Robert Lionel Kopstein

August 5, 1932 – February 28, 2014

Robert (Bob) Kopstein passed away on February 28, 2014, at the age of 81, with his family by his side. He battled lung cancer with courage and hope. Bob is survived by Jean, his wife; children Ivy (Murray), Ruth, and Alan; grandchildren Louis, Minnie, Leo and Max; and brother Noel:  He was predeceased by his mother Sylvia (Danzker) and father Maxwell Kopstein. Bob grew up on Queenston Street in Winnipeg with his parents and older brother.

In his early teens, Bob was riding his bike and was hit by a streetcar which left him in a coma for a week; he also overcame polio. Despite those setbacks, Bob completed high school, university and law school. 

Bob was called to the bar in 1958 and practiced law until 1971 when he was retained by the Government to draft the regulations for the implementation of Autopac, a universal, public, compulsory automobile insurance plan. Later that year, he was appointed to the Provincial Court, where he worked for 34 years until his retirement in 2006. Bob was extremely well liked and well respected by his colleagues. According to his colleagues, “he had compassion when the case called for compassion and he was strong when the case needed strength”. He was also a mentor to students, lawyers and judges. Bob was very active within his profession and served as president of the Manitoba Judges Association.

During his tenure as a judge, he undertook challenging tasks outside the judicial sphere. In 1987, he was appointed Commissioner of the Autopac Review Commission to examine and recommend ways of improving the Autopac Insurance plan. He also served as Chair of the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba for a 3 year term.

Bob was a very active member of the community. He was president of the Lion’s Club of West Kildonan, and on the boards of the Winnipeg Hebrew School, the I.L. Peretz Folk School, the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, and the board of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg.  He was Chair of the Board of the Sharon Home Inc. and instrumental in the opening of the new Simkin Centre in Winnipeg. 

In 1954, Bob married his beloved wife Jean Robin, the light and love of his life for 60 years. They had three devoted children. Jean and Bob had many travelling adventures whether it was by themselves, with family or with friends. Bob loved being at home with Jean, relaxing with a cup of coffee, reading, writing and listening to classical music. He was articulate and knowledgeable on many subjects and enjoyed a lively discussion with family and friends. He liked a good joke and would often share them by e-mail. 

Bob had a strong work ethic, but his family was his priority. He would do absolutely anything for his family, whether it be helping, supporting or giving advice.

His warm smile, compassionate and gentle nature will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank everyone involved with Bob’s care over the past year including CancerCare, the staff at HSC, and the first responders, as well as Rabbi Green and the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.  Thank you also to Rabbi Charytan for his comforting visits.  Pallbearers were: Murray Palay, Leo Palay, Max Palay, Louis Green, Brian Davis and Peter Orth.

Honorary Pallbearers were: Martin Robin, Bill Brownstone, Jon Horner, David Malchy and Saul Rifkin.

Donations may be made to the “Robert Kopstein Memorial Fund” at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.