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Obituaries

BENJAMIN DAVID ITZKOW, Doctor of Optometry February 11th, 1986 – November 15th, 2021

Itzkow Benji 200 pixelsIt is with heavy hearts and overwhelming sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Dr. Benji Itzkow on November 15th, 2021. Although Benji fought a variety of physical ailments throughout his life – he faced each day with determination; he was knocked down 100 times, but got up 99.

Since 2013, the love of his life, Eleni Wener, gave him strength and drive to realize all of his dreams. The birth of their son, Carter Sammy Itzkow, was the pinnacle of these last years, and gave him more joy than he ever imagined.
Benji is survived by his wife, Eleni Wener, and son, Carter Itzkow, his parents, Cathy Moser and Jeff Itzkow, brother, Jono and sister, Frannie (Emmett Brennan), parents-in-law, Lynne Oreck-Wener and Bob Wener, ever loving grandmothers-in-law, Evelyn Wener and Zoe Oreck, brothers and sisters-in-law, Taryn and Tim, Hart and Jocelyn, and his adoring nephews, Lucas and Cooper. As soon as they started dating, Eleni’s family embraced Benji as one of their own, and the love was mutual.

Benji was predeceased by his loving and influential babas and zaidas, Ann and Sam Moser and Dolly and Bill Itzkow, and precious dog Zoe. Zaida Sam and Baba Ann taught Benji that it was possible to live with a chronic illness and still laugh and enjoy each day to the fullest. Benji loved to better the lives of the Itzkow, Moser, Wener and Oreck families, friends, and community. His generosity extended beyond what was known by his families at his time of passing. Benji also leaves an enormous hole in the lives of his aunts, uncles, and cousins: Meite Moser and Chris Bottrill and Mark Moser and Sheila Kercheff, who played large roles in his life. Their children were extended nuclear family – as he was the eldest cousin, leading his troop of followers and sometimes rebels – Elliot and Nathan Moser, Samantha and Gabe Bottrill. Benji’s Uncle Martin and Edward Mah and Uncle Butch loved him dearly and the feeling was reciprocal. Benji enjoyed adventures with Butch and Mary Pokrant’s children, Rebecca (Matt) and Jacob (Alex), when they came into town.

Benji was a life-long friend; the kind of friend everyone wanted. He would describe himself as having a small number of friends but the richest of relationships. He had the best friends – his boys, who knew him since elementary school and even before; his friends from Optometry at the University of Waterloo; new friends – Benji embraced Eleni’s girlfriends across the country. Benji was fun-loving, compassionate, thoughtful, generous, and selfless. He made other people’s lives better. Benji and Eleni shared a life together that was always about helping others.
Benji was also someone who made great things happen. He had big plans, and he wasn’t just a dreamer with his head in the clouds, but a doer. After graduating as a Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2011, Benji honed his skills before starting his own business, Eyes in the Village, in 2015. Benji was equally great as an eye doctor and a business owner. Benji had a gentle way of speaking and a kind smile. He was the kind of eye doctor everyone wishes they had. Benji was incredibly talented and thrived on helping people see the world clearer.

Benji loved gadgets. He loved making and creating. He spent his free time woodworking, tinkering on the 3D printer, fishing, going to music concerts, cooking, and baking. But his most treasured roles were as a dad and a husband. His respect, support, and love for Eleni was boundless. In such a short time Benji taught Carter many things, like how to use tools, and to take time to stare and watch trains. They had a bond of true love that only a father and son can share. Benji was a dependable, generous, kind-hearted young man, beloved by all who were fortunate to meet him. People were drawn to Benji. He was such a determined fighter and nothing could keep him down. This is the gift he has given us and continues to give us – to be better – and to remember him and honour him by being better, by fighting harder, by trying more.
He will be sadly missed by his family and wonderful friends.

The family would like to thank Benji’s medical support team – Dr. Charles Bernstein, Dr. Michael Coodin, Dr. Michael Hochman, Dr. Marcus Ng, Dr. Harvey Chochinov, Dr. Laura Chisick, Dr. Marli Leibl and Dr. Noam Katz. They were available 24/7 for consultation and care. Thank you to our countless friends and family that have dropped everything during each emergency. Thank you to the first responders at Fire Station #3. Finally, we are eternally grateful to Benji’s wonderful staff that became family at Eyes in the Village. The EITVO team made every day easy for Benji to get up and go to work with a smile on his face every day.

Services were held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on November 18th, 2021. Pallbearers were Jono Itzkow, Gabe Bottrill, Hart Wener, Matthew Frankel, Jordan Fogel, and Marshall Weinstein.
Donations in Benji’s memory may be made to The Benji Itzkow and Eleni Wener Family fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, www.jewishfoundation.org 204- 477-7520 or to the HSC Foundation Advancing Epilepsy Care Fund with a reference to: In Memory of Dr. Benji Itzkow, https://www.hscfoundation.mb.ca/ 204-515-5612.

 

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Recent funerals – as posted on the Chesed Shel Emes website

Gerald KalefGershon ben Yitzchak v’Chana24/06/192801/08/202619 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Arthur Joseph NitikmanAharon Yosef ben Yisrael v’Devorah17/05/194029/07/202615 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Sheldon Berney06/10/193628/07/202614 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Arthur ArkinAvraham ben Yitzchak haLevi v’Sarah22/05/192724/07/202610 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Dick BellDaniel ben David v’Chana28/12/192719/07/20265 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Reesa NermanRivka bat Shlomo v’ Shaindel Leah30/05/195418/07/20264 Av 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Garry Israel FrankelGershon Israel ben Shlomo Moshe v’Miriam14/08/195313/07/202628 Tamuz 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Caroline Shelley RaberTzipi bat Yisrael v’Ita30/01/195511/07/202626 Tamuz 5786Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Estelle MeyersEsther Tzivia26/10/194110/07/202625 Tamuz 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Alice Grace LazarSarah bat Avraham v’Sarah27/12/192608/07/202623 Tamuz 5786Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
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To see more funerals go to https://chesedshelemes.org/records-of-the-deceased/

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Obituaries

DICK BELL

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dick Daniel Bell on July 19, 2026, at the age of 98. Although our hearts are filled with sadness, we find comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved wife of nearly seventy years, Minnie Bell (née Bay), who predeceased him on June 8, 2025. Their love story was one of unwavering devotion, quiet partnership, and unconditional love—a love that shaped generations of their family.
Dick’s greatest joy was always his family. He leaves behind his loving children: Joady Bell (Larry Bloom); David Bell; Karyn Burleigh (Paul); and Debby Brown (Bobby). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Cory; Breanne ; Jenna (Adam); Jordan (Kady); Jason ;Jonah (Danielle); and Justin. In addition he leaves his precious great-grandchildren: Charlize; Zack; Mimi and Eva. Each carries forward the love, kindness, and values he instilled in them throughout his life.
He was predeceased by his parents, Helen and David Bell, and his siblings, Morley and Lucille. He was affectionately known as “Zadie” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—a title he wore with immense pride. He is also lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Tannis Mindell (Sheldon), Glenda Segal (David) , Les Silver (Andi), Fern Goldman, Narvey Goldman (Mara), and Andi Bell.
Born in Winnipeg on December 28, 1927, Dick attended Luxton School and St. John’s Tech, graduating in 1945. He celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at the Jewish Orphanage Synagogue in 1941. Dick developed a passion for music at the age of nine when he first sat down at a piano. Music became the soundtrack of his life. By seventeen he was performing professionally, and while attending the University of Manitoba he formed his own orchestra, entertaining audiences throughout Winnipeg and beyond. Even in his later years, the familiar sound of his beloved Chickering Louis XV baby grand piano, one of his most treasured possessions, filled his home with warmth, laughter, and memories. Family members could always count on hearing a few favourite tunes, especially the Bugs Bunny melodies, which always brought smiles.
Dick’s professional life reflected the same qualities that defined him personally—hard work, integrity, and kindness. In 1948, Dick joined the family business, Western Smallware and Stationery Co. Ltd. After joining Western Smallware, he met the woman who would forever change his life. Minnie became not only his wife, but his partner in every sense of the word. Together they created a home filled with warmth, generosity, and unconditional love. In 1979, Dick founded Dick Bell Agencies and began representing toy manufacturers throughout Canada. Years later, with great pleasure, he welcomed his youngest daughter, Debby, into the business and proudly shared that chapter of his life with her.
Above all else, Dick was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, a proud father, an adoring grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loyal friend. His gentle spirit, generous heart, quiet wisdom, and wonderful sense of humour made everyone around him feel welcome and loved. He delighted in telling corny jokes that, invariably, brought much laughter to family gatherings.
Dick and Minnie embraced life together. They traveled the world on more than thirty cruises, creating adventures and memories that they treasured. Yet for Dick, no trip ever compared to the joy he derived from simply being surrounded by his family. Whether celebrating holidays, birthdays, or ordinary Sunday afternoons, he was happiest when with those he loved. Camera in hand, he faithfully preserved countless family moments – not because they were extraordinary, but because he believed every moment together was worth remembering.

Dick and Minnie were devoted members of Shaarey Zedek Synagogue throughout their married life and generously supported many causes close to their hearts, including the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. Their faith was reflected not only in what they believed, but in how they lived—with generosity, humility, compassion, and gratitude.
At the age of 58, Dick underwent quintuple bypass surgery—a life-changing event for both him and Minnie. From that day forward, Minnie devoted herself to his health and well-being, carefully managing his heart-healthy lifestyle and encouraging his daily walks. Her unwavering love and care, combined with Dick’s determination, helped him enjoy many more years of good health and precious time with his family.
One of Dick’s final gifts to his family was the autobiography he wrote, preserving the remarkable story of his life for generations to come. But those who knew him understand that his true legacy cannot be contained within the pages of a book. It lives in every lesson he quietly taught, every family tradition he helped create, every melody played on the piano, every photograph he carefully took, every joke lovingly repeated, and every life he touched with his kindness.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dick’s compassionate caregivers, Mae, Emmanda, Tammy, Sandra , Estela and Nette for the loving care they provided both at home and when Minnie and Dick transitioned to the Simkin Centre.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary care and devotion to Dick – Dr.John Rabson, Dr. Grant Goldberg ,Dr. Marni Wiseman and Dr. Wayne Manishen. We are also deeply grateful to the dedicated staff of the Simkin Centre,
Dick lived a remarkable life, but those who loved him will remember something even more remarkable: the way he made each person feel valued, welcomed, and loved. His gentle presence was a blessing to all who knew him, and his love will continue to live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all whose lives he enriched.
We will miss him beyond words, love him always, and carry his memory with us forever.
For those who wish, donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or the Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Choir and Music Fund.

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ESTELLE (TZIVIE) MEYERS

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Estelle (Tzivie) Meyers, who passed away on July 10, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born on October 26, 1941, in Winnipeg, Canada, Tzivie lived a life defined by love, strength, and devotion to her family and community.

Tzivie dedicated her life to education, beginning at an early age at Herzlia Academy and continuing throughout her career in early childhood education within the public school system. In her later years, she found great joy in teaching adults. Her generosity and commitment to learning touched the lives of many over several decades. She was widely respected for her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. She also found joy in music, gardening, and volunteer work, especially with the Winnipeg Humane Society.

Tzivie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose love and guidance will remain a lasting legacy to all those she leaves behind.

Tzivie passed away on what would have been her 66th wedding anniversary with her beloved husband, Ron Meyers. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Jeffrey (Lori), Brian (Fatuma), and Adrienne (Anibal); her grandchildren, Jeremy, Ethan, Amira (Ziyad), Halima, Sara, and Ronen; her great-granddaughter, Bushra; and her siblings, Harvey (Pat) and Karin. She was predeceased by her husband, Ron.

Her legacy of love, resilience, and generosity will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Funeral services were held on July 13, 2026, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek and were officiated by her dear friend and clergy member, Cantor Leslie Emery. The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Pat Harris and the team at Palliative Care Manitoba for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, Magen David Adom, or Palliative Care Manitoba – causes that were close to her heart.

Though she is no longer with us, her love, wisdom, and spirit will remain with all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

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