M.D., F.R.C.P. (C)

June 5, 1930-June 9, 2016

A kind and gentle man, Dr. Ruebin Kaufman passed away peacefully at home, with his loving family by his side. He had just turned 86 years of age. He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Klara (Piko); his children, Celia Kaufman (Paul Leinburd), of Winnipeg, MB, Susan Crupi (David), of Hollis, NH, Gordon (Wendy), of Toronto, ON; and his grandchildren, Samantha Pollock (Adam), Ryan, Alexandra and Gregory Gorlick, Alexander Crupi and Joshua Kaufman; his brother, Hershel William (Bill) Kaufman (Louise); and his sisters-in-law, Nora Kaufman and Eva Vanderwelle. Ruebin was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Goldie (Charach) Kaufman and his elder brother, David S. Kaufman.

Ruebin was a cardiologist beloved by his patients and highly regarded by his peers. He practiced medicine for over 60 years. Ruebin was born in Winnipeg, but was raised in the rural community of Griswold, Manitoba, where his family owned and operated the town’s general store. He received most of his undergraduate education at the town’s one-room school house, before moving to Winnipeg to attend grade 12. At a time when priority was given to returning war veterans, Ruebin was accepted into the University of Manitoba College of Medicine. The youngest in his class, he became a doctor at the age of 21.

Ruebin interned at the renowned Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., and returned to Winnipeg to establish practice at the Peikoff Clinic. Ruebin worked at the St. Boniface Hospital Intensive Care Unit and established and directed the ICU at Victoria General Hospital. Ruebin truly enjoyed the last years of his practice, where, in the second phase of his career, he worked at the Eaton Place Medical Centre. His colleagues and the staff there were a second family
to him.

Medicine was not just Ruebin’s career, it was his calling. He continued to attend heart conventions, read medical journals and conduct Internet research, well into his eighties.

Ruebin felt that the day you stop learning is the day you stop living. He believed in the importance of learning about many facets of life. He followed world news with great interest, read books on a variety of subjects and pursued spiritual growth. He was also an avid sports fan, enjoying curling, hockey and his all-time favorite sport, NFL football.

Klara was the love of Ruebin’s life. They would have been married 36 years in July. Klara opened up a world of culture for Ruebin, introducing him to art, music, fashion and travel. He, in turn, gave her support and thoughtful advice on her career and other endeavors. One of their favorite places in the world was their condo at Playas Gemelas, a beautiful beach just south of Puerto Vallarta. Ruebin and Klara spent every winter there, where they developed wonderful friendships and enjoyed swimming in the ocean, in particular, doing the "big swim." Ruebin and Klara also enjoyed river cruises in Europe and trips to Klara’s native Hungary.

Ruebin treated people with dignity, regardless of their background or status. He was a valued mentor to young doctors and many others. He quietly lent support, without expecting anything in return. Ruebin was a humble man who continually strived to better himself. When his health deteriorated, he exemplified grace, courage and appreciation for those around him. He focused on the good in life and continued to live every second of everyday to the fullest. In his words, he "had a full and productive life." Ruebin, through his actions, gave us many gifts. He will be greatly missed.

Ruebin’s funeral and interment were held on June 9, 2016, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights or to a charity of your choosing.

A life lived for others is a life well lived.