[Editor's note: The follwing remarks were delivered by President of the Jewish Federaion of Winnipeg in Memory of Rcihard Tapper Z'L who at the community  Kavod Awards  evening on May 23, 2012 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. The Winnipeg Jewish Review joins the community in mourning the loss of Richard Tapper z"l ]
 
Before we continue, we must take a moment to acknowledge the terrible loss to community leadership that happened on Saturday, May 19th, the passing of Richard Tapper, of blessed memory.  His friends are here tonight to help us honour his memory.

Dr Richard Tapper started volunteering at a young age. He was heavily involved in BBYO, serving on both Regional and chapter boards.  As a child he also volunteered to help athletes in the Special Olympics program.  He graduated in 1995 from Joseph Wolinsky and had the pleasure in 1998 and 1999 to be the leader of the JWC Grade 12 Israel trips. He attended Camp Massad for 13 years as camper, counselor and eventually Assistant Director. He received a Bachelor of Science from University of Winnipeg in 1998, moved to California and received his degree and became a Doctor of Chiropractic in 2003. Dr Tapper moved back to Winnipeg where he subsequently opened 3 very successful practices. His volunteering continued.  Richard became a member of the Combined Jewish Appeal’s Ben Gurion Society division, eventually becoming its Chair in 2009. He also became the first member of cabinet from Winnipeg in 20 years.  Cabinet are young philanthropic Jews chosen from around the world who help decide the future of philanthropy for young Jews. Only 200 are selected, it is a 6 year commitment. Dr Tapper has written two books.  One, called In Service: Living the Life You Love, made it to the top 10 at Barnes and Noble. Dr Tapper was head of United Way, Chiropractic Division and was given an international award for his work at Siloam Mission. He is survived by his wife Lauren and 18-month old son Gabriel, parents Leya and Bernard Tapper, sister Heather Koplovich, extended family and numerous friends.

Richard was to be this evening’s recipient of the Harry Silverberg Young Leader of Distinction Award.  Mr. Silverberg was one of Winnipeg’s most noteworthy philanthropists and community leaders.  His selfless dedication to our community is reflected in this award.  It is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service and leadership in support of the activities of the Federation or who shows potential for future leadership.  His daughter Nora Kaufman, and his granddaughter, Marcia Cosman, are here with us tonight and would normally present the award, however Richard’s family has asked that it be presented to them at next year’s Kavod Evening.  They have also advised that a fund has been set up in Richard’s name by Camp Massad, who will work in consultation with the family to properly honour Richard’s his memory.

Please join me in a moment of silence for Richard.