Obituaries
Dr. ASHER BARRY NORMAN THOMPSON
The family of Dr. Asher Thompson is heartbroken to announce his peaceful passing at the age of 84 on December 9, 2020 at Northridge Hospital in Los Angeles, CA. Asher was cherished by many and will be deeply missed.
He was the husband of 26 years to Cathy Roland Thompson, with whom he enjoyed a life rich with family, friends, and community. Asher was a loving and devoted father to Michael (Margaret Wong), Shelly (Blake Larkin), Karen (Nir Shema) and Marcie, and a loving, devoted step-father to Rabbi David Kornberg (Debbie) and Lisa Kahn. Together with Cathy, Asher treasured and enjoyed 14 grandchildren who will miss him dearly: Ella and Jonah Thompson, Zachary, Tanner and Zoe Larkin, Kinneret, Carmel and Arava Shema, Melanie, Lorelle and Dory Grynholc, Michael and Rachel Kornberg and Ethan Kahn. Asher was predeceased by his beloved parents, Tannie and Joe Thompson and his sister Doreen. Asher remained close throughout his life to his sister Myra Robles (Carolyn Robinson), and is mourned by his cousins, nieces and nephews. Asher will also be missed by the extended Niznick family.
Asher was born on October 13, 1936 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and grew up amongst dear friends in Winnipeg, with whom he remained close throughout his life. After graduating from the University of Manitoba Medical School in 1960, he was married to Sharon Niznick (Glass), and moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he took three years of training in internal medicine at Henry Ford Hospital. After Henry Ford hospital, he went to Salt Lake City with a National Institute of Health grant in their gastroenterology department, before returning to Winnipeg to begin his medical practice. In 1970, Asher moved to Los Angeles, where he built his medical practice, with a specialty in gastroenter-ology. Asher profoundly loved practicing medicine – it was not a job for him, it was a passion, a Sherlock Holms-ian mystery to be solved, and an identity. He was a caring and brilliant physician, and he was devoted to his patients, who recognized him not only for his medical services but for the way he took care of them with sensitivity and warmth; he considered himself an old-fashioned doctor.
After moving to California, Asher raised his family, and cultivated a circle of dear friends that he loved very much, some from his youth in Winnipeg, and others through his synagogue, golf club or medical practice. Asher was known, loved and admired for his warmth, intelligence, compassion and ability to spin a good story. He always encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue their passions, whether academic, professional, creative, athletic or musical, and always tried to attend and show his support at their games, plays, performances, graduations and other live events. He shared with them his passion for studying history, travel, books, golf, theatre, photography, food, a well-told story and spending time together. He also shared his love for Jewish religion, traditions, art and food. He enjoyed dining with and entertaining his family and friends, and was known for his generosity. He was a lifelong golfer, and enjoyed watching his favorite team, the Los Angeles Kings, play ice hockey. An avid history buff and traveler, he ventured around the world, including Israel, Australia, England, Europe, Scandinavia, and Asia.
Asher will be remembered for the unlimited and unconditional love and support he had for Cathy, his children and grandchildren, extended family and his many dear friends. He will be deeply missed, but in our grief, we find gratitude for our immense good fortune having had Dr. Asher Barry Norman Thompson in our lives.
Obituaries
MARK BERNARD SCHACTER
May 12, 1946 – October 19, 2025
We are sad to announce that Mark Schacter died peacefully in Vancouver on October 19, 2025, at age 79.
He was born in Winnipeg on May 12, 1946, and moved to Vancouver at the age of 22 to seek his fortune, and lived and worked there for the rest of his life, in a number of careers. He was a raconteur, a free spirit, a sports fan, a close observer of current events, and a good friend to many, as far away as Rio de Janeiro and Los Angeles. He attended the Canada-Russia hockey series in Moscow in 1972, flew on the Concorde to London, and went to Rio for Carnival on a number of occasions.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Brent Schacter and Sora Ludwig, nieces Miriam Stoller (Michael), Isanne Schacter, and Jennifer Schacter (Neil Rockman), grandnieces Reina and Maddie Stoller, Beatrice Schacter, and Sally Rockman, and grandnephew Jacob Rockman.
He was laid to rest in the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery near his parents on October 22, 2025. May his memory be a blessing.
Donations in his memory may be made to Yaletown House (www.yaletown.org) where he resided or to the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
GLORIA GERSHMAN
Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gloria Beatrice Gershman (née Lipchen), lived 95 remarkable years filled with love, laughter, resilience, generosity, a youthful spirit and a touch of mischief. Gloria passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
She was predeceased by her parents Rose and Nathan Lipchen, her husband George Gershman in 2016 and her grandson Jesse Short-Gershman in 2014. Gloria is survived by her three children: Darryl (Diane), Shelley (David), and Stu (Niki), eight grandchildren: Rachel, Daniel (Yeraldin), Mike (Hannah), Kara, Emily, Ashley (Andy), Max, Zak, and two great-grandchildren Ari and Grayson.
Born in Winnipeg on November 27, 1929, Gloria spent her early childhood in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, before returning to Winnipeg in 1940. Gloria and George married in 1949, residing in Winnipeg until moving to Miami, Florida in 1958 and returning to Winnipeg in 1961.
Gloria attended business college and worked at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and Glendale Golf Course. She volunteered in the community conducting hearing tests for elementary school children.
To our family, Gloria was our biggest supporter, our safe place, our guiding voice, and our example of what it means to be strong, independent, loyal, resilient, and generous. Gloria was known for her wonderful sense of humour and occasional salty language.
Gloria’s talents included sewing, knitting, needle working, cooking, baking, gardening and bowling. The family loved her homemade cookies.
She was devoted to her grandchildren and shared a special and unique relationship with each of them. She adored every moment she spent with Ari and Grayson, who brought her joy in her later years.
Gloria was a regular with the super seniors at the local McDonalds. During the Covid pandemic, she and her friends held “parking lot gatherings” at McDonald’s, sitting in their cars, chatting through windows, laughing, and refusing to let isolation dull their spirits.
She was an unofficial counsellor and second mother for many of our friends, offering warmth, insight, honesty, and love.
Gloria cheered (sometimes colourfully) for her Winnipeg Blue Bomber and Jets, rarely missing a televised game.
Mom wanted her family to live their best lives; Mom’s memory will forever be a blessing and legacy for her loving family.
Among the many people we thank, we give a special thanks to Dr. Ify Osagie and mom’s dear health care companion Tess Barillos.
Graveside funeral was held on October 20, 2025, at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.
Donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to the Buddy Check for Jesse Society, supporting youth mental health in honour of her grandson: https://buddycheckforjesse.com/ donate/
Obituaries
MARC AARON COHEN
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Marc Aaron Cohen on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the age of 55, following a brave battle with cancer.
Survived by his parents Lawrence and Dolly (Reesa) Cohen, sister Michelle (Ben) Levich, nephew Seth Levich, auntie Deanna Cohen, uncle Sherv Sharagge, and many cousins.
Marc was in love with his career. He was passionate about trucking and was good at it, wearing several hats during his career. He was a dispatcher, a long haul and local trucker, and an instructor to new truckers, while working for several trucking companies including Quick Transfer, Big Freight, and Gershman Transport. Marc received numerous awards and recognitions during his career including the Elite Award for Excellence in Performance in 2014 and 2015 from Big Freight. His commitment to the trucking industry led him to be chosen for the Industry Excellence Award in 2015 from the Manitoba Trucking Association.
Marc’s second love was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Being on his motorcycle brought him so much joy. He loved playing, watching and coaching football. He was active in the Nomad Football Club. Being outdoors in any kind of weather was his favorite place to be.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Brightwater Tuxedo, Health Science Center, and St Boniface Hospital. We are grateful for the compassionate care they provided Marc.
Donations in Marc’s memory can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation. 204-787-4143.