Businessman, community activist.
Born at Deleau on 6 February 1927, the eldest son of Faivush “Frank” Kaufman (1897-1963) and Goldie Charach (1904-1980), he attended Griswold School. He also worked at his father’s general store there in his early teens. In 1943, he began studies at the University of Manitoba, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947.
Upon graduation he became the manager of the Purity Food Store, which his father had purchased for him, at the corner of Stafford and Grosvenor in Winnipeg. Within a few years, he had joined his father-in-law's multi-faceted business called Silpit Industries. He later served as President of its garment-manufacturing branch for many years.
In 1953, he married Nora Silverberg, daughter of Harry Silverberg, with whom he went on to have three children. His active involvement in the Winnipeg Jewish community spanned almost five decades. His earliest involvement was with the Jewish Welfare Fund, later called the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg/Combined Jewish Appeal (CJA), serving as CJA Chairperson in 1966, and in 1973 as President of the Jewish Welfare Fund. He was heavily involved in the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba from its inception in 1964, and from 1983 to 1986 served as its President. Later he was Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Governors. Other endeavours were memberships on the Board of Directors of the National Trust Company and Investors Group and the Board of the Red Feather Campaign. He also served on the Board of Directors of The Winnipeg Foundation for 15 years.
In 1975, he was recognized as the Jewish National Fund Negev Dinner honouree. He was the first recipient of the Max Shore Memorial Award, which recognizes an individual who has distinguished himself through longstanding leadership and dedication to the Combined Jewish Appeal. He has also been honoured by the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews. Together with his wife, their philanthropic efforts included the Kaufman Childcare Centre and the Kaufman Silverberg Library at the Asper Jewish Community Centre.
He died at Winnipeg on 1 August 2010 and was buried in the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 7 August 2010.
“David S. Kaufman: My Story,” The Endowment Book of Life, Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
“David Samuel Kaufman,” Gold Family Tree, Ancestry.
This page was prepared by Lois Braun.
Page revised: 17 October 2025
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