October 17, 1927 – June 14, 2017
Harold Fleishman (Hershy), aged 89, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2017.
He is survived by his wife Brownie of 62 years, his children, Mira (Neil) Zweiban, Ellen and Deborah, his grandchildren, Zachary, Paz, Alex and Mollie, his sister Toby Sawyer, his sisters-in-law, Gertie Nepon and Barbara Pierce, and many nieces and nephews.
Harold was the son of Jack and Ray Fleishman. He attended school in Winnipeg’s north end, received a BSc from the University of Manitoba and DDS from the University of Toronto. Upon graduation, Harold returned to Winnipeg where he practiced dentistry for over 50 years at the East Kildonan Dental Group. He was a mentor to many dentists. His patients travelled from all over the city to see him. He was a perfectionist at his work.
Harold had many interests. He was a leader in philanthropy and had a strong love for Israel and the Winnipeg community. Over the years Harold worked as a volunteer on behalf of the Combined Jewish Appeal/Jewish Federation, JNF and Knowles School for Boys. He was a director and on the board of governors for the Sharon Home/Simkin Centre, president of the Winnipeg North Rotary Club, and president the Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity. Harold was honoured to be the recipient of the Maimonides award for his leadership with Alpha Omega and the Max and Mollie Shore award which he received in 2015 for his overall service to the Jewish community.
Harold was a passionate musician. He played the saxophone professionally starting at age 13 at dance halls, weddings, nursing homes or just because. He enjoyed golfing, being a member of the Glendale Country Club for over 55 years, curling, fishing, playing bridge and cheering for his home teams. Harold loved the beach, spending his summers since he was a child at Winnipeg Beach and later his winters at the Kahala Beach in Hawaii. Above all, Harold’s priority was being a devoted husband, father, zaida, brother, uncle and friend. He would do anything for them.
Despite numerous physical ailments, Harold continued to travel and attend social and community events. He enjoyed life to its fullest believing that there is no point in being alive if you are not living. Harold was a gladiator in his fight with Parkinson’s and heart diseases. He demonstrated triumph of spirit over mind and body.
The family would like to thank Harold’s caregivers in Winnipeg and Hawaii. They called themselves Harold’s angels and they truly were. He could not have lived the life he did without their help.
Funeral services were held on June 16 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Pallbearers were Zachary Zweiban, Paz Zweiban, Alex Dashefsky, Jerry Sawyer, Susan Remis, Stephen Smith and Billy Brodovsky.
If desired, donations to Harold’s memory may be made to the Brownie and Harold Fleishman endowment fund at the Jewish Foundation of Winnipeg (204-477-7525) or a charity of your choice. We will always love and miss you.
