WINNIPEG — Harold Buchwald’s death on April 17 sent shock waves through not only the Jewish community but the larger community as well.
Buchwald was the consummate community leader, always ready to provide advice and leadership. Although he recently turned 80, he was still a going concern involved in a myriad of activities.
“I had known Harold my entire life,” says Jonathan Kroft, president of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg. “The whole community, organized and otherwise, is shocked by his sudden passing. He had such amazing energy and such a breadth of interest. He was involved in so many things. There was so much important work he had yet to finish.”
Buchwald was born in Winnipeg to Frank and Bessie (Portigal) Buchwald. He received his BA in 1948 from the University of Manitoba and his bachelor of laws in 1952. (He earned a master of law in 1957 and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University in 1994.)
At university, he met Yude Henteleff, and the two became law partners and lifelong friends. In 1965, they formed the law firm Buchwald Henteleff. In 1970, they joined forces with the late Israel Asper to form Buchwald Asper Henteleff.
“The three of us were bound together by a love of the law and a commitment to social justice,” Henteleff says. “We also shared a commitment to the City of Winnipeg and the arts, and a passion for the Jewish people and for education. We felt strongly that as lawyers, we were in an ideal position to serve as advocates in ways that would enrich our community.”
The partners each served as president of the local chapter of the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, and on the national board and on the board of governors of the Hebrew University. Buchwald was honoured by that university two years ago when it created a permanent lecture series in his name.
Buchwald was a founder of the Canada-Israel Committee and served a term as president of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
In the arts, Buchwald took on the challenge about 10 years ago of saving the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra from bankruptcy. He was also a founder and the first executive director of Arts Stabilization Manitoba Inc., an organization whose purpose was to help arts organizations become more businesslike and efficient.
In addition, he served as head of the Health Sciences Centre Foundation and the Canadian Consumer Council and was a founder of the Business Council of Manitoba.
In 1993, he was inducted into the Order of Canada.
About 10 years ago, Buchwald Asper Henteleff merged with another law firm and became Pitblado. Buchwald retired from active practice three years ago and began a new career as a regular columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press and the Jewish Post and News.
He had most recently joined the fight to preserve the historic site of Upper Fort Garry in the heart of Winnipeg by stopping residential development there.
“Although Harold wasn’t coming into the office anymore, we still got together regularly for lunch,” Henteleff says. “We shared 60 years of ideas, thoughts and aspirations.
“Harold was a great soul who approached all issues with equanimity.”
Jonathan Kroft notes all the holes that will have to be filled as a result of Buchwald’s passing. “His leaving us is not only sad but also daunting,” Kroft says. “They don’t make men like Harold Buchwald every day. It will take time to pick up the pieces. We will never forget him.”
Buchwald is survived by his wife, Dee, who is active in the community in her own right, sons Jeffrey and Richard and their families.