It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather, Norman Odwak, who passed away peacefully in his home on January 18, 2020, at the age 80.
Norman was born September 5, 1939, in Winnipeg, the youngest of four children. He met Brenda Odwak (née Mindell) and they were married June 14, 1961. Soon after, Norman joined his father-in-law where they worked side-by-side at City Meat. Norman went on to a long career in the meat business, having owned and managed his family business, Norman’s Meats until its closure in 2007. Norman was a passionate man, and fully invested himself into his interests, such as: golfing, the horse races, exercising, art, fashion, and gardening, to name a few. He loved spending weekends at the family cottage in Gimli, where he could garden and listen to his favourite classical music, and enjoyed his winter trips to Hawaii where he could sit by the pool or on the beach and read the latest novels.
Above all, Norman cherished his family and loved to tell stories of his childhood and family in the North End of Winnipeg, where he grew up with his siblings, Sam (z”l), Faye and Sophie, and his parents Celia (z”l) and Harry Odwak (z”l). His love of large family gatherings came full circle as Norman was able to walk down the aisle at his eldest grandson Justin’s wedding to Sarah in 2016.
Norman is survived by his wife Brenda; his children, Lisa, Susan, and Harry (Lisa); and his six grandchildren, Justin (Sarah), Cori, David, Noah, Zach, and Adam; as well as sisters, Sophie, and Faye; and his nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Coates for his many years of wonderful care and friendship.
Norman’s funeral was held on January 20, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek.
Donations can be made in his memory to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or Congregation Shaarey Zedek.
