NORMAN VICKAR

NORMAN VICKAR FEB 21, 1917- OCT 17, 2015

With great respect for his life and sadness at our loss, the family of Norman Vickar, aged 98 years, announces his passing on October 17, 2015.

He leaves behind Florence (nee Zeitlin), his wife of 68 years; his children Larry and Tova Vickar, Reva and Allan Micflikier, Faye Vickar Lazer and Joel Lazer; his grandchildren Sam and Lisa, Stephen and Marie, Daniel and Heather, Sara, Jacob and Alysha, Jilda and Cameron, Sara and Christopher, Lawrence and Szandra; his great grandchildren Mason and Vaughn, Max and Zev, Noa and Eli, Elliot, Lila and Simone; his brother and sister-in-law Harry and Eve Vickar, his sisters-in-law Ann Vickar and Gnessie Vickar as well as a large extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents Sam and Gertrude Vickar and his brothers Ed, Morris and Joe Vickar.

Dad was born in 1917 in the farming community of Edenbridge, Saskatchewan. In 1947 he married Florence Zeitlin and our childhood years were spent in Gronlid and Melfort, Saskatchewan. Dad was an entrepreneur who settled into ownership of a car dealership with two of his brothers.

He followed his father and others of his family in his outstanding involvement in community affairs. He was president of the Hebrew congregation, B'nai B'rith, Melfort Rotary Club, the Elks Lodge, and the Melfort Board of Trade. He served as town councillor followed by seven years as Mayor of Melfort.

Mom and Dad moved to Regina in 1976 where he served two terms as MLA for Melfort and District as the Minister of Industry and Commerce. In 1993 the Saskatchewan government recognized Dad's service by naming a government office building in Melfort 'The Norman Vickar Building'.

With their move to Winnipeg in 1983 Dad went from full time employment in Saskatchewan to full time volunteer in Manitoba. He shared a Meals on Wheels delivery route with two of his grandsons. He was active with the Winnipeg Jewish Community Council, President of the Jewish National Fund for Saskatchewan and Manitoba, on the board of the Jewish Heritage Centre and the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue where his funeral was held on October 19th.

Dad was a man of integrity who was the glue in a very large family. He taught us so much. He showed us that respect must be earned. He was kind and thoughtful. He was a devoted Zionist, a committed Jew, but a man of the whole community. A remarkable role model for us all.

Dad was happiest when surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His back rubs are legend- mentioned by several grandchildren at his funeral.

During his final days we were able to facilitate Dad's ability to vote in the Federal election. He had said, "I have to vote".

On what was to be Dad's last evening, his request was simple: "Take care of Mom". We will do that with the help of an exemplary team of caregivers for whom we are very thankful.

We are mindful of our good fortune to have had our Dad with us for so many good years. Grateful is an understatement. He taught all of us so much by his words and deeds.

Donations are gratefully accepted either to the Jewish National Fund, 530 Kenaston Blvd., Wpg.,Mb. R3N 1Z4 or to a fund in his memory at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 123 Doncaster St., Suite C400, Wpg., Mb. R3N 2B2.