It's my pleasure to participate in the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba's Endowment Book of Life program. I have been an active volunteer with the Foundation for years and currently serve as Chair of the Scholarship Committee. I hope that my support of the Foundation sets an example for my three kids. It is my wish that they will be active in the community and attracted to good causes and worthwhile initiatives.

I was born in Toronto in 1968 to Monty and Gerry Lomow (née Popeski). My parents were Winnipeggers, but had relocated to Toronto for work for a few years. They returned here in 1970 when I was a toddler.

My dad became the General Manager of Manulife Financial in Winnipeg, and held that position for 36 years. My mom graduated as an x-ray technician and held some part-time positions over the years, but mostly devoted herself to raising me and my younger sister, Jill, who now lives in Vancouver. In the community, my dad was involved with Ramah School while my mom volunteered with the Foundation's Women's Endowment Fund and Hadassah.

I grew up on Montrose Street and I had a happy childhood. I was surrounded by great friends and participated in many activities. Summers at Winnipeg Beach from the age of four give me precious memories (and I still enjoy the Beach today with my wife and kids). I attended Ramah School as well as River Heights and Kelvin, and played hockey, football, and baseball. I also attended summer camp at BB in Kenora and in Pine Lake, Alberta. School, sports, and camp all provided great experiences. I made lots of friends and grew as an individual, but it was BBYO that really spoke to me. I was president of my chapter (Toppers) and went on to become the regional president. It was a time of great learning, leadership development, travel, and challenge. I look back very fondly on my days in BBYO and credit much of my success, Jewish connection, and continuing involvement in the community to my experiences in the organization.

After high school and BBYO, I studied applied economics at the University of Manitoba and was immediately attracted to a career in financial services. After graduating from U of M, I took a sales management position with an insurance company that required me to move around the country. While in Prince George, B.C., in 1994, I met Laura Goudy. I'm so happy and moved that Laura not only accepted me, but enthusiastically embraced Judaism at a very deep level.

Laura and I married in 1997 at the Fort Garry Hotel, and then returned to Oshawa, Ontario, where we had moved for work. A year later, we decided that Winnipeg was the place we wanted to be. We moved back, and I launched Lomow Financial Services, a financial planning company I continue to nurture and grow today.

Laura and I have three children: our daughter Jordan is at the University of Winnipeg; our son Brendan is at River Heights; and our son Adam is at Brock Corydon. We are proud of the character and passion they exhibit in everything that they do.

I believe that as a father and as a businessman, it is my responsibility to be involved as a volunteer in the community to make sure that our institutions continue to thrive. Aside from my role with the Jewish Foundation, I am on the Finance Committee at Shaarey Zedek, and I have been a volunteer sports coach numerous times.

It will take exceptional volunteerism and thoughtful philanthropy to keep our community strong and resilient into the future. The Endowment Book of Life is one very important instrument in building that strength. We must continue to evolve as a cohesive community, and we must always ensure that the less fortunate among us can find meaningful ways to be involved.

While life can often be complicated, the truth is that I like to keep things in my life as simple as possible. I like to have fun, travel, and learn; and I hope that my innate curiosity and enthusiasm will keep me engaged in Jewish community work for many years to come.