ROBERT HANDLER, P. ENG.

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ROBERT HANDLER, P. ENG. Robert was born November 15, 1928, passed away on April 8, 2017 (13 months ago). He was predeceased by his parents, Abraham and Minnie (Manya) Handler (nee Labovitch). He married Rochelle (Ricky) Shwartz on December 25, 1955. Ricky and Bobby had four children, all of whom survive him: Micheal, his wife Cathie Gold, and their children, Brindy, husband Sean and sons, Nathan and Connor; Jody, and her son Renan; and Jesse and his wife Roseline, and their children, Mathis and Camille; Debra, and her daughter Sage; Allan; Susan, her husband Troy De Luca, and their son Tyler, and his daughter, Hazel. Robert is also survived by his sister, Macci Benditt and her family. Robert made many excellent choices in his life, but his best, no doubt, was marrying Ricky Shwartz. They had an amazing love affair, one that never ended. A favourite part of that marriage was the Shwartz cottage on Prospect Street at Winnipeg Beach. He loved cottage life with the Shwartz's, at one time a sprawling and rollicking 13 bedroom affair. That also led to a lifelong love of boating, both on the Red and at Winnipeg Beach. Robert became an avid boater, and to learn the intricacies of navigation and operating boats big and small, he took a course offered by Canadian Power Squadron, which he later taught to new boaters. Other volunteer work included his work on the 'Building Committee' of the then Rosh Pina Synagogue, as well as for B.B. Camp, and the Redboine Boat Club. What people should also know about Robert is that he loved work....so long as it was work he loved. The work he enjoyed the most was developing farmland into building lots, in particular in Oakbank, MB. He recognized that helping builders reach their goals helped Robert reach his. Early in his professional career, Robert for many years worked at BACM as a Civil Engineer, specializing in the construction of sewer, water, and road infrastructure. The work he did, and being able to learn from his boss, a giant in Winnipeg's construction industry, Mr. Saul Simkin, launched Robert on his own career as a developer. Current opinions and recollections vary a little as to the population of Oakbank when Robert started. Whether it was 300, 500, or 700 souls when he began, Oakbank is now a beautiful town of around 6000. The vast majority of these residents live on what used to be farmland before Robert became involved. It is beyond question that, professionally speaking, Oakbank was Roberts's life work. His vision of the future notwithstanding, Robert needed and had tremendous local support. A very early supporter was the then secretary treasurer of Springfield, Eric Towler. Without Eric's belief in the value of the first proposed subdivision, who knows what the Council back then may have decided. But they too saw the value in the plans, and approved it. In addition, many other Springfielders, over many decades, were both supportive and helpful. The house builders, some of whom have been building in Springfield for many decades, others for only a few years, were also critical to Robert's success. A measure of how Robert was thought of by many Springfielders was shown, following Robert's passing, when the Canadian flag outside the Municipal office was lowered to half mast. That gesture buoyed the moods and spirits of many of Robert's loved ones, and we are grateful for that gesture. After Ricky's passing, Robert was disconsolate, and somewhat lost/lonely. He was lucky enough to find a second great love. Following Ricky's passing, Bev Lockshin and her clan took Robert into their hearts, and he lived the rest of his life with Bev and her love and caring and attention. Bev's children, Arnie and Debra (his lottery ticket partner), also felt his loss keenly. Although many have likely forgotten, Robert at one time was a (small) part owner of the WHA Jets. What isn't so easily forgotten is his wonderful laugh, or the twinkle in his eye. As many know, he was always at the ready to share his knowledge with others as to how best to accomplish whatever task was being undertaken. By the same token if hard decisions had to be made, he made them. In that way, he really was "a man for all seasons". Robert's unveiling will be at Rosh Pina Memorial Park, 2795 Main St., June 17, 2018, at 9:45 a.m. A meal of consolation will follow at Etz Chayim, 123 Matheson Ave. East.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 09, 2018