Obituaries
MICKEY HOCH
April 3, 1930 – March 23, 2025
It is with profound sadness that the family of Mickey Hoch announces his passing.
Mickey leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, survived by his children from his first marriage: Irv (Michele Rose), Jeff (Janet), and Michele (Gerry Faintuch); grandchildren, Ashley, Stephanie, and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Moshe, Emelia, and Yehoshua. He is also survived by his stepson Marc (Debbie) Meyers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Rita; his parents, Simcha and Fanny; and his four siblings, David, Miriam, Yosi, and Avrum.
Born in Gurahontz, Romania, Mickey’s childhood was marked by adventure and exploration. He spent his early years fishing, hiking, and horseback riding, with Shabbat being a cherished time in his home. Despite the challenges of growing up during difficult times, Mickey’s resilience and determination shone through. He was entrepreneurial from a young age, learning the ropes of business from his parents and starting work in their store. When the Second World War forced his family to relocate to Arad, Mickey started his first business at the age of nine, selling snacks near a concert hall. He also delivered newspapers and worked in a candy factory. During the war, his family was moved to a ghetto, and Mickey bravely aided Polish refugees and supported people in labour camps by delivering food, money, and mail.
In 1948, Mickey immigrated to Winnipeg, while his family moved to Israel. He began his new life working at Crown Cap and soon launched his own hat factory in the basement of the Mazo home, his adopted family. From these humble beginnings, he expanded the business into a large garment company that produced hats, parkas, and pants, eventually employing over 400 people at Century 21 Apparels. Mickey was known as a respected and fair employer, regarded as one of Winnipeg’s leading apparel manufacturers.
A pioneer in workforce development, Mickey traveled to the Philippines in the 1960s through the Manitoba Fashion Institute, where he recruited garment workers. He helped bring the first group of Filipino workers to Winnipeg, providing them opportunities and a new life. Decades later, those same workers held a banquet in his honour to thank him for his profound impact on their lives.
In the late 1970s, Mickey joined sons, Jeff and Irv to start Century 21 Promotions in Seattle. After returning to Winnipeg in 1987, he co-founded Marathon Threads Canada with his daughter Michele, working there well into his 90s. Mickey remained an active and respected figure in both the garment and promotional product industries.
Outside of work, Mickey was deeply involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He spent countless weekends enjoying outdoor activities such as boating, skiing, snowmobiling, golfing, and racquet sports. In his later years, he took joy in cycling, poker, and bridge with friends.
Mickey travelled extensively, exploring destinations in Asia, South America, the U.S., Israel, and more. He especially cherished travelling with his granddaughters, with memorable trips to Alaska, Europe, Israel, and beyond.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Lisa for the love and care she gave Mickey, calling her his best friend.
Though his journey has come to an end, Mickey’s love, legacy, and remarkable story will live on in all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Mickey and Rita Hoch Fund” supporting the Holocaust Education Centre at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520.
Obituaries
Recent funerals – as posted on the Chesed Shel Emes website
| Debra Lynn Hirsch | Devorah Leah bat Tuvyah v’ Chaya Mindel | 10/09/1953 | 08/10/2026 | 27 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Harry Kaplan | Tzvi ben Gershon Yosef v’Dina | 16/03/1931 | 29/09/2026 | 19 Tishrei 5787 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Maurice Azuelos | Moshe ben Yehuda | 15/08/1943 | 29/09/2026 | 18 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Lillian Burke | Leah Dvorah bat Shmuel v’Basia | 31/05/1928 | 28/09/2026 | 17 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Zinaida Pinski | Zinaida bat Michael v’Rachel | 22/12/1946 | 27/09/2026 | 16 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Aarona Perlov | Aharona bat Eliyahu v’Liba Freida | 11/05/1950 | 25/09/2026 | 14 Tishrei 5787 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Beth Shore | Bat Sheva bat Susman v’ Craindel | 30/12/1939 | 23/09/2026 | 12 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Sydney Herbert Weidman | Shimshon ben Moshe Leib v’Shoshana | 24/01/1962 | 18/09/2026 | 7 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Danny Rich | Dan ben Sender v’Mindel | 30/04/1938 | 17/09/2026 | 6 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| June Marie Black | Zahava bat Avraham v’Sarah | 30/06/1931 | 16/09/2026 | 5 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Ruth Billinkoff | Rachel bat Moshe v’Shaindel | 25/04/1928 | 15/09/2026 | 4 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Adele Heidinger | Odela bat Avraham V’Freida | 14/05/1924 | 11/09/2026 | 29 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Fred Arnold Rosenblatt | Ephraim ( Freidel Chuna) ben Zvi haKohen v’Gusta | 10/12/1947 | 10/09/2026 | 28 Elul 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Jack Shrom | Yaacov ben Aryeh Leib v’Rachel | 02/03/1931 | 08/09/2026 | 26 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Raymond Richard Green | Reuben Rafael ben Leib Natan v’Yetta | 04/02/1951 | 31/08/2026 | 18 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Rhoda Kravetsky | Tziril Tovah bat Mendel v’Doba | 21/05/1948 | 29/08/2026 | 16 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Brent Drew Cohen | Binyamin ben Zvi ha’Kohen v’Esther | 02/10/1958 | 28/08/2026 | 15 Elul 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Liza Lyuber | Laya bat Lazer v’Malka | 05/12/1926 | 28/08/2026 | 15 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Michael Tennenhouse | Melech Shimon ben Hersh Tzvi v’Gileh | 22/04/1949 | 28/08/2026 | 15 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Inf |
| Lillian Neaman | Leah Rivka bat Eliyahu v’Chana | 16/02/1934 | 21/08/2026 | 8 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Malik Juravsky | Melech ben Levi Yitzchak v’Luba | 24/03/1931 | 19/08/2026 | 6 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Harvey Appelle | Chaim Tzvi ben Yehoshua v’Bayla | 08/05/1940 | 15/08/2026 | 2 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Mordy “Buddy” Brownstone | Mordechai Leib ben Yishia v’Machla | 28/07/1926 | 11/08/2026 | 28 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Karen Leslie Gomori | Gayla bat Shlomo haLevi V’Chaya Sarah | 15/02/1950 | 10/08/2026 | 27 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Rhona Shnier | Rachel bat Shaul v’Chana | 04/07/1927 | 09/08/2026 | 26 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Belle Burke | Bluma bat Zalman v’ Sara Elka | 12/05/1926 | 06/08/2026 | 23 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Reesa Gail Langhans | Reesa bat Yishayahu haKohen v’Faigel Tzipora | 17/09/1948 | 06/08/2026 | 23 Av 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Gerald Kalef | Gershon ben Yitzchak v’Chana | 24/06/1928 | 01/08/2026 | 19 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Arthur Joseph Nitikman | Aharon Yosef ben Yisrael v’Devorah | 17/05/1940 | 29/07/2026 | 15 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Sheldon Berney | – | 06/10/1936 | 28/07/2026 | 14 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Arthur Arkin | Avraham ben Yitzchak haLevi v’Sarah | 22/05/1927 | 24/07/2026 | 10 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Dick Bell | Daniel ben David v’Chana | 28/12/1927 | 19/07/2026 | 5 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Reesa Nerman | Rivka bat Shlomo v’ Shaindel Leah | 30/05/1954 | 18/07/2026 | 4 Av 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Garry Israel Frankel | Gershon Israel ben Shlomo Moshe v’Miriam | 14/08/1953 | 13/07/2026 | 28 Tamuz 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Caroline Shelley Raber | Tzipi bat Yisrael v’Ita | 30/01/1955 | 11/07/2026 | 26 Tamuz 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Estelle Meyers | Esther Tzivia | 26/10/1941 | 10/07/2026 | 25 Tamuz 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Alice Grace Lazar | Sarah bat Avraham v’Sarah | 27/12/1926 | 08/07/2026 | 23 Tamuz 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Paula Wolfman | Piya bat Mordechai v’Esther | 15/09/1953 | 08/07/2026 | 23 Tamuz 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Sharon Ricki Feuer | Sharona Rivka bat Avraham v’Sarah | 14/05/1940 | 08/07/2026 | 23 Tamuz 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Neil Margolis | Nissan ben Chaim Nechemia v’Deveorah | 29/07/1936 | 01/07/2026 | 16 Tamuz 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Sheldon Paul Nemy | Solomon ben Moshe haKohen v’Rachel | 01/04/1947 | 23/06/2026 | 8 Tamuz 5786 | Hebrew Sick Cemetery | More Info |
| Murray Kadys | Moshe ben Shmuel v’Bayla | 12/01/1945 | 19/06/2026 | 4 Tamuz 5786 | Beit Chayim Mikdash Shalom, Chapel Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Portage Ave | More Info |
| Richard Gordon | Yitzchak ben Yaakov v’Dina | 06/11/1943 | 14/06/2026 | 29 Sivan 5786 | Grays’ Ridge Cemetery, Alonsa MB | More Info |
| David Harold Diamond | David ben Avraham Yehoshua haLevi | 08/04/1929 | 09/06/2026 | 24 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Sidney Green | Simcha ben Aharon v’Rosa | 01/08/1929 | 07/06/2026 | 22 Sivan 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Cecile Kowall | Tzivia bat Shlomo David v’ Sluva Mata | 24/05/1935 | 03/06/2026 | 18 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Joan Hargrave | Chana Henya bat Binyamin Mayer haLevi v’ Miriam Dina | 14/07/1953 | 01/06/2026 | 16 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Irwin Barry Stronger | Yitzchak Dov ben Matityahu v’Baila | 16/09/1941 | 31/05/2026 | 15 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| David Ivan Cohen | David Yitzchak ben Yaakov Moshe v’Sara Liba | 06/06/1956 | 30/05/2026 | 14 Sivan 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Phyllis Maxine Hochman | Tziporah bat Shmuel v’Esther | 31/12/1940 | 30/05/2026 | 14 Sivan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Alvin Murray Zivot | Avraham Moshe ben Yaakov v’Leah Miriam | 03/08/1931 | 27/05/2026 | 11 Sivan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Tova Vickar | Tova bat Nachum v’Yenta | 24/08/1949 | 22/05/2026 | 6 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Karen Leipsic | Chaya Tova bat Kalman v’Raizel | 03/04/1944 | 21/05/2026 | 5 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Phyllis Lee Dana | Fayge-Leah bat Moshe BenZion v’Chaya | 05/10/1936 | 17/05/2026 | 1 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Betty Brina Simon | Bayla bat Yitzchak v’Miriam | 27/07/1935 | 15/05/2026 | 28 Iyar 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Basia Bayla Fliegel | Bayla bat Leib | 31/05/1930 | 13/05/2026 | 26 Iyar 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Harold Diamond | Tzvi ben Yaacov v’Chana | 04/12/1935 | 12/05/2026 | 25 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Gary Rayburn | Gershon Aaron ben Hersh Ber v’Masha | 21/09/1965 | 09/05/2026 | 22 Iyar 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Ray Schnoor | Raizel bat Ephraim v’Rachel | 13/06/1927 | 05/05/2026 | 19 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Gila Ruth Fainstein | Rachel bat Kiva v’Leah | 25/06/1935 | 04/05/2026 | 14 Iyar 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Toby Schwartz | Chaya Tovah bat Moshe v’Chana | 16/07/1932 | 01/05/2026 | 14 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Rachel Wolman | Rachel Bayla bat Moshe v’Malka | 03/02/1962 | 24/04/2026 | 7 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Leah Gitlin | Laya bat Yosef v’Frayda | 04/09/1926 | 08/04/2026 | 21 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Lin Joseph Rosenbaum | Yosef Levi ben Hershel Zvi v’Dvorah | 17/10/1952 | 06/04/2026 | 19 Nisan 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Norman Stein | Nachum ben Avraham v’Chaya | 10/06/1932 | 06/04/2026 | 19 Nisan 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Marvin Saul Silver | Menachem Shaul ben Avraham v’Chana Gitel | 20/11/1941 | 05/04/2026 | 18 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Kimberley Dawn Kirshenbaum | Isabella bat Avraham v’Sarah | 09/12/1969 | 03/04/2026 | 17 Nisan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Walter Ganetsky | Zev ben Yosef haLevi v’Tziporah | 23/09/1940 | 02/04/2026 | 15 Nisan 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Lorelei Camille Lavitt | Rachel bat Yaakov v’Raisa | 11/04/1936 | 26/03/2026 | 8 Nisan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Melvin Myers | Moshe ben Chaim v’Rachel | 24/04/1936 | 24/03/2026 | 7 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
To see more funerals go to https://chesedshelemes.org/records-of-the-deceased/
Obituaries
FREDDY ARNOLD ROSENBLATT Dec. 10, 1947 – Sept. 10, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Freddy after a brief, but valiant battle with cancer. His beloved wife Roberta, his dear son and daughter Aaron and Rachel, and his devoted brother Hymie, were by his side.
Freddy was predeceased by his parents Gusta and Harry, his oldest sister Miriam, her husband Walter, his nephew Joshua; also Roberta’s family, Dora and Issy Greenfeld, and their daughter Sharon. Along with his immediate family, Freddy is survived by nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces in Seattle and London, England, and cousins in Israel and Winnipeg.
Freddy married Roberta in 1980. They had just celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary. Freddy loved his children, Aaron and Rachel. He would do anything for them, always at their beck and call. In return, they loved him dearly.
Freddy had a heart full of love and a way of making the people around him feel cared for and important. He always had time for stories, problems, joys and get-togethers. Freddy did not have a mean bone in his body. He was loved by all. He leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories that will be treasured and carried with us always. Though our hearts are broken by his absence, we are grateful for the years we were blessed to have him and for the love he gave us freely.
Freddy was an educator for 38 years. He loved teaching and the children he taught loved him. He just had a special way with them.
When Freddy retired, Roberta, his travel agent wife, took him to places he never dreamed of seeing. When asked about his favourites – it was difficult, but he said: Ireland, 3 River cruises and, of course, Liverpool – home of the Beatles. Also, in his retirement, he loved to bowl, curl, and play poker with his buddies.
Freddy fought his six-month battle with cancer fearlessly. He was a “Geeta Neshoma” – a kind soul, and a true Mensch. He always had a smile on his face. He will be remembered and loved forever by family and the so many friends he had. He passed away with dignity. God needed another angel.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the Simkin Centre staff for their compassionate care. Thank you to the MAID organization for their humanity.
The funeral took place Sept. 15th at the Chesed Shel Emes with Rabbi Matthew Leibl officiating, followed by interment at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery, with Rabbi Kliel Rose officiating. Shiva was held at the family residence.
If you so desire, donations may be made to Jewish organizations, Cancercare Manitoba, or the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
RUTH BILLINKOFF
Ruth Billinkoff passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 98. Born in Winnipeg to Morris and Jennie Lentz, immigrants from Poland, she was especially close to her sister, Lottie Rosenstock.
Ruth married Lou Billinkoff in 1951. Devoted to each other for 71 years, they loved travelling and raised their sons, Lorne and Errol on Elm Street, their home for 62 years.
Gifted with a remarkable voice, Ruth sang in school productions, music festivals, operettas and the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir. She also taught kindergarten for many years at Hebrew schools. At home, she was an accomplished homemaker, cook and baker who cared deeply for her family.
Predeceased by Lou and her daughter-in-law, Marilyn, Ruth is survived by her sons, Lorne and Errol (Nicole Smith); grandchildren, Alix (Natan Cramer), Mitchell (Micaela Levi), Jordan and Asher; and great-grandchildren, Shalev, Boaz and Nava.
Ruth spent her final years at The Shaftesbury. Her family thanks Liza and her team, Dr. Marlie du Plessis and her assistant, Emily, for their compassionate care.
Ruth was laid to rest beside Lou at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on September 18. Pallbearers were Jordan, Mitchell and Asher Billinkoff, Daniel Bronstein, Ruben Levi and Max Asper.
Donations may be made to the Louis and Ruth Billinkoff Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.

