My parents, Celia (Schik) and Joseph Ganetsky, were married in Mogilov, Russia in 1923, and immigrated to Winnipeg in 1925 with their infant son, Leonard. I was born in Winnipeg on November 28th, 1936, and have a younger brother, Walter (Vev), born in 1940. My father first worked as a milkman in this country, and later my parents opened J & C Café on the corner of Isabel and Notre Dame Avenue. Then, from 1956 to 1975, they operated Len's Restaurant on Notre Dame & Young. Our home was on Anderson Avenue, and like many of my contemporaries, I attended Peretz School, Machray School and St. John's High.

As a young person I was active in Habonim and the YMHA. My involvement with the YMHA was one of the best experiences of my childhood. Being a member of a Y club - the "Royals" - enabled me to meet new people, and led to many life-long friendships. Many years later, I still enjoy meeting regularly with my "Y" friends and these friendships mean a great deal to me.

On November 10, 1957 I married my high school sweetheart, Sharon Dreman, daughter of Samuel David and Zelda (Silverman) Dreman. I have been blessed to have her as my partner and my friend. Sharon's mother founded Sharon's Linen and Gift Shop in the 1940's, and Sharon owned and operated this business on Academy Road until her retirement in 1998. Sharon and I have two children. Our son, Leonard Yale Ganetsky, is an electrical engineer. He is a contributing writer to the Engineering Journal, and we are also proud of his long and dedicated association with the Chai Folk Arts Council. Our daughter, Michele Dale Levin, graduated with a Business Administration degree. She currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her husband Myles Levin and their two sons Jeremy Michael and Shaun Joshua.

All of my adult life has been involved in the business world. After owning several businesses, I worked as managing partner of Paco Electronics Ltd., a Canadian importer of Fuji magnetic products. When the company was sold in 1995, I began my retirement. Over the years I have been involved in Jewish and secular organizations, serving as president of the B'nai B'rith (Manitoba) Lodge and as chairman of the Winnipeg Beach Redevelopment Corporation.

Sharon and I were born in Winnipeg, and although we have travelled extensively, we have always found Winnipeg to be "home". Our friendships in the Jewish community have enriched our lives. Life in Winnipeg has been great for us, and part of our motivation for contributing to the Jewish Foundation, is the hope that many others will find Winnipeg to be the best place to call "home".