ALVIN SPRINTZ
January 18, 1922 - March 15, 2012
With great sadness the family of Al
Sprintz wishes to share the news of his
passing on March 15, 2012, at the age of
ninety, after a lengthy illness. He was
predeceased by his precious wife Becky and
his parents Malka and Yakov Sprintz.
Left to mourn his passing and celebrate
his life are his children, Carol Sprintz
and Gary Sprintz (Mona); his grandchildren
Jonathon (Kori), Danial (Rebecca) and Mila
Rae. His great-grandchildren Gavin and
Gage and future granddaughter due any
minute will not get to know him
personally, but they will hear his music.
His sister Velma Kesten and sister-in-law
Lenore Kagan will also miss his stories
and his fun loving spirit. He had numerous
cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who
will miss the time they spent with him
sitting in the yard or at the lake or in
the clubs or just hanging out.
Al was born in Bessarabia, Romania, on
January 18, 1922. He immigrated to Canada
at a young age with his parents and
sister. He grew up in the North End on
Pritchard Avenue across the street from
his beloved future wife Becky. They were
destined to be together from childhood
until her untimely death in 1987. There
was never a day after that he did not miss
her.
In the heart of the North End of the city
he also discovered his second love ...
music. He learned the basics on the violin
and quickly was motivated to move onto the
clarinet and saxophone. He also composed
music for his bands. He would constantly
be humming and tapping. Suddenly, he would
rush for paper and pencil, quickly draw a
staff and begin writing his music. He
listened to Artie Shaw constantly. Al was
well known in the music world and played
his horns to the delight of all those who
frequented night clubs all over the city,
especially his favourite gig at the Club
Monaco where he entertained for twenty six
years.
Al was also a veteran of the Second World
War. He enlisted in the Air Force and
travelled all over Europe entertaining the
troops. He and his musicians and acts were
as welcome overseas as they were in
Winnipeg. His time overseas also
considerably enlarged his repertoire of
stories. And ... could he ever tell a
story!
Though Al had many, many entrepreneurial
projects after the war, music was his
constant companion. When his son, Gary,
began his clothing business, Al Sprintz
and Son, Al was always there to give him
tips, advice and encouragement. He was the
consummate salesman and helped Gary
immensely in getting the suit business off
the ground. Eventually, he became a
partner and still continued to go to the
office every day until last year.
About five years ago Dad had to stop
playing his music. His hand tremors had
become worse and he could no longer
control the sounds of his music or his
trembling fingers. That was a sad time. He
had lost his second love.
Special thanks to caregivers Alletta and
Janice who treated him with dignity and
respect during his declining months. Also,
the doctors and nurses and staff at Seven
Oaks Hospital during his lengthy stay.
Funeral services, conducted eloquently by
Rabbi Lander, were held on Sunday, March
18, 2012, at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery
under a beautifully blue and sunny sky.
Many relatives, friends and acquaintances
came to pay their respects. His
grandchildren spoke of him with affection
and good humour. We know he was proud of
them. We know he was smiling. Pallbearers
were Jonathon Sprintz, Danial Sprintz,
Mila-Rae Sprintz, Cyril Kesten, Mark Kagan
and Hartley Rosenberg. Honorary
pallbearers were Myer Thompson, Gary
Gross, Harold Fleishman and Elliott
Garfinkel.
If so desired, donations may be made in
Al's memory to Camp Massad, the Kidney
Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
Travel on the wings of G-d. Love you
forever.
As
published in Winnipeg Free Press on
March 24, 2012
|
From
the Jim McEwen Scrapbook
|
|
