Dr. Norman Goldberg passed away on January 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He made the world a better place.

Norman was born on April 2, 1948, to Evelyn and David Goldberg, who raised him and his siblings, Harvey and Penny, to work hard to reach their potential. Always an excellent student, he was a finalist on the high school television quiz show “Reach for the Top”, earned his medical degree from the University of Manitoba, and became a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine.

Dr. Goldberg was a beloved physician, known for his compassion, up-to-date knowledge, diagnostic acumen, and endless patience. He embraced the management of complex cases including children with brain injuries, disabilities, HIV, and developmental and adolescent issues. He was a tireless advocate for the children in his care.

He was a university teacher and mentor and received the Dr. Leighton N. Young Distinguished Pediatrician Award. He served on many hospital teams including two decades with the Pediatric Brain Injury team.

Dr. Goldberg was able to calm the children’s fears. He spoke directly to them. He took off his white coat so they would not be afraid. For children with sleep problems, he sometimes dispensed his famous invention: a spray bottle filled with diluted mouthwash which bore an official label with his name, signature, and prescriber number. The label said “Monster Spray – use under the bed as needed”. It worked. (Patent pending)

His volunteer work impacted many. He was a founding director of the Winnipeg Ronald McDonald House. He served in leadership roles in the Manitoba and Canadian Pediatric Societies, the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, the Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba, Planned Parenthood, and many other organizations. He served on two synagogue boards. He helped lead a major project to settle refugees from Darfur.

Norman was a devoted husband, father, and Zaide (grandfather). His 53-year marriage with Marilyn was a loving partnership. They were best friends and each other’s cheerleaders. The dreams of their youth came true.

Norman’s children, Aviva, Amy, and Daniel, were the light of his life. He gave them unconditional love and support. He played with them, comforted them, encouraged them, read to them, and taught them what they needed to thrive. He overruled Marilyn when the children wanted a puppy. He instilled in them a love of Judaism, taking them to synagogue, dressing as Moses for a Passover Seder, blessing them at Shabbat dinners, and celebrating their Bar and Bat Mitzvot. He recently said how blessed he was to see his children become generous, kind, fulfilled adults, all with loving partners. They are his finest legacy.

His grandsons, Sam and Isaac, gave him further joy. Zaide played pranks on them, made them his secret scrambled eggs recipe, and loved every moment spent with them.

Norman will be lovingly remembered by Marilyn, Harvey (Ruth), Penny, Aviva (Greg Di Cresce, Sam and Isaac), Amy (Dan Poxon, Abi and Caleb), Daniel (Hilary Bohn), Frank (Mercedes), Laurie (Lesley), Jerry (Merle); our family, friends, his colleagues and patients.

Our deepest thanks to the many kind people who cared for, comforted and supported Norman and our family both before and after his passing.

Donations in Norman’s memory may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, or a charity of your choice.

Norman was a “gitte neshuma”, a good soul. May his memory be a blessing.