It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Harvey Kleiman (Chaim ben Moishe) on Saturday April 8, 2017 (12 Nissan) in his 93rd year.
He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Rose Kleiman, and his sister, Florence of Winnipeg (the late Louis Selby). He is survived by his brother Jack, sister Betty of Winnipeg (the late Joseph Gilfix), Ruth of Winnipeg (the late Ben Aisenstat), and Ann of Bethesda, U.S.A. (Harold Eist). He will be missed by his many nephews, nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces, great grand nephews, and great grand nieces.
Harvey’s maternal grandparents were among the pioneer families established in the then Hirsch Colony (founded 1892) by the Jewish Colonization Association in the Southeast corner of Saskatchewan. Harvey and his brother Jack lived and farmed since 1924 on the same land purchased by their parents in the area. In later years they developed many business interests including Poplar Developments Ltd., an oil exploration company drilling locally. They became well known in the surrounding community and were generous supporters of local charitable initiatives such as the Estevan General Hospital and the proposed Estevan nursing home.
Harvey and his brother were the last Jewish farmers in the Hirsch area and over the years were the subject of many literary articles and television interviews. Due to advancing age, the family farm was sold in 2016 and Harvey and his brother retired to Calgary only in January of this year to be nearer to family. This marked the final closing of one chapter of Jewish history in Canada.
Although frail in body, Harvey remained active mentally and involved in life until the end.
The family wishes to thank the many friends and neighbours in the Estevan area who provided help and support in the last years. The funeral was held in Calgary on April 13, 2017 at the Jewish Memorial Chapel with interment at the 37th Street Jewish Cemetery. Donations may be made in Harvey’s memory to the Jewish National Fund (Manitoba/Saskatchewan Region).
