Obituaries
WALTER SALTZBERG
Professional Engineer; Born in Warsaw Poland January 12th, 1931; Died Winnipeg Canada March 8th, 2018
Walter was a Holocaust survivor who lost both of his parents and an older brother because of the Nazis’ goal to rid the world of the Jewish people. Walter, who last saw his family at ten years of age, spoke very often at various schools and other venues in the hope that his tragic war experiences would instill tolerance in people of various religious beliefs.
While he basically accepted the premise, “love thy fellow man”, he strongly believed that it should start with a more realistic approach: “Let your fellow man live in peace”. Walter had chronicled his war experiences and those who may be interested inn them should speak to his son, George.
It was Walter’s wish to acknowledge two individuals who, at the peril of their own lives, saved his life during the war. Dr Kazimierz Weckowski was a Christian doctor who smuggled Walter out of the Warsaw Ghetto when he was 10 years old and hid him in his home for two years. Dr. Weckowski was recognized posthumously as a Righteous Amongst Nations by Yad Vashem in Israel for his heroism. Peter Jablonski (Nachman Fryszberg) was a young Jewish man who saved Walter after a building they were hiding in was bombed. Peter dug Walter from the rubble and hid him in a hole underground that he built. Peter hid himself, Walter and three others there for a period of five months in that hiding space. Peter saved Walter’s wounded leg by using urine as a disinfectant. He found a sack of rotten onions that became their main source of food, enabling them to survive until they were liberated in January 1945.
Following years of surgeries and long hospital stays in both Poland and Sweden (to restore the use of his leg), Walter could walk again, sporting a big shoe on his shorter leg. He would explain to curious children who wondered about his large shoe: “So to kick a soccer ball further”.
Walter came to Canada in late 1947 just short of 17 years of age having completed only up to Grade 2 in French immersion in Warsaw. With a great deal of difficulty, years of missed education, learning a new language and financial problems, he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba in 1957. He then began his 40 plus year career with the Manitoba Department of Highways and Transportation. Despite his one short leg and his difficult past, he rose to the position of Director of Bridges and Structures for the Province of Manitoba, retiring in September 1997.
Walter’s extra-curricular activities were numerous and included many volunteer positions with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba, culminating in the position of its President. He was recognized with many awards both on the Provincial and National scene. He was Past-President of the Optimist Club of Assiniboia, Past-President of the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society and Past Second Vice-President of the Canadian Schizophrenic Society.
Upon retiring from the Department of Highways Walter became International Liaison Officer with the ISIS Research Network and Associate Professor Engineer-In-Residence at the University of Manitoba.
In July 2017 Walter was recognized for his lifetime of contributions in volunteering as well as speaking about his experiences as a Holocaust survivor. He received the “Sovereign Award for Volunteers” from the Governor General of Canada, His Excellency David Johnston. This award was presented to him by Her Honour Janice Filmon, the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, who graciously came to the hospital to present it to him.
Walter would often say, “My Profession has been good to me, Manitoba has been good to me, Canada has been good to me”. He was a fiercely proud Canadian. Walter was forever grateful that Canada had given him a home and an opportunity to rebuild his life. He committed himself to give back to his adopted country.
Walter was predeceased by his parents Mauryce and Anna and his brother Jercyk who perished in the Holocaust, his wife Sheila Greenberg Smith and the mother of his children Joan Carole Gordon.
Walter leaves his loving children, George (Timothy), Jack and Anna; his nieces, Myrna, Patrisha and Penny and their families; as well as cousins, friends, colleagues, Sheila’s family (including stepson Grant [Rhonda] and their children, Jared and Shane; and his best friend, Clara Block.
The family is very grateful to Evangeline, Edna, Rishpa and Merlyn, who looked after him with such incredible love and compassion. They are also very grateful to the entire staff of the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre and especially to the team on Simkin 2 for the exceptional care he received.
Funeral Service was held at the Etz Chaim Synagogue on Sunday March 11th with interment at the Rosh Pina cemetery. Pallbearers were: Ron East, Dan East, Lior Avishay, Karen Vickar, Jonathan Fine and Zev Rumstein.
Donations in Walter’s name can be made to the Holocaust Education Centre Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or the Manitoba Schizophrenic Society.
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 beloved 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
FREYA WASEL JANUARY 21, 1948 – APRIL 5, 2025
With great sadness and broken hearts the family of Freya Wasel announces that she passed away peacefully in her home in Edmonton on April 5, 2025. Freya was born in St. Boniface Hospital on January, 21, 1948 and grew up on Inkster Blvd. in the north end of Winnipeg. She attended Inkster, Luxton, and St. John’s schools and received awards for academic achievement. She also attended Peretz Yiddish night school.
Freya continued her studies at the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and majoring in physics. She married Lewis during her final year of university. After graduation she was employed by the Manitoba Telephone System for two years in the traffic and engineering departments. She then left the work force to bear and raise her children, Norman and Rebecca.
Ten years after her first university graduation, Freya returned to the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Education. She earned a Bachelor of Education degree and then began a new career as a teacher. Freya taught at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Fort Garry for 21 years. Her primary subject was physics, but she is also remembered for an extra-curricular activity. She coordinated and chaperoned student tours to foreign countries during spring break periods. Those tours enabled her to travel to every continent except Antarctica. Freya retired prematurely
and moved to Edmonton to take care of her grandchildren.
Freya was predeceased by her parents, Alvin and Anne Gardner and her brother Norman Gardner. She is survived by Lewis, her husband of 57 years, her son Norman (Leanne) Wasel, daughter Rebecca (Shane) Asbell, grandchildren Aliza (Eitan), Daniella, Asher, Hila, Zev, Yaffa, Caleb, Koby and Yoni. Freya is also survived by her brother Arnold Gardner, sister Rhoda (Sid) Greenstone, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ellen and Ron Dlin, uncle and aunt Hy and Donna Dubo, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Freya was known for her friendly nature and smile. She made everyone with whom she interacted feel important. She was very caring for her students who in return treated her with respect and affection. Freya was community minded and participated in many charitable organizations. She is dearly missed but leaves us with fond memories and her spirit will remain with us.
Obituaries
ROSE SLUTSKY DECEMBER 2, 1937 – MAY 26, 2025
With great sorrow but deep gratitude for the time we shared, we announce the passing of Rose Slutsky (née Zipper), who left this world on May 26, 2025, in Vancouver, BC. She is survived by her beloved children—Sam, David, Judy, and Morley—her seven treasured grandchildren— Melanie, Tamara, Joshua, Brett, Jesse, Daliah, and Tevi—and two great-grandchildren, Isaac and Lewis.
Born in Galicia, Poland, to devoted parents Samuel and Manya Goldhirsch, Rose’s early years were filled with the richness of language, learning to speak German, Russian, Polish, French, and Hebrew before later teaching herself English and Yiddish. She endured unimaginable loss as a Holocaust survivor, losing nearly all her family except for her mother and cousins who escaped to another country before the war began. Yet, even in the face of profound grief, she chose a life of resilience, generosity, and love.
Family was everything to Rose. Knowing firsthand the irreplaceable value of loved ones, she built a home filled with laughter, warmth, food and unwavering support. After immigrating to Canada in 1950, she married Paul Slutsky,
and together they raised four children. Her devotion extended beyond her family to her community, where she proudly supported her children and grandchildren in their academic pursuits, cheering them on as they followed paths in law, medicine, physiotherapy, and international relations and data programming. We can all hear still her saying to us “believe in yourself always”.
Rose had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. She would brighten a stranger’s day with a compliment, welcome anyone who needed comfort into her home, and forge friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her vibrant circle of friends in Winnipeg and Richmond became her extended family, offering companionship and joy throughout the years.
A woman of extraordinary talent, Rose carved her own path as a salesperson for People’s Jewelers, becoming the company’s top seller in Western Canada for many years running. Her eye for beauty, paired with her personable nature, made her exceptional at what she did. She was a proud member of the Pioneer Women organization and Beth Tikvah Synagogue, tirelessly working to support Israel and the local Jewish community. Most profoundly, she dedicated herself to sharing her story of survival, ensuring that future generations would never forget the atrocities of war. Her courage and unwavering spirit inspired her family to pursue lives of service and generosity. “What life gives you, you must give back,” she often said—a philosophy she embodied every day. Rose’s artistic spirit was deeply ingrained in her. The daughter of a Paris-trained couturier and a talented shoe designer, she inherited a keen eye for color and form. From sketching designs as a child to creating stunning oil paintings later in life, she found solace and expression through art. Her work was proudly exhibited at the Richmond Art Gallery, a testament to her creativity and passion.
In keeping with her name, Rose nurtured life with tenderness and care. Her garden was a sanctuary—filled with fruit trees, vegetables, and grapevines. Each spring, she delighted in planting flowers, braving mischievous squirrels just to see her blooms flourish. But nothing brought her more joy than cooking for her family. Passover was her cherished holiday, her heart swelling with pride as her loved ones gathered around the table to savor her homemade delicacies. From knishes and kugel to chocolate cake and pickles, her culinary creations were a labor of love that filled every celebration with warmth.
Though Rose has now reunited with her mother, father, and husband, her love remains woven into the fabric of her family, her friendships, and the lives she touched. Her story—a testament to perseverance, kindness, and devotion—will live on, carried forward by those who werefortunate enough to know her.
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