Shaarey Zedek and the Shammes there where he lead daily services from 1985 to1998. He supported and comforted people in mourning and those dealing with other of life's issues, and encouraged and educated new attendees. He fulfilled his longtime dream by making his first trip to Israel in 1977 with Sadie. After Mom passed away in 1985, Dad went to Israel every year for the next ten years on the JNF Volunteer Work Program. He tutored children, participated in archaeological digs, and toured with his friends. Dad's last trip to Israel was in 1996 when he was accompanied by Sharon and Elaine. In 1999 Dad moved to the Sharon Home. Though he suffered from dementia, he always had a warm smile and a handshake for those who greeted him. We wish to thank all of the north and south Sharon Home staff who cared for Dad for the past six years. A special thank you to all the second-floor staff of the Simkin Centre who lovingly cared for Dad for the last three years. Thank you to Rabbi Neal Rose, Steven Hyman and nurses Jane Jaculak and Trifona Bermisa. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Adam, Daniel and Jason, nephew Lorne Raber, great-nephew Mac Mills and close friend Bill Weissmann. Honorary pallbearers were his brothers-in-law Zol Pinsk and Sam Juravsky, close friend Meyer Silver and son-in-law Ian Goldstine. Donations may be made in Dad's memory to the Ben and Sadie Raber Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204) 477-7525 or www.jewishfoundation.org or the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 13, 2005