It
is with a profound sense of loss that the family of Perry Diamond announces his
death at the Sharon Home on May 23, 2006.
Perry was born on July 1, 1921 to Tom and Sarah Diamond and was a life-long
resident of Winnipeg. He enlisted in the RCAF in 1941 and fought in North Africa
during WW2 as part of the 425 Alouette Squadron. As an aerial photographer on
bombers he participated in the invasion of Italy and Sicily, concluding his
service in Yorkshire, England in 1944.
Following the War, he attended the School of Modern Photography in New York
City. Upon his return to Winnipeg he set up Fredric Perry Photographers in the
Time Building with his war buddy Fred Billows. In 1954, he moved the studio to
the Odeon Theatre Building, where he spent more than 20 years with his second
partner, Fritz Alkier. Over those years, Perry chronicled thousands of ‘simchas’
not only of the Jewish community but of all communities in the city. He
photographed almost 5000 weddings and took portraits of the famous; Paul
Robeson, Dale Carnegie, Jack Dempsey, Marion Anderson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bob
Hope, Irving Berlin, Mary Martin, Johnny Carson, Mordechai Richler, Izzy Asper,
Trudeau, Chrétien, CEOs, world leaders, movie stars, musicians and most
significantly the citizens of his beloved Winnipeg.
He served on the executive board of the Professional Photographers of Manitoba
for over 10 years including a tenure as their President. He
was named an Honorary Life Member of both the PPAM and the Professional
Photographers of Canada and received many accolades and awards for his beautiful
work, most notably the Craftsman and prestigious MASTER of PHOTOGRAPHY citation
in 1985. His work provides precious documentation of the generation in which he
lived.
Perry married his life partner Betty Hashman 50 years ago and they established
themselves in River Heights where they raised their family and became an
integral part of the community.
He was predeceased by his parents and parents-in-law Ben and Bella Hashman, his
sister Yvette (Charles Watson-Munro), brother Nate (Sara)
and his twin brother Sam (Shirley).
He is survived by his wife Betty, a resident of the Sharon Home, and children;
Tom (Alex Borovoy) and Pam of Toronto, Jay of San Francisco, grandchildren
Lindsay and Andrew Goeldner, sister Dorothy Smith and brother Les Diamond (Mim),
sister-in-law Rose (Sam Arenson), nieces,
nephews, cousins, friends and neighbours, all of whom have a special place in
their heart for him.
The day before Perry’s death he attended the Bar Mitzvah of his grandson in
Toronto. In attendance were many of the people whom he held most dear. We are
indeed grateful to have had that opportunity to express our love to a man who
lived life with respect for all, gentleness, generosity, compassion, humour and
kindness.
Funeral services were held on May 26. Donations may be made to the Jewish
National Fund or the charity of your choice. If so desired his family may be
contacted at family@houseofdiamond.com or by visiting http://ptd.houseofdiamond.com