Ernie Bronstein

Ernie Bronstein lived till age 89; to quote him, Not bad for a young man. Ernie was a man with strong values and an ability to love life, be happy, and make others laugh. He woke up every morning with an appreciation for life. He said to Thelma, his wife, Do you know how blessed we are? You are so lucky. Do you know why? Because you are married to me. He had a quip for every occasion that caused people to smile. The Bronstein household served as a gathering place for the famous Friday night meals that had guests of all ages where there was eating and Yiddish singing into the night. Ernie's love of singing, dancing and his heartful speaking style, led the way at the Bronstein celebrations that were legendary in their expression of joy. Ernie came to Canada from a Russian shtetel with his younger brother Morris (Mooney), his father Beryl and his mother Raizel in 1926. Always a hard-worker, he ran the Whitla Lunch for 25 years and then became a top seller for Metropolitan/Great West Life Insurance where he worked well into his seventies. Ernie was community focused: he was an active volunteer until 87 years old. He worked for Meals on Wheels, Jewish Child Family Services, Manitoba Marathon, Brandies Lodge, Stay Young, Mama Loshen, Bekur Cholim (visiting the sick in hospitals), reading Yiddish at the Sharon Home and was a founding member of Shalom Residences (for mentally challenged adults) and received numerous awards for his devotion. He remained active playing tennis, curling, baseball, well into his 80's. Of his many accomplishments, Ernie was proudest of his family (to quote him I am the director, Thel is the producer ). In 1944, Ernie married the love of his life, Thelma, to whom he was devoted for the remaining 63 years of his life. They loved to dance together even in his last year in the Sharon Home. He was also very proud of his six children (including two doctors!) and 11 grandchildren. His grandchildren adored him and told Zaidi stories, which were stories of Ernie's antics, his wit and his love of play. Ernie is survived by his beloved wife, Thelma, his children, Dr. Gerry (Chaya), Marilyn (David), Sharon (Alan) Dr. David (Carla), Joel (Edna), Rochelle, his brother Morris (Doris), his sister-in-laws Lorraine, Ruth (Marc), Irma and grandchildren Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Shmuel, Raizy, Ami,Yoni, Sarah, Joel, Eland and Ella. The family would like to thank the staff of the Sharon Home and the nurses of the Seven Oaks Hospital, and especially Dr. Wairrich for caring for Ernie this past year. Donations in Ernie's memory can be made to the Shalom Residences (Bronstein Fund), 100-1010 Sinclair St., Winnipeg, MB R2V 3H7. Phone 582-7064.