Michael

Michael normally does not disclose his age, but he was born August 28th, 1936. The sitting occurred on his birthday.  He insists every day is a birthday, and every day we wake up is a day to celebrate.
Michael holds learning of high value. Life is a journey that for all we know may never end. We need to treat each day as an opportunity to acquire knowledge.
Married 63 years, family is important to Michael; he and his wife have 2 sons, 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
He immigrated to Canada from England November 30th, 1966. It was horribly cold upon his arrival in Edmonton. He stresses he never regrets coming to Edmonton.
Michael knows what it’s like to be discriminated against based on heritage. Michael is Jewish. He pursued industrial chemistry at Yardley’s in London. but did not secure employment there because of discriminatory practices. He worked at the London School of Hygiene researching penicillium. At 18, he began two years National Service, compulsory in Britain then. Michael’s basic training helped him mature. Then, he taught Math, Science and German upgrading to military men 45-55. He liked teaching.
He learned to be a barber on the east end of London working for his uncle, who asked Michael to cut hair after observing his uncle’s work. Michael became proficient cutting hair but did not intend to stay in that field.
 In 1966, Michael immigrated to Edmonton to work in a hair salon. When an opportunity arose to attend university, Michael took it. After a year of teacher training, successful candidates could teach; he taught hairdressing at Edmonton’s Victoria School.
He continued his education, achieving a MEd and PhD in Education. He went to work at Alberta Education, remaining 17 years.
He explored a fascination with volunteerism, through a U of A Extension course. He volunteered for non-profit organizations, his interest fuelled by his desire to return kindness he and his family received. His sons are well-educated leaders who fulfill most Jewish parents’ aspiration their children achieve more, educationally, than their parents.
Michael’s connection to Synagogue fluctuates. Michael proudly wears a Kippah, yarmulke or skull cap and a tallit or prayer shawl, symbols of his great respect for his Jewish heritage.