By Sean Leslie

Family, friends remember Herschel Davidner

Apr 12, 2013 | 5:00 PM

Family, friends and community members paid tribute to Herschel Davidner at his funeral service on Friday.

Les Davidner, Herschel’s son, was one of the speakers who addressed the congregation. He said his father was a respected businessman and community supporter and hoped he would be remembered as “a pillar of this community.”

Around 200 people came to MacKenzie Chapel in Prince Albert to pay their respects. Cantor Neil Schwartz lead the service, focusing on Davidner’s passion for business, passion for community and sense of humour.

Schwartz provided soothing words to the family about Davidner’s legacy when he said “a good reputation endures forever.”

The eulogy was delivered by David Katzman, who relayed a brief of history of Davidner’s life and his many charitable accomplishments.

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“He looked for ways to reach out to the community … people didn’t even have to ask,” said Katzman.

He frequently contributed to the 4-H club and served as the president of the Red Cross and the Canadian Club. He was also the director of the United Way, a very successful canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society, a proud member of the Lions Canadian Legion and the 1982 citizen of the year in Prince Albert.

He was well-known for throwing support behind these and other community initiatives as well as being passionate about helping young people in the agricultural industry.

Davidner served in Canadian Armed Forces during World War 2 and Katzman described him as “proud of his time in the service.”

Members of the Prince Albert Legion saluted Davidner, as they do for all their fallen comrades, with a moving ceremony near the end of the funeral service. Veterans laid dozens of poppies near a picture of Davidner at the front of the congregation followed by a playing of Taps.

Several others also shared stories and memories of Davidner. They described him as “a saint and a brilliant man,” someone “who always wanted to stop and talk,” and “just a really good guy.”

A large part of his legacy is the Davidner’s Clothing Store on River Street West which he started with his father. More than one of the speakers praised him for the way he ran his business and commitment to customer service.

Davidner passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday in Prince Albert. He leaves behind his wife, Jean, of 57 years, three children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Condolences to the family can be forwarded through www.northernfuneralservice.ca

sleslie@panow.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow