It is with great sadness that the family of Harry Warren announces his recent passing at the age of 98. He leaves to mourn him his beloved wife of 74 years Nora , his son Marty and wife Jacquie (Dahl) and his grandchildren David and Nikki. He also leaves to mourn him numerous nephews and nieces . Harry was predeceased by his father Maurice Waisman , mother Sarah , sister Betty and brothers Louis, Robert and William. He was also predeceased by his son Paul.
Harry was born and raised in the north end of Winnipeg and lived with his family on Cathedral Ave. At an early age he became interested in sports and became proficient in hockey, skiing, tennis and golf . He attended St.John’s High School where he also participated in the track and field club.
Harry then went on to study at the University of Manitoba where he graduated in 1947 with a degree in civil engineering. He found work in Montreal in the late 40’s and met the love of his life, Nora on a blind tennis date with another couple. They were married on Jan 16, 1949 and moved back to Winnipeg in 1950 just in time to experience the “flood of the century”. They managed to stay afloat and Harry practiced as a structural engineer until 1953.
He then decided to enter the life insurance business following in the footsteps of his father and joined The Manufacturer ’s Life Insurance Co. now referred to as Manulife Financial. In 1956 he earned his degree as a Chartered Life Underwriter. Professionally, he served as president of The Winnipeg Life Underwriters Association, The Winnipeg Chartered Life Underwriters Chapter, The Winnipeg Estate Planning Council and he served on the board of directors of The Life Underwriters Association of Canada. He was a five star master builder of Manulife’s production club as well as a life and qualifying member of The Million Dollar Round Table, an international organization of life underwriters. Nora and Harry travelled extensively during his years as an insurance salesman, having qualified for many insurance conventions with Manulife. He always carried his pocket sketchbook with him to record their travels in a lasting manner. Harry sold his insurance brokerage company (Pol-Mar Agencies) in 1996 and retired in May of 1999. He always considered his clients as his extended family, and missed them after his retirement.
In his spare time, he served as president of The Brandeis Lodge and served on the board of directors of The Rosh Pina Synagogue and The Glendale Golf and Country Club. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and the Winnipeg Harvest.
Along the way, Harry and Nora had 2 sons ; Paul born in 1952 and Martin in 1957. Together the family spent many enjoyable summers at their cottage in Falcon Lake . He especially enjoyed his time on the water in the sailboat, canoe and motorboat. Harry took great pleasure in spending quality time with his family and also enjoyed his many hobbies including sketching, painting , sculpture and photography.
After retiring, Nora & Harry bought a home in Sun City West, Arizona where they spent 22 happy winters with new found friends. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis and pickleball in the warm desert climate. In his later years, he became an amateur clown named Leonardo and entertained seniors in Arizona as well as children in Winnipeg. Harry continued his life long learning habit by taking courses with The Rio Institute of Senior Education in Surprise, Arizona and he later volunteered to conduct classes with the institute.
A service for Harry was held at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park Cemetery on March 26, 2023. In lieu of flowers , donations can be made in his honour to which ever charity is preferred. Finally, the family would also like to thank all of the care givers associated with the W.R.H.A. Palliative Care unit, Esther’s Group private care group and the doctors, nurses and staff at the Riverview Health Centre who did their best to keep Harry as comfortable as possible during this past year.