Obituaries
RONALD (RUBIE) POLINSKY March 5, 1929- July 16, 2023
Peacefully on Sunday, July 16, 2023, surrounded by his family, Ronald (Rubie) Polinsky passed away at 94 years of age. Rubie was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis (2016), parents Ida and Sam Polinsky, brother Dave Polinsky, sister Blumie Portnoy, sister-in-law Betty Polinsky, and brother-in-law Iser Portnoy.
He will be greatly missed by his daughter Sandra (Walter), son Max (Donna), grandchildren Daniel (Allison), Mia (Julian), Amy (Johnny), Marc (Devin), Paul (Katie), his great-grandchild, Eli as well as many nieces and nephews.
Rubie was born and lived his entire life in Winnipeg. He grew up in the north end, attending Peretz and Machray schools, graduating from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949.
Rubie carried on his parents’ tradition of supporting, volunteering, and giving his resources to the Jewish community. Rubie was also active in the Rotary Club and a board member of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
In 1950, Rubie entered the family business, City Machinery. In April 1951, he married the love of his life, Phyllis Geller. Later that year his father died, leaving Rubie and Dave to run the company for roughly 40 years.
Rubie was a man who loved people. He had no ego, never taking the spotlight or wanting credit for anything. He acted from the goodness of his heart, always caring, and trying to help others. Rubie didn’t guide us with words of wisdom. He taught us through his actions.
Rubie miraculously survived a horrific plane crash in 1964. He went on to live a full life, extending kindness and making a difference in the lives of the people he touched.
Rubie had an adventurous side that led him to travel to places far and wide. He was a maverick, travelling to the Orient for business in the 1960s long before it was commonplace.
Rubie had many passions. He loved Asian food and sought out the latest new restaurants. He was a boater all his life and spent many hours on Lake Winnipeg, no matter how rough the lake was. He loved golf and would recount every shot he took with his buddies after completing a round.
He was also passionate about music. In his teens, Rubie learned to play trumpet by ear. He couldn’t read a note! Later in life, he and Phyllis went on jazz cruises and spent many nights spinning jazz records with close friends.
Finally, his main passion was his wife, Phyllis. Rubie spied a beauty while sitting in front of Kelekis on Main St. and asked, “Who is that girl?”. They were inseparable from that point on.
We are most grateful to Tess Padilla and Hilda Perez for caring for Rubie with love and kindness. They also provided exceptional care for his siblings Dave and Blumie. Rubie appreciated and felt deep gratitude for you both.
We wish to thank Rubie’s nephew Martin Simmons for his constant support, especially as his health declined.
Thank you to the formidable staff at The Simkin Centre for the compassionate support and care during the last months of Rubie’s life.
The funeral was held on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery, eloquently presided over by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Polinsky, Mia Francl, Marc Francl, Walter Francl, Susan Portnoy, and Martin Simmons.
If desired, contributions in memory of Rubie Polinsky will be gratefully accepted by the “Phyllis and Ronald Polinsky Fund” at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or a charity of your choice.
Rest in peace, Dad. We will all miss you.
Obituaries
CHERYL SAPER
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cheryl Zina Saper, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Winnipeg community. Cheryl passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on June 2, 2024, surrounded by her family and loved ones, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Cheryl was born on February 18, 1954, in Winnipeg to her loving parents, Jack and Betty Saper.
Cheryl is survived by her three devoted sons, Daniel (Nena), Steven (Maryam), and Abram (Maddie), and her precious grandchildren, Jacob, Maya, Lyla, and Adam, who were the light of her life. Her unwavering love and support for her family will be deeply missed.
A woman of great intellect and warmth, Cheryl had a passion for reading and cherished her time spent chatting with friends. Her ability to learn your life story in a phone call was one of her greatest talents. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to build a successful business from the ground up, providing a comfortable life for herself and her sons. She was not only a successful businesswoman but also a constant presence in her children’s lives, particularly in their sporting activities. Cheryl loved to travel, and when on vacation could often be found poolside with a book in hand or making connections with the locals.
Cheryl had a deep love for dogs, and there was always one in the house, bringing joy and companionship to her and her family. She would often include the dog in the list of names when calling for her children, Daniel, Steven, Abram, Dawson!
Cheryl was an active member of the Jewish community in Winnipeg, contributing her time and energy to various community activities and events. Her dedication and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
Cheryl was laid to rest at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
ARIEL GLINTER
Ariel Glinter, beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend, died in Winnipeg on June 11, 2024. He was 36 years old. Ariel was born in Winnipeg, MB, where he attended the Talmud Torah I. L. Peretz Folk School, the Gray Academy of Jewish Education, and the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. He graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and from the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba with a Juris Doctor degree. In law school he received numerous awards for academic excellence, including Dean’s Honour List in 2010 – 2011 and 2011 – 2012. After practicing law for three years at Aikins, MacAulay & Thorvaldson LLP, Ariel joined Maqabim Distributors as director of business development and regulatory compliance. In his role at Maqabim he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues throughout the industry for his knowledge, passion, acumen, and good humour. Ariel was a generous, kind, passionate, and insightful person who had a profound impact on those who knew him. He is survived by his parents, Nancy and Harry; his siblings, Ruthie (Daniel), Ezra, Hannah (Koby), and Leah; and by many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be mourned and missed by his family and by the many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Obituaries
SHEILA ESTELLE LINDER May 27, 1934 – June 14, 2024
The family of Sheila Linder announces her passing after a long life well lived. Sheila was the beloved wife of Elvin (Al), cherished mother to Faith (Hart) Kaplan, Nadine Linder and Marshall Linder, adored Baba to Adam (Michaela) Kaplan, Yael Kaplan, Hadera Short, and Jeremy (CC) Short. She will be lovingly remembered by her siblings Rita Shapera Jacob and Gerald (Pauline) Silverman, 38 nieces and nephews, six cousins and many dear friends.
Sheila grew up in Winnipeg’s north end as the middle child of Dolly Rossen and Isadore Silverman, surrounded by three generations of the extended Silverman, Levitan and Rossen families, whose stories of mischief and daring, poverty and prosperity, sorrow and joy were shared with her children to reinforce the importance of family.
Al met Sheila at a dance when she was 17, confided to a friend that she was the girl he would marry, and began courting her. They were married on December 26, 1953. Sheila enjoyed her career as a Kelly Girl office temp and Al joined his father-in-law at Western Scrap Metals.
Sheila and Al created a wonderful life during their 72 years together. As a young married woman, she played Mahjong, bowled in a 10-pin league, and volunteered with women’s service groups including Hadassah WIZO and Pioneer Women. When she and Al were ready to start a family, they adopted three children into a home filled with love and Jewish values.
She learned to speak Yiddish growing up and took Hebrew lessons as an adult to help her children with their homework. Her volunteerism expanded to included school PTAs and the Manitoba Association for Children with Learning Disabilities. When a newly formed couples’ group was created in the ’70s, Sheila became involved in its programming and was co-chair for a period of time. Sheila and Al recently attended a Yachad program, still going strong after 50 years, where they were proudly among the oldest members.
Sheila and Al travelled to Israel, Europe, Mexico, Jamaica and enjoyed family trips to Detroit Lakes, Miami Beach, Disney Land, and Disney World. In their later years they wintered in Palm Springs and Florida.
Sheila loved people and their life stories. She was an avid reader, and encouraged her children’s reading by filling the family home with books, comics, and magazine subscriptions, including the complete World Book encyclopedia. Her standard response to any question: “Look it up”. She was always well informed and ready to discuss current affairs.
She enjoyed shopping, and every life-cycle event was celebrated with a card, a gift, and often, a new outfit. The Linder home was filled with beautiful furniture, paintings, fabrics, and collectibles. A consummate hostess, her parties were always tailored to the occasion with special foods and serving pieces reserved for that particular event. Her daily essentials included flowers and plants, classic films, autobiographies and novels, the newspaper and TV news, crossword puzzles, bread, sweets, and her iPad.
Sheila Linder was a generous soul whose love for family and friends was boundless. She and Al lived independently in their condo with devoted assistance provided by her dear friend Maria. The family is indebted to the medical professionals who provided care over the years.
Sheila attended summer camp when she was 15 and it changed her life. Donations in her memory may be made to the Sunshine Fund for Campers or a charity of your choice.