Going to a funeral, being at a funeral or participating in a funeral is not a pleasant event.  Today however is a good day as Dad or as I would call him “Pops” is now at rest and peace.

Dad was born Beniek Dov Drayer in a little town/village named Grujec, in Poland on March 15, 1925. Fathers name was Luzer and mothers name was Sara-Rivka. He was one of four (4) children. By trade his parents operated a shoe store business. They were simple people who lived a simple life until 1940.

In 1940 at the age of 15 until the end of the war, Dad was in a number of concentration camps making ammunitions & shells for tanks known as “pancefors”. He worked on overhead power lines, worked in a number of labor camps such, Skazisko, Buchanenwald and others. Yes, Dad was a Holocaust survivor. The last of his family.

Following liberation by the American and British army dad met Esther Kujawski also a Holocaust survivor and the last surviving member of her family. They married in 1946 and roamed through Europe until they migrated to Israel in 1948. It was hard times then as Israel had just won its independence. A journey of a simple family was to begin.

By 1953 we relocated to Canada as dad had discovered a relative living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Following my Bar Mitzvah, in 1964 we moved from Canada to the U.S.A, Chicago, Illinois.

Dad worked hard as he developed his trade in the garment business. Worked mostly for one company in Chicago, Rubin Grais and Sons until he was forced to retire in his early 60’s as the company went out of business 32 years ago. Dad only completed a seventh grade education. He cherished his values and tradition. He was proud of his heritage. On Fridays the Shabbat candles were always lit even until his passing.

Dad worked days and Esther worked evenings. Dinner time was always around 5:30PM. There had to be soup, meat and potatoes on the table. Holiday dinners were always traditional. Dad was a quiet man. Hard working, hardly outspoken, but surely a provider. As the family grew, as Sue became part of the family, as grandchildren, Beth, Sheri and Michael grew up to adulthood, As Sheri married Matt and then great grandchildren became a part of his life, Logan and Lyla, dad was proud of his family but was always the concerned one. Would there be enough? Would the family, children be taken care of. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. And then there was the additional joy when grandson Mike announced his recent engagement to Rebecca (Becca) Levine. Another addition to the family. Dad always had a smile on his face, waving at his grandchildren and of course would always give them a few dollars.  His famous phrase to begin a conversation at home was “so what’s the latest”.

So here we are today remembering this man, Beniek Dov Drayer, Husband, Father, Dad, “Pops”, Grandpa, Great Grandpa  who lived a humble life, worked hard to provide, cherished his heritage, never forgot the past, lived in the past, no cable or computer at home. We will all miss him and yes dad we will take care of Mom, Esther, and we will never forget you. Oh by the way “pops” I will watch over and take care of all your grandchildren / great grandchildren.