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FUNERAL, EULOGY & REFLECTION

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David Kwinter's funeral took place on December 11, 2001 at the Shaar Hashomayim Cemetery in Montreal, Quebec. The graveside service was conducted by Rabbi Wilfred Shuchat, who, poingnantly, had presided at David's wedding to his beloved wife Laya, in 1947.  Rabbi Schuchat remarked how he remembered as a young rabbi, officiating at David and Laya's wedding and that he now had the sad task of presiding at first Laya's and now David's funeral.  Life, Rabbi Schuchat commented, 'had come full circle'.   David's son, Stephen Kwinter, delivered the following eulogy:

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On behalf of the family I would like to thank everyone who was able to attend this sad occasion.

 

My father was a member of what has been correctly termed the Greatest Generation. It was a generation that saved and shaped the world we live in today. Tempered by the great depression of the 30s, David, like many of his contemporaries, had the courage and idealism to face down and defeat the great scourge of fascism in the 40s. In the 50’s David made his important contribution to the baby boom and the 60’s, 70’s and 80s saw my Father participate in and contribute to the greatest economic expansion the world has ever seen. The last decade saw my Father enjoy a well-earned retirement, fishing and reveling in his grandchildren. My Father, as you can see, had quite a life.

 

If there was one single characteristic that could best describe my Father it would be his incredible generosity. My Father lived by the ancient credo that helping hands are holier than praying lips. And what a pair of hands he had. Is there anyone present today who at one time did not receive help from my Father? More importantly, is there one person here today who would not expect to receive help from my Father if he, or she, asked? My Father was simply the most generous and selfless person that I have ever known.

 

In an effort to minimize the impact of any person Charles De Gaulle once cynically said, “Cemeteries are filled with indispensable men.” With respect, I would have to disagree with this perspective. My Father was indeed, indispensable. Whether as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather or friend my Father played roles that were truly indispensable and, as we are now bitterly feeling and will feel for the rest of our lives, irreplaceable. Whether as David Kwinter, Davy, Dad, Uncle Davy or Grandpa, my Father will be missed.

 

It would be very remiss of me not to mention at this time one person present today. My Uncle Monte was the proverbial rock of Gibraltar from the first moment my Father fell ill. No man could be blessed with a more dedicated and supportive brother. No words can express my or my brother’s thanks and gratitude for the help and guidance that my Uncle Monte extended us through my father’s illness. He acted as a second father to Hirsh and I and for that incredible kindness, we will be forever grateful.

 

And so now we have come full circle. It was a long, rich and fruitful life cycle that started in Toronto, traveled to Montreal, meandered to Florida, briefly returned to Toronto and concluded here. Can anyone think of a more appropriate ending, being next to my beautiful Mother? But is it the end? Somehow I think they are together again, hand in hand. The loves’ of their respective lives. In peace. Forever.