October 9, 1924 – August 7, 2017
Surrounded by family, John Berkowitz passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital.
He is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Sharon; and his three children, Mark Berkowitz (Sharon), Chaia Berkowitz (Jonathan) and Mindy Berkowitz-Abramson (Jeff), seven grandchildren, Michal, Yael and Shiri, Aaron and Jacob, Daniel and Jordan and many nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his parents Zalman and Chaia, older brother Mendel and his younger brother Itzhak Ber (Claire).
A service was officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue with internment at the Rosh Pina Cemetary on August 9, 2017. Pallbearers were Jacob Nadal, Jeff Abramson, Jonathan Rajsky, Grant Vogel, David Berkowits and Brent Apter. Honorary pallbearer was Rob Berkowits.
John was a Holocaust survivor who came to Canada in 1948. He owned and operated American Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners for 35 years. He instilled in his family love, the importance of tzdaka and helping your community and a passion for Israel. John was a story teller, a gardener, a cook, a shuel goer, a craftsman, a Zionist, a teacher and a student.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Simkin Centre, in particular the nurses and attendants in Weinberg 1. A special thank you is extended to John’s companions Raje and Mary for the wonderful care they provided John.
May John’s memory be a blessing to all who knew him and may tomorrow always be a better day.
If desired, John’s memory may be honoured by a donation to the March of the Living program care of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg.
