BARRY WOLK

1941 - 2023

It is with profound sadness that the family of Barry Wolk announces his passing.

Barry is survived by his sister and brother-in-law - Reeva and Ian Shaffer, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Barry was born in Winnipeg to Nathan and Sara Wolk. His mathematical abilities were evident from his infancy as he counted the number of cars, buses and people, while sitting in his pram.

He went on to excel in school. He won the Putnam and Isbister mathematics awards while in high school. He received his Bachelors at University of Manitoba and studied for five years on full scholarship at Cornell before coming back to Manitoba and working at the University of Manitoba until his retirement, under the able mentorship of Dr. Mendelson. During this time he coauthored many papers of mathematical solutions and solved mathematical problems presented from organizations around the world.

His hobby was Bridge. He was a bridge master and active and valued board member of Bridge Manitoba from the 1980s til Covid. He was the talented and knowledgeable director of all their tournaments and the largest ones of the ACBL. He took care of their website and according to a board member, “kept things running smoothly” in all facets. He belonged to a number of bridge forums that would discuss bridge rules and situations that required an extensive knowledge.

He was a gentle soul and will be sorely missed.

Funeral will be graveside at Rosh Pina Cemetery on Sunday, June 18 at 11:00 a.m.
 

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 16, 2023