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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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Obituaries

Recent funerals – as posted on the Chesed Shel Emes website

Cecil Phillip BreslauerZelig Feivel ben Chaim Yosef v’Bluma07/06/192930/10/202619 Cheshvan 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Murray KravetskyMichael Moonie ben Zeesel v’Bluma24/01/194626/10/202615 Cheshvan 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Ruben HelmanRuben ben Aba v’Sarah06/06/193222/10/202612 Cheshvan 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Bert MinukDov Ber ben Mendel haKohen v’Chaya Leah03/02/192819/10/20268 Cheshvan 5787Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Patricia CharadRut bat Avraham v’Sarah19/03/192715/10/20265 Cheshvan 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Debra Lynn HirschDevorah Leah bat Tuvyah v’ Chaya Mindel10/09/195308/10/202627 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Harry KaplanTzvi ben Gershon Yosef v’Dina16/03/193129/09/202619 Tishrei 5787Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Maurice AzuelosMoshe ben Yehuda15/08/194329/09/202618 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Lillian BurkeLeah Dvorah bat Shmuel v’Basia31/05/192828/09/202617 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Zinaida PinskiZinaida bat Michael v’Rachel22/12/194627/09/202616 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Aarona PerlovAharona bat Eliyahu v’Liba Freida11/05/195025/09/202614 Tishrei 5787Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Beth ShoreBat Sheva bat Susman v’ Craindel30/12/193923/09/202612 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Sydney Herbert WeidmanShimshon ben Moshe Leib v’Shoshana24/01/196218/09/20267 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Danny RichDan ben Sender v’Mindel30/04/193817/09/20266 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
June Marie BlackZahava bat Avraham v’Sarah30/06/193116/09/20265 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Ruth BillinkoffRachel bat Moshe v’Shaindel25/04/192815/09/20264 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Adele HeidingerOdela bat Avraham V’Freida14/05/192411/09/202629 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Fred Arnold RosenblattEphraim ( Freidel Chuna) ben Zvi haKohen v’Gusta10/12/194710/09/202628 Elul 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Jack ShromYaacov ben Aryeh Leib v’Rachel02/03/193108/09/202626 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Raymond Richard GreenReuben Rafael ben Leib Natan v’Yetta04/02/195131/08/202618 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Rhoda KravetskyTziril Tovah bat Mendel v’Doba21/05/194829/08/202616 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Brent Drew CohenBinyamin ben Zvi ha’Kohen v’Esther02/10/195828/08/202615 Elul 5786Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Liza LyuberLaya bat Lazer v’Malka05/12/192628/08/202615 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Michael TennenhouseMelech Shimon ben Hersh Tzvi v’Gileh22/04/194928/08/202615 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Inf
Lillian NeamanLeah Rivka bat Eliyahu v’Chana16/02/193421/08/20268 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Malik JuravskyMelech ben Levi Yitzchak v’Luba24/03/193119/08/20266 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Harvey AppelleChaim Tzvi ben Yehoshua v’Bayla08/05/194015/08/20262 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Mordy “Buddy” BrownstoneMordechai Leib ben Yishia v’Machla28/07/192611/08/202628 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Karen Leslie GomoriGayla bat Shlomo haLevi V’Chaya Sarah15/02/195010/08/202627 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Rhona ShnierRachel bat Shaul v’Chana04/07/192709/08/202626 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Belle BurkeBluma bat Zalman v’ Sara Elka12/05/192606/08/202623 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Reesa Gail LanghansReesa bat Yishayahu haKohen v’Faigel Tzipora17/09/194806/08/202623 Av 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
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 Berney–06/10/193628/07/202614 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
Paula WolfmanPiya bat Mordechai v’Esther15/09/195308/07/202623 Tamuz 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Sharon Ricki FeuerSharona Rivka bat Avraham v’Sarah14/05/194008/07/202623 Tamuz 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Neil MargolisNissan ben Chaim Nechemia v’Deveorah29/07/193601/07/202616 Tamuz 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Sheldon Paul NemySolomon ben Moshe haKohen v’Rachel01/04/194723/06/20268 Tamuz 5786Hebrew Sick CemeteryMore Info
Murray KadysMoshe ben Shmuel v’Bayla12/01/194519/06/20264 Tamuz 5786Beit Chayim Mikdash Shalom, Chapel Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Portage AveMore Info
Richard GordonYitzchak ben Yaakov v’Dina06/11/194314/06/202629 Sivan 5786Grays’ Ridge Cemetery, Alonsa MBMore Info
David Harold DiamondDavid ben Avraham Yehoshua haLevi08/04/192909/06/202624 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Sidney GreenSimcha ben Aharon v’Rosa01/08/192907/06/202622 Sivan 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Cecile KowallTzivia bat Shlomo David v’ Sluva Mata24/05/193503/06/202618 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Joan HargraveChana Henya bat Binyamin Mayer haLevi v’ Miriam Dina14/07/195301/06/202616 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Irwin Barry StrongerYitzchak Dov ben Matityahu v’Baila16/09/194131/05/202615 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
David Ivan CohenDavid Yitzchak ben Yaakov Moshe v’Sara Liba06/06/195630/05/202614 Sivan 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Phyllis Maxine HochmanTziporah bat Shmuel v’Esther31/12/194030/05/202614 Sivan 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Alvin Murray ZivotAvraham Moshe ben Yaakov v’Leah Miriam03/08/193127/05/202611 Sivan 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Tova VickarTova bat Nachum v’Yenta24/08/194922/05/20266 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Karen LeipsicChaya Tova bat Kalman v’Raizel03/04/194421/05/20265 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Phyllis Lee DanaFayge-Leah bat Moshe BenZion v’Chaya05/10/193617/05/20261 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Betty Brina SimonBayla bat Yitzchak v’Miriam27/07/193515/05/202628 Iyar 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Basia Bayla FliegelBayla bat Leib31/05/193013/05/202626 Iyar 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Harold DiamondTzvi ben Yaacov v’Chana04/12/193512/05/202625 Iyar 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Gary RayburnGershon Aaron ben Hersh Ber v’Masha21/09/196509/05/202622 Iyar 5786Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Ray SchnoorRaizel bat Ephraim v’Rachel13/06/192705/05/202619 Iyar 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Gila Ruth FainsteinRachel bat Kiva v’Leah25/06/193504/05/202614 Iyar 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Toby SchwartzChaya Tovah bat Moshe v’Chana16/07/193201/05/202614 Iyar 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Rachel WolmanRachel Bayla bat Moshe v’Malka03/02/196224/04/20267 Iyar 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Leah GitlinLaya bat Yosef v’Frayda04/09/192608/04/202621 Nisan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Lin Joseph RosenbaumYosef Levi ben Hershel Zvi v’Dvorah17/10/195206/04/202619 Nisan 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Norman SteinNachum ben Avraham v’Chaya10/06/193206/04/202619 Nisan 5786Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Marvin Saul SilverMenachem Shaul ben Avraham v’Chana Gitel20/11/194105/04/202618 Nisan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Kimberley Dawn KirshenbaumIsabella bat Avraham v’Sarah09/12/196903/04/202617 Nisan 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Walter GanetskyZev ben Yosef haLevi v’Tziporah23/09/194002/04/202615 Nisan 5786Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Lorelei Camille LavittRachel bat Yaakov v’Raisa11/04/193626/03/20268 Nisan 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Melvin MyersMoshe ben Chaim v’Rachel24/04/193624/03/20267 Nisan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info

To see more funerals go to https://chesedshelemes.org/records-of-the-deceased/

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Obituaries

DR. BARRY RAYTER

June 12, 1941 – November 4, 2026

Peacefully at age 85.

Predeceased by Maggie in 2014, his wife of over 50 years, his parents, Bobby and Tubby Rayter, sister-in-law Dale Rayter and brother-in-law Mel Frasier.

Barry leaves to mourn his children, Jason, Kelly and Scott; sister Sharon (Benson) Labinsky; brothers, Bailey (Karen), Mark, and Ian (Lynnie) Rayter; brother-in-law David (Marilyn) Coubrough; nephews and nieces, Jordan (Shari), Brent (Tammy), and Ellen (Simon) Labinsky; Lindsay (Tyler) and Mika (Keith) Rayter; Jared and Aaron (Wendy) Rayter; Bill (Susan) and Joy Coubrough; and many more great and great-great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

Barry also leaves behind dear friends Winnie and Jim McPhee and their children, Terry Lynn (Dave), Michelle (Rob), Jim, Colleen, and Lisa (Dwaine) and their children. He was predeceased by his close colleagues Tom Dobbs and Ross McIntyre and dear friends Keith and Joan Thompson, who are survived by their surviving children Rob, Margot and Chris.

The help, support and friendship from many people have meant a great deal to both Barry and his family, including Beddie Nagle, Imelda Horbas, Julie Clark, Pam Swystun, Ryan Cormack, Neil Wilson, Laurie Lebel, Pat Karpasho, Kelly Wiebe and Mike Loyd.

The family would especially like to thank Dr. Joel Gingerich and the staff at both CancerCare Manitoba and Park Manor Care Home.

Barry grew up surrounded by a large and close family, first on Aberdeen, then on Mountain and Inkster, attending Peretz School, St. John’s, and then on to University of Manitoba where he studied Dentistry before opening a practice of over 45 years in East Kildonan, first on Watt Steet and then on Henderson Highway.

Barry was committed to the care and well-being of his patients, their families and to the profession, assuming the presidency of the Manitoba Dental Association in 1996 and serving as chair of the economics committee for over 30 years, he was recognized for his service including the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Density’s Alumni of Distinction Award in 2013 and he was the first inductee into the Manitoba Dental Association’s Hall of Fame in 2001.

After his years as a general practitioner, Barry joined the academic staff at the Faculty of Dentistry, assisting and teaching in several areas including the Emergency Clinic, making a lasting impression on the many students he taught and mentored – work he found richly rewarding and forming ongoing friendships with students who went on to work in the field, always available for guidance, offering advice, a caring ear, a free lunch, and a good joke.

Barry had both a keen aesthetic sense and skill as a visual artist, and the family home was filled with his many drawings, paintings and sketches. He also had a strong musical ear and could sit down at the piano and play a tune he had only just heard. He loved all kinds of music, including opera (which he attended with Winnie and Jim McPhee), classical, but also pop and rock and took his kids to concerts such as Supertramp, The Police, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, David Bowie, Styx and many more. He read widely, including fiction, history, travel literature, nature, and art.

Anyone who knew Barry can attest to his ability to tell and appreciate a good joke – all of which reflected his affable nature and his optimistic outlook on life.

Barry carried on the values his parents instilled in their children, including their generosity and kindness to those in need. He was caring and attentive to his patients and devoted to the learning experience of his students, who in turn would become excellent care providers. His presence in his family, community and profession were profound and we will all miss him dearly.

Service at Chesed Shel Emes (1023 Main St.), 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2026 followed by burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park (2795 Main St.). Shiva at 59 Vanier Drive following burial, and Sunday, November 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Monday, November 9, 2026 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Pallbearers: Bailey, Mark, Ian, Jared, and Aaron Rayter and Simon Flesischer.

Donations can be made to https://www.hscfoundation.mb.ca/donate/ (Dale Rayter GD6 Nursing Education Fund) at the Health Sciences Centre, CancerCare Manitoba, or charity of your choice.

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Obituaries

PATRICIA (PAT) CHARAD

Patricia (Pat) Charad passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, friendship, and community service.

Born in Detroit, Pat arrived in Winnipeg as a baby and grew up in the city’s West End. After graduating from Daniel McIntyre High School, Pat began her working life as a clerk at Great-West Life before moving on to various administrative positions. In the early 1950s, she and a friend ventured overseas, found work in London, and hitchhiked through the south of France. Pat was very much ahead of her time!

Pat met Issie Charad at a mutual friend’s party and they married in 1963, following Pat’s conversion to Judaism. Issie’s calm and steady presence was the perfect balance to Pat’s fiery spirit. They globe trotted and raised their two daughters, Judi and Reegan.

Their home was always warm and welcoming. Gatherings and celebrations were constant, as were teen drop-ins. Oak Street was a hive of activity, driven by Pat.

Pat devoted decades to volunteering with the Manitoba Children’s Hospital Foundation, contributing to fundraising efforts and serving as a board member. Her extraordinary commitment was recognized this past year when she was honoured for more than 60 years of volunteer service. She was equally dedicated to the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, where she served as Vice-President, Co-President of the Sisterhood and served on the board of the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre.

Although Pat began life as an only child, she certainly did not end it that way. Along the journey, she gathered an enormous circle of family and friends, comprised of adopted family, chosen family, honorary cousins, and nieces and nephews by the droves. To so many, she was simply and affectionately, Aunt Pat.

Pat will be remembered for her cracking bridge hand, her open door and her extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome.

Pat is survived by her daughters, Reegan Charad and Judi Charad, and her cherished grandson, Isaac, along with the many family members and friends whose lives she enriched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

If you wish, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba.

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