Obituaries
PHILLIP (PHIL) RUBIN May 28, 1937- September 16, 2018
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Phil Rubin announces his peaceful passing on September 16, 2018 at the age of 81 years. Phil took his final breaths in the Palliative Care Unit of Riverview Health Centre with his family: wife, Ruthie, and daughters, Marni and Lainey, comforting him at his side.
The funeral service was held at Chesed Shel Emes on September 17, 2018. The service was officiated by Rabbi A. Altein. Pallbearers were Rabbi S. Altein, Hilary Avertick, Jeff Gilbert, Rabbi B. Heidingsfeld, Mark Rubin, and Avi Saper. Internment took place at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.
Phil was born on May 28, 1937 in Ottawa, Ontario to Max and Ida Rubin. At the age of seven, he, with his family, relocated to Winnipeg where he grew up in The North End. After graduating from St. John’s High School, he attended the University of Manitoba, graduating from the Faculty of Engineering in 1962 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He began his working career with the Manitoba Telephone System and retired from his position there in Communications and Planning in 1992.
Phil enjoyed retirement during which he continued to be actively involved in his wife’s and daughters’ many and various pursuits. He loved researching many areas of interest to him and trading on the stock market. Phil also enjoyed travelling. His most frequent destination was Los Angeles, California, where his late older brother, Coleman, and family, as well as his late Auntie Molly, resided. Besides California,he travelled to many world destinations, the most memorable being the trip he planned to New Zealand to celebrate Lainey’s graduation from university.
On July 31, 1977, Phil married Ruthie Nimchonok. They built a wonderful life together, establishing a loving and welcoming home in River Heights. Together they enjoyed hosting many family functions, dinners, and religious holiday gatherings. They were fond of attending Manitoba Theatre Centre and Jewish Theatre productions with their close friends. Especially their life revolved around the interests and activities of their daughters.
Phil was an involved Father and Grandfather. He adored his daughters and granddaughters, Iris and Amelia. He heartily welcomed his son-in-law, Hilary, Marni’s husband, into his life. Phil was a soft spoken man of few words, but many kind and thoughtful deeds. He shied away from public recognition, preferring to be in the background providing assistance to family and friends without fanfare.
Phil was rarely ill. He was always considered in good health until he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the fall of 2016. He maintained a very positive attitude toward his struggles with this disease, never bitter nor angry about his situation. He was an exemplary patient who cooperated with his medical team, always expressing appreciation for all they did. He and his family were grateful for the care and guidance of Drs. Semus, Rimmer, Paulson, Gingrich and, of course, his G.P., Dr. van Jaarsveldt. An integral part of Phil’s treatment was organized by Jackie Chahine, his Clinical Trial Nurse, to whom Phil and his family were extremely grateful. Phil and his family were also so thankful for the home-based physiotherapy provided by Lisa Mills-Hutton. His whole medical team provided him with outstanding care and compassion. Great thanks go to all of the people, too numerous to mention individually, who provided Phil with loving, kind,and thorough care: the amazing staff of HSC on GB3; the outstanding Nurses, Healthcare Aides, and Respite workers of WRHA’s Homecare team who treated Phil with dignity and respect, not only seeing to his medical and physical well-being, but giving him emotional support. In his final days, his family was thankful to the remarkable staff on the Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre, who ensured Phil was free of pain and comfortable to the end.
Phil and Ruthie were blessed with the love and support of a large group of family and friends who readily provided them with spiritual and emotional comfort, as well as practical assistance. Whether they lived near or far, they were ever present in Phil and Ruthie’s lives during Phil’s illness. His family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone of them!
Phil is survived by his wife, Ruthie (Nimchonok), daughters: Marni (Hilary Avertick), and Lainey; and granddaughters: Iris and Amelia Avertick; Sisters-in-law, Elly Rubin and Shelley Nimchonok; Brother -in- law, Meyer Nimchonok; numerous devoted Nieces and Nephews and their children, and many loving Cousins. He was predeceased by his parents: Max and Ida (Freedman) Rubin; and brother, Coleman Rubin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chabad of Winnipeg, 1845 Mathers Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3N 0N2 or to Cancercare Foundation of Manitoba, Psychosocial Oncology, 1160-675 McDermot Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9
We bid farewell to a man whose love was constant, whose heart was pure, and whose memory will last Forever. Rest In Peace, dearest Phil/Dad!
Obituaries
LAWRENCE WERIER
Lawrence Werier passed away at home in Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 6 at the age of 98.
We thought he might live to 100, but it was not to be. Even though he was diminished by dementia in recent years, he still sparkled with an indomitable spirit that could not be missed, whether he was dancing with his many beloved caregivers or sitting quietly with his wife or children. He brought an intense energy to everything he accomplished, such as building a business, making a sale, playing tennis or scuba diving in some remote location.
His work at Goldin and Company was both challenging and joyful, and his entrepreneurial creativity brought him to Asia regularly, where he had close friends in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He married Eddy in 1949, and she remained the love of his life. They traveled the world together on many exotic trips, and in each place he would seek out adventure and fun. He was a force of life and an energetic presence who kept working and living and devouring experiences, always insisting that “the cup is half full.”
Many remember Lawrence as a great storyteller because he could never resist the impulse to share his exciting escapades with others. He didn’t retire until the age of 83, and even after formally ending his business, he continued to wheel and deal from home. In all of these passionate endeavors, he always had time for his children and grandchildren when they came to visit. His love of family was profound, and he demonstrated this love by generously bringing everyone together—children, spouses, grandchildren and Eddy—at treasured family gatherings in Costa Rica, St. Lucia and Mexico.
In recent days, people have reacted almost with astonishment that Lawrence has passed away, as if such a powerful energy might continue. We feel his loss deeply, along with his many friends in Winnipeg and beyond.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Eddy, and his children, Kerry, Cliff and Jodie, and their spouses, Suzanne, Sabrina, and Michael. He is missed by his two granddaughters, Cynthia (her partner, Matt) and Alex. Lawrence was predeceased by his beloved grandson Koby. Lawrence had many wonderful caregivers at “the Shafts,” too numerous to mention, but Tess Braun was his special friend and honorary daughter, to whom the family is grateful beyond words. Tess, Chris, Mavis, Jonathon and Jules made him comfortable in his final days, and we extend thanks to them all.
Donations in his memory can be made to Shalom Residences (shalomresidences.com).
Obituaries
BETTY JOAN KATZ
Betty Katz passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024, at the age of 94.
She was predeceased by her husband, Melvyn (Mel) and her daughter, Michelle.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Alana (Ted) and Bonnie (Howard); her son, Andy; grandchildren, Jonathan (Leiba) and Jeremy; and great-grandchildren, Louis and Ada.
Betty and Mel were high school sweethearts and married in 1953. Shortly thereafter, they purchased their cherished home on Lanark Street where they lived until after their 60th wedding anniversary. As the children grew older, Betty began a career in property management.
Betty is fondly remembered for her outgoing nature, wit, tenacity, and her great cooking, notably – her signature dish – Spaghetti a la Betty Katz.
Thank you to the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre where Betty received excellent care for the last eight years. Betty enjoyed the recreational activities and every opportunity to sit outdoors and at the sunny windows. Despite living with dementia, she was heard singing the words to “oldies” whenever there was an opportunity.
Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for leading a beautiful funeral service in Betty’s honour at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on October 28, 2024.
Obituaries
MARJORIE BAKALINSKY
It is with heavy hearts and deepest sadness that our family announce the peaceful passing of our dear sweet mother Marjorie Bakalinsky.
Mom passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Simkin Centre.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Rose and Joseph Weinstein; her sister Shirley; her in-laws, Dora and Beryl Bakalinsky; her sister-in-law Rosalie; and most recently, her dearest brother in-law Shia. Mom is survived by her loving and dedicated life long partner Leonard; her children Rachelle (Bob), Marty (Theresa), Cheryl (Avrum) and Gayle (Frank); her loving grandchildren, Jennifer, David (Andrea), Daniel, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Carllen, and Jerrett; her sister Kayla (Saul), sister-in-law Miriam (Jerry), and many nieces and nephews.
Mom was born in Winnipeg on March 7, 1935. She was raised as a youngster in the north end on Burrows Ave, then moved to Ferry Rd in St. James where her parents owned a grocery store. After graduating high school in 1953, she enrolled in nursing school in Chicago. She spent one year studying in Chicago, came home for summer break, met our dad, fell in love and didn’t go back. On June 5, 1955, Mom and Dad exchanged their wedding vows and were able to celebrate 69 years of marital bliss.
Mom always put others in front of herself, especially our dad, her children and grandchildren. She was the most unselfish woman we have ever known and loved. The matriarch of our family. Our home on Coralberry Ave. was always an open door to our many childhood friends.
Mom loved our cottage at Falcon Lake where many wonderful memories were made over the years, with her grandchildren always by her side. That gave her the greatest joy.
For over 25 years Mom and Dad’s second home was in Margate, Florida. Every year Mom would welcome her children and grandchildren to their Florida home, where there was always a home cooked meal on the dinner table.
There were many things Mom loved to do. One was playing mahjong with her weekly groups in Winnipeg and in Florida. Mom was an active member of Hadassah and was very involved in the Bnay Abraham Synagogue sisterhood. All of these were secondary to her love for her husband, children and grandchildren.
When it came to the point where her family felt Mom was no longer safe in her own home, Dad made the very difficult decision to make the Simkin Centre her new home. All the staff at Simkin who cared for Mom treated her with respect and dignity. Mom’s family will forever be grateful to the wonderful people at the Simkin Centre.
To Rabbi Matthew Leibl, thank you for being a source of support for our family. Your presence helped guide us through mom’s stay in Simkin.
Mom, we love you to the moon and back and beyond.
Forever remembered, forever loved!
In loving memory of our mom, Marjorie, donations can be made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, or to the charity of your choice.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login