Obituaries
JOHN STATHAM
Embraced in the love of his partner and children, John Statham passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at the age of 71. He had received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on July 7, 2021 and died naturally of his illness at the home of his partner Richard, where he had lived since beginning treatment in August, 2021. His life ended as he had lived it, with calm and dignity.
John was the cherished partner of Richard Yaffe for over twenty-two years, the much loved father of Anthony Statham (Alaina) and Alexandra Bolton, and the adored and adoring grandpa of Oliver Statham and Theo Statham. He is also survived by his sisters Margaret Stewart, Frances Statham (Esther Phillips) and Claire LeBane (Jeff), his brother Robert Statham, his nieces and nephews, and his children’s mother Anne Bolton. He was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Judith Statham.
John Arthur Michael Statham was born in Longueuil, Quebec on October 14, 1950. Following the untimely death of his father when John was 8 years old, the family moved to Winnipeg in 1959. John graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in 1975. While living in London, England and Pau, France with his wife Anne from 1977 to 1980, he attended the City of London Polytechnic and The City Literary Institute (London) where he studied French language and literature, and then Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour from which he received a diploma following studies in French language and literature, history and translation. After returning to Winnipeg, he served as the Interpretation Section Head of Translation Services for the Province of Manitoba for over 27 years, earning a reputation among the judiciary, lawyers and members of the legislature for his work ethic and for his diligence and precision in French/English interpretation and translation.
It was his art, though, that gave true meaning to John’s life. His remarkable talent in painting and drawing was evident at an early age, and was recognized by mentors who guided him and facilitated his admission to the School of Art at the University of Manitoba and then his life as a visual artist. He maintained studios both in his home and downtown in the Exchange District, and more recently at the Clearwater Bay cottage he shared with Richard. John had the ability to decipher beauty and significance in the ordinary and even the mundane, and with great sensitivity and meticulous technique he created paintings and drawings, often based on the simplest subject matter, that uncovered hidden radiance and revealed concealed harmony. He believed in the purity of art as an expression of beauty.
John had been considering conversion to Judaism for many years. He identified with Jewish values and the Jewish approach to ethics. It was the concept of tikkun olam in particular that resonated, and its goal of repairing the world through the pursuit of social justice with acts of kindness, particularly for the benefit of those without a voice. Under the guidance of Rabbi Anibal Mass, John completed his conversion to Judaism eight weeks before his death. He had the privilege of choosing his Jewish name and decided on the name Yochanan Uri, which connotes grace and light – both integral to the man he was. John and Richard had planned to be married following his conversion to Judaism, but sadly the progression of his illness precluded that.
John’s life was defined by kindness, generosity and authenticity. He was a quiet, keen listener and when he spoke he did so with measured and thoughtful consideration. Although introspective and a deep thinker, he was possessed of a lovable, dry wit. He was an avid reader in both English and French, and a perceptive observer of people and the human condition. While self-promotion was abhorrent to him, he was an ardent supporter of those he loved and in whom he believed. He was a loyal friend, and those in John’s inner circle were the fortunate recipients not only of his wise counsel but also of his masterful baking.
John’s funeral service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue at 12:00 noon on Friday, February 4, 2022, officiated by Rabbi Anibal Mass. Eulogies were delivered by John’s children, his partner, and his friend Tom Lovatt. Pallbearers were Clifford Yaffe, Mariam Bernstein, Sarah Kredentser, Saul Simmonds, Eric Vickar and Shawn Yaffe. Honorary pallbearers were James Anning, Donald Pearen, Tom Lovatt and Bette Woodland. John was laid to rest at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. The funeral service may be viewed on YouTube (SZ Winnipeg).
We wish to express our gratitude to Drs. Benjamin Goldenberg and Paul Daeninck and their nurses Cindy and Melanie, and to the chemotherapy nurses at CancerCare (MacCharles), all of whom treated John with the kindness and respect he deserved.
We are deeply grateful for the many cards and donations already received in tribute to John. Those still desiring to honour John’s memory may wish to consider a donation to a fund being established in John’s and Richard’s names at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or a charity of choice.
Obituaries
TEDDY MULLER
In the early hours of September 29, 2025, holding the hands of his beloved daughter and granddaughter, Teddy quietly passed away just weeks before his 100th birthday. His passing coincided with the time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the holiest of days, a sign of how honourably Teddy lived his life.
Teddy was born October 25 to his loving parents, Shlomo and Luisa in Balavasar, Romania and remained proud of his Transylvanian roots. He enjoyed a happy childhood with his older siblings, Lola and Zoli. Life drastically changed with the onset of the war. Teddy was forced into a slave labour camp while his siblings and mother were taken to concentration camps. His mother was murdered the day before liberation at Auschwitz, something that haunted him the rest of his life. Teddy’s entire testimony of the brutality that he endured is documented in the Steven Spielberg Shoah Foundation archive.
In the Fall of 1947, Teddy arrived in Winnipeg and within 24 hours was working as an upholsterer and didn’t stop until he was 88 years old. Along the way he was introduced to his beautiful Marie. They were married in 1950 during the flood and spent nearly 70 years together. Two young Holocaust survivors, with a mutual understanding of persecution and loss, began to build their lives together. They built a family with a strong and loving foundation. Their business, Art Upholstering, was built on honesty, respect and a commitment to craftsmanship. Teddy was always proud of the homes he had furnished and the connections he made with his customers. He was especially proud of restoring historical furnishings from Parks Canada. Teddy never had to take out an ad as his sterling reputation spoke for itself. Teddy had golden hands that crafted high quality showcases of his trade and artisanship. The same resilience that brought him through the war, brought him through a devastating fire where no arsonist was going to dictate his future. With the help of Fred and Cynthia Brick, Teddy rebuilt Art Upholstering from the ashes.
Family and friends were the most important things to Teddy. To know him was to love him. His charismatic and engaging personality left lasting impressions. His historical aptitude made him a force to be reckoned with in any debate.
Teddy revelled in the successes of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were the world to him. He took his role as patriarch to heart. His support and love for his family was unconditional. He especially rose to the role of Zaidie and great-Zaidie Teddy Bear. He was a giver and never asked for much. Sitting on his deck, surrounded by his plants and apple tree filled his heart and soul.
Aging in his home was very important to Teddy. The compassionate care of Erlyn, his Joy, Timmalee, Adeena, Rose, Johnny and Marty was instrumental in maintaining Teddy’s dignity and independence and fulfilling his wish. Teddy’s quality of life was maintained thanks to the dedication of Dr. Brenda Hildebrand and her caring team. Regular visits from Chris, Gail, Alex, Allan and Emily kept Teddy engaged and stimulated.
Teddy was predeceased by his beautiful wife, Marie, his devoted son-in-law, Marshall, and granddaughter Jada. He is survived by his beloved daughter Laya, cherished grandchildren, Kyle (Carol), Gabi (Benji) and Skye (Cam), treasured great-grandchildren Alex, Maddy, Mavis, Mickey and Dori, as well as his son Marvin, and loving granddaughters Ilana and Timna.
Donations may be made to the Marshall S. Kneller Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or any organization supporting Israel, a cause near and dear to Teddy’s heart.
Obituaries
RUTH KLAPMAN December 20, 1929 – September 24, 2025
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, Ruth Klapman.
Ruth lived a full life surrounded by family and friends. She was devoted to her late husband, Sam, her partner for 68 years. Together, they brought joy to every gathering-always the first to dance and the last to say goodbye.
Ruth was deeply committed to volunteer work. She gave her time to organizations including Hadassah, ORT, the National Council of Jewish Women, Pioneer Women, and the Women’s Endowment Fund. She chaired the ORT thrift store for 14 years, and she sang in Israel as a member of the Rosh Pina Synagogue Choir.
Ruth spent every summer at Winnipeg Beach, sharing komish and other treats with generations of neighbourhood children who would visit the cottage throughout the day. She was everybody’s ‘Bubbie’. Winters were spent in Palm Springs, welcoming her children and grandchildren for fun in the sun.
Ruth was a true party person who loved spending time with friends and hosting family gatherings. Her home was a place where people came together to share meals, stories, and laughter. She enjoyed travelling the world and never refusing an invitation, no matter where it was.
Mother to Sandi (Sam Malamud), Marla Bernstein, Hartley (Drew Salter), and Jody (Brian Goldberg); grandmother to Andrew (Hilary), Allan (Alona), Aaron (Alanna), Jason (Lindsay), Steven (Alexis), Dana (Tom), Brady (Matt), Carly (Jay), Hanna (Gaby), and Kevin (Ilana).
Great-grandmother to Florie, Stan, Juniper, Angus, Isaac, Otto, Cole, Chase, Charlotte, Rory, Mason, and Romi; sister-in-law to Sandy Youssiem; Auntie Ruthie to many nieces and nephews.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Sam, her parents Reuben and Rose Youssiem, and her brother Saul Youssiem.
A special thank you to Marivel Toledo for her many years of care and dedication, and to Lorna Allen and Fabi Patriarca for their great support.
Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for officiating the funeral service, which took place on September 26, 2025, at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ruth and Sam Klapman Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520.
Obituaries
JEROME AVERY
April 2, 1945 – September 11, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jerome Avery, who passed away with his family by his side on September 11, 2025, at the age of 80.
Jerome was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Allan and Diane Avery. He was married to the love of his life, Karen, for 46 years, until her passing. Jerome was blessed to find love and companionship again with Sergia, who he cared deeply for.
Jerome treasured being “Zaida” to his grandchildren, Danica, Alexis, and Nathan. Jerome is survived by his loving children, Robyn (Don) and Tammy (Chris); his grandchildren Danica (Benny), Alexis (Brett), and Nathan; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Karen, his parents Allan and Diane Avery, and his in-laws Nathan and Rose Sarbit.
His smile lit up a room bringing joy and comfort to all who knew him.