A Hero in Our Midst

Many of you will remember Katy Simons, who was a hero in our midst. We remember Katy as a story teller, an artist, and a maker of countless origami globes and cranes. It was Katy's legacy to the church that got us through some difficult financial years.

During the Second World War, Katy, who was a young Dutch woman, risked her life many times to protect Jewish citizens of Holland. Katy is being honoured by the Holocaust Education Centre and the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg. We are invited to join the ceremonies which will be held Thursday May 5th at 7:30 pm at the Berney Theatre of the Asper Campus, 123 Doncaster Street.

[Note from Karin, Webmaster: The tulip garden in the front of the church is a memorial garden honouring Katy. Her ashes were spread amoung the flowers from her homeland after her passing. A memorial plaque can be found in the church library.]

In a world of total moral collapse, there was a small minority who mustered extraordinary courage to uphold human values. These were the “Righteous Among the Nations”. 

The Holocaust Education Centre and the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg present a very special program to celebrate the exceptional men and women who risked their lives and those of their families to rescue local Winnipeg survivors during the Shoah.

In addition, we will be honouring:

• Blessed Father Emilian Kowcz
• Anje Van Tongeren
• The late Erika (Katy) Simons (who was a member of the First Unitarian Universalist Church)

Thursday, May 5th 7:30 pm at the Berney Theatre, Asper Jewish Community Campus at 123 Doncaster Street.

Master of Ceremonies: Reverend Dr. James Christie

Louis Picard - October 20, 1955 - December 15, 2010

For those who didn't know Louis and his ex wife, Lynn, they were very strong supporters of the church for as long as I have been involved...over 20 years. Lynn was the DRE for much of the 90s before Mona Zaharia and has been teaching English in Thailand for the past 6-7 years or so.

Lynn and Louis raised 3 lovely daughters in the church, Nicole, Danielle, and Margot, who were constant fixtures while growing up in the church - as part of the RE program when young, attending youth groups and conferences in their teens, and, as young adults, running the infant and toddler day care on Sundays for many years.

Louis was a builder in the true sense of the word. His limitless energy and his contacts in the construction industry were instrumental in finding and renovating our current building and property - securing permits, contractors, and materials. He gave generously of his time, energy, and financial resources, most recently for our new deck. In addition, Louis was always serving on some committee - Finance, Properties, Capital Fundraising, and though he hadn't attended often, lately, he will be fondly remembered as one of the foundation stones of this church. He loved this place.

There were over 300 people at his funeral service on December 20. Thanks to Millie, Don Bailey, Keith Bradley, and many volunteers, as even though the sanctuary was packed to capacity, we accommodated the overflow in the basement common space with audio/video equipment. Louis' family, including Nicole, Danielle, and Margot, spoke highly of him and during the reception Kris Breckman and Ruth Pearce spoke about his contributions to the church. The church has lost a great friend and staunch supporter.

~Craig Edwards, Board President

Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology

...officially opened its doors on October 1st, 2010, at Assiniboine Community College in Brandon, Manitoba.

Congratulations, Len, on this honour. We are very proud of you!