Obituary of Dr. Paul Bookhalter

BOOKHALTER, Dr. Paul, D.D.S. Dr. Paul Bookhalter, a prominent Regina dentist, passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2007, at age 84, peacefully and with family at his side. Born in Winnipeg, Dr. Bookhalter served with the R.C.A.F. and Royal Canadian Artillery during the Second World War. At the end of the war he attended the University of Manitoba and the University of Oregon Dental School, graduating in 1949. He then joined the dental practice of his older brother Ben. They were later joined in practice by his brother-in-law Jack Kanee, and worked along side his sister-in-law Myrtle Bookhalter for 40 years. Dr Bookhalter retired in 1990 when he lost his eyesight. Dr. Paul, as he was known by many, was a leader in the Jewish community in Regina, and a very active volunteer and philanthropist in the larger community. He was an energetic member of Regina Bnai Brith, acting as chair of their charity fundraising dinner and as co-ordinator of their monthly bingos for residents at the Wascana Veterans Hospital for several decades. In honour of his efforts, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Bnai Brith in 1994, and an honourary member and special mentsch? by Hadassah-Wizo in 1999. Dr. Paul was also honoured to be recognized for his volunteer work and community service when he received a Commonwealth Medal in 1992. More recently, he served as president of the Regina Jewish Seniors Group. Even after he became blind, Dr. Paul remained an active volunteer, working hard to organize the CNIBs Golf Classic for many years, and as a member of the Saskatchewan Blind Sports Association. Dr. Paul did not let his disability slow him down. He participated in blind bowling, was a member of the Saskatchewan Blind Golf team, and was also a familiar figure at the Regina YMCA, where he exercised early every morning. Dr. Paul also remained a tremendous support to family and friends from across North America, keeping in touch by tape and telephone. Dr. Paul was predeceased by his two beloved siblings, Ben Bookhalter and Sophie Kanee. He was a very proud and loving uncle to his niece Marylin Kanee and nephew Lyle Kanee, and his two grand-nephews, Ben and Joseph Kanee. Paul will also be missed by his sister-in-law Myrtle Bookhalter of Kelowna, B.C. and his dear friend and caregiver, Dianne Newstead, who has been his constant companion for many years. Pauls warm, gentle smile, his endearing sense of humour and his insatiable desire to help others, will be missed by many. His family would like to extend their deep appreciation to everyone at the Regina General Hospital Cardiac Care Unit, where Paul spent his final days, and to the Regina community as a whole which so warmly embraced him and supported him for over 60 years. A funeral service will be held at Beth Jacob Synagogue, 4715 McTavish, Regina, at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 30, 2007. Burial will take place at 8:00 p.m. on the same day, at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery in Winnipeg. Shiva on Monday, July 30 will follow the interment, at Gwen Sector Senior Centre, 1588 Main Street, Winnipeg. On Tuesday, July 31 and Wednesday, August 1, members of the family will sit shiva in Regina, at Beth Jacob Synagogue, beginning at 7:30 p.m. each night. If desired, donations may be made to a fund to be established in Dr. Bookhalters name at Beth Jacob Synagogue, 4715 McTavish, Regina, SK, S4S 6H2, bethjacob@accesscomm.ca, or to the CNIB, 2550 Broad Street Regina, SK., S4P 3Z4, saskatchewan@cnib.ca. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com.