Obituaries
KERRY PAUL ROITENBERG
June 29, 1954-April 3, 2017
Kerry Roitenberg left us on Monday April 3, 2017 at the age of 62.
He is survived by his father Shom Roitenberg; his sister Janis; his brother and sister in-law Evan and Audra; and his nieces Lindsay and Jillian. Kerry was predeceased by his mother Sheila and his grandparents Rose and Jack Rittberg and Rose and Isaac Roitenberg. Kerry also leaves behind many cousins and friends, notably B and Jeff.
Kerry was born in 1954 and was the eldest of three. He attended Talmud Torah, Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate and Garden City Collegiate. Kerry was a gifted student and brilliant all around. He was an accomplished bridge player who played in many tournaments as a teen. He excelled at school and was a member of Reach for the Top teams in high school. He’d always wanted to practice law. Unfortunately, fate intervened.
Kerry was quite a musical talent. He joined Cantor Brownstone’s choir at a very early age and eventually was tapped to lead some synagogue services, even before his Bar Mitzvah. On the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah, he had to leave his own party early to attend the dress rehearsal for the show he was doing at Rainbow Stage.
His interests, however, went beyond school and music. Kerry loved sports. Kerry was a lifelong fan of the BC Lions, as they both came to being in 1954. Kerry was also a huge fan of the big bad Bruins in hockey. Underneath the wall hanging depicting a history of Bobby Orr’s uniforms, Kerry slept with a Boston Bruins blanket on his bed for as long as anyone can remember. It was Kerry’s love of sports that gave birth to his nickname: Koach. Kerry was a true coach: leading by example, teaching by doing, and he exemplified NEVER giving up.
In 1974, at the age of 20, Kerry underwent brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic. Following that surgery, but before he was left wheelchair bound, Kerry completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at the U of W. Three years post-surgery, having suffered a few seizures over that time, Kerry was left paralyzed and with some cognitive impairment from one final seizure in 1977. Since 1979, he had been a resident of Luther Home. That is where much of the legend of Kerry Roitenberg begins.
While others may have become sullen or sorrowful after being confined to a wheelchair, Kerry treated life with a sense of humour and positivity. He moved in to Luther Home at the age of 24 and left it last week as its unofficial mayor. Residents and staff gravitated towards him. It became evident that the staff and residents became part of Kerry’s family, and he, their’s. Kerry was at home there, not in ‘a home’, and he was with people who genuinely cared for him, not just as professional care givers. Such was Kerry. Such are the people at Luther Home.
Kerry was fun, whether it was playing a game of cribbage or chess, joking around, or confounding people with his own language of riddles and trivia. To speak with Kerry, especially when he was feeling playful or mischievous, was to have your mental acuity tested as he would use pop-culture references and trivial Hollywood stars of old, as reference points to express himself and tell a story. Kerry never lost his competitive spirit. In a game of cribbage, even establishing a one point lead was cause for a smiling Kerry to taunt with a cry of “SOMEBODY’S LOSING”. And he was insufferable when his Lions beat the “Blue Bumblers” as he called them.
Kerry participated in everything at Luther Home including sitting on the Residents Council. No current resident or staff member goes back to a time “pre-Kerry”, as he’d been there longer than all. The morning of Kerry’s passing, as he peacefully lay in his bed, there was a steady stream of staff and friends to Kerry’s room at Luther Home to say goodbye.
The way Kerry lived his life, the humour and compassion that he displayed in spite of the cards he was dealt, was a gift. He never let his limitations dictate a definition of who he was or who he wanted to be. He created happiness for himself on a daily basis. There were limits as to what he could do or express, but there were no limits as to what he could feel. There were no limits as to how much he could love, or be loved in return.
Funeral services were held on April 5, 2017 at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, officiated by Rabbi Alan Green. Pallbearers were Ian Cramer, Dr. Sheldon Glow, Jeff Hirsh, Stuart Slayen, Daniel Yusim and Norman Yusim. Honorary pallbearers were Randy Cramer and Arthur “B” Hirsh. Art, a million “thank yous” are not enough.
Kerry’s family would like to thank Dr. Heather Domke for her care and compassion over the years. The family wishes to particularly thank the staff at Luther Home. Words can’t do justice to our gratitude for how Kerry was cared for and the quality of life he was afforded for nearly 38 years. To those inclined to donate in Kerry’s memory, please consider donating to the Luther Home Solarium Project.
Kerry, Koach, Uncle Kerry, we love you and will hold you in our hearts forever.
Obituaries
BILL WORB
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Zaida, brother, and uncle, Bill Worb.
Bill passed surrounded by family on September 14, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Abraham and Sonia, his in-laws Abe and Sarah Helman, his wife, Paula, his siblings Esther, Joe, and Benni, and by his son-in-law, Bryan.
He leaves behind his children Marla and Ron (Gail); his grandchildren, Sari, Alexi, Andrew, and Samantha; his brother-in-law Ruben (Rita), as well as his nieces and nephews.
Bill was one of the most hardworking men anyone could have known, with a brilliant business mind that seemed to have no limits.
As a teenager, he began working as a fur auctioneer and grader for Dominion/Soudack Fur Auction, before founding and operating Winnipeg Fur Exchange from 1970 to 1994. He then established Bill Worb Furs, which he ran into his eighties, retiring only due to health issues.
Beyond Bill’s success, it was his warmth, generosity, and character that truly defined him.
He had a way of connecting with people—he was personable, distinguished, and treated everyone with kindness and respect. Whether supporting his family or giving back to the community, his generosity knew no bounds. Family dinners were some of the best memories shared, filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of simply being together. He made those gatherings special, and they will always hold a treasured place in our hearts.
Bill was known for sharing captivating stories, from his childhood in rural Manitoba with his giant German Shepherd, Jiggs, to his travels around the world in the fur trade. He was an accomplished and remarkable man, and on top of that, he did a spot-on Johnny Cash impression.
Bill cherished his grandchildren and created unforgettable memories with them. Whether sharing a meal or passing on life lessons, he always made those moments special and meaningful, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
As a husband, Bill was deeply devoted to his wife, Paula, always caring for her and demonstrating what true love looked like to everyone around them.
Bill was, in every sense, a “prince of a man”—someone everyone looked up to, learned from, and loved dearly. His warmth, generosity, and wisdom will be remembered by all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his impact and the love he shared will always remain with us.
Bill’s family wishes to thank his dedicated team of caregivers, as well as the doctors and nurses who provided compassionate and wonderful care to him at Grace Hospital.
Funeral services and interment were at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on September 16, 2024, with Rabbi Mass officiating. Pallbearers were Sari Daien, Alexi Daien, Dr. Andrew Worb, Dr. Eric Vicker, Ivan Master, and Lyle Silverstein.
Obituaries
Bill Mahon
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Bill Mahon, just three weeks after his 85th birthday. Bill was a devoted husband of 59 years to his sweetheart Judy, beloved father to Tracy (Jeff) and Dana (Marc), proud zaidy to Nathan and Jonah, and a loyal friend to countless members of the Winnipeg community, and well beyond.
To know Bill was to adore him. People of all ages and walks of life were touched by his unique sense of humour, his generosity, kindness, and his true zest for life. He was always the first one to say “sure”, “go for it”, and “let’s do it!”
Bill’s happy place was poolside in Puerto Vallarta with his “boat” aka pool floaty. He was famous for slurping the last drop of his chocolate milkshakes, driving around town in his red convertible, and sporting his various Tilley hats.
A true north end boy, Bill grew up on Cathedral Avenue where he and his buddies got into all sorts of trouble. Bill still had weekly dates with many of these same friends, where they’d sit for hours, passing the time telling jokes, sharing stories, and having meaningful conversations.
Bill changed jobs and careers many times over the years, eventually finding his calling as a successful financial planner.
For over 40 years Bill helped countless people, and remained devoted to them, even after he retired, well into his 80’s.
Bill was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends and was always the last to leave a gathering but not before confirming plans for the next.
In November 2024 Bill suffered a traumatic fall. At the time of his accident, he was doing what he loved, hosting friends at their bi-weekly poker game. Bill’s optimism, tenacity and resilience inspired everyone as he fought his hardest to recover. Even amid the most challenging time of his life he was able to shine his bright light and bring levity and joy to those around
ill lived every day with gratitude and appreciation. He was a man of honour, respect, and integrity. He always did the right thing and instilled this in the lives of his children, grandchildren and his community.
He will be forever remembered and profoundly missed.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Emerson and Fanny Mahon, his sister Ethel Planting, and his nephew Paul Planting.
The funeral took place at Etz Chaim Synagogue on Sunday March 16th, 2025.
Pallbearers were:Jeff Kowal, Nathan Kowal, Dana Mahon, Gary Margolis, Don Katz and Shira Tennehouse Honorary pallbearers: David Gruber, Allan Becker, Syd Cohen, Billy Kowall, Ray Leibl, Roberta McEachern, Tino Pissante, Norman Silverberg and Jonah Kowal.
With gratitude, donations can be made in Bill’s name to Spinal Cord Injury Manitoba or CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
Obituaries
Arnold Ludwick
Born in Winnipeg, Arnie lived a life filled with love, adventure, and purpose. Son of Rube and Gert Ludwick, and beloved brother to Lois (David Wolch), Arnie was a devoted husband to Erna Ludwick for 62 years. Together, they built a life rich in love and family, raising their three children, Heidi, Sheryl(Mitchell Stotland), and Louis (Erika Ludwick). His greatest joy was his family, and he cherished every moment with his grandchildren: Tyler (Aaron) Mikaela (Luca), Griffin, Julian, Jackson, Harper, and Mylie. And Lobo and Kiva.
Arnie’s remarkable career spanned decades of dedication and excellence. His work was not just a job—it was a testament to his passion, intellect, and unwavering commitment to making a difference through many different philanthropic endeavors. Yet, for all his professional achievements, his heart was always with his family. They were his proudest accomplishment, his deepest love, and his greatest legacy.
A true citizen of the world, Arnie was a passionate traveler, embracing new cultures, experiences, and perspectives with open arms. He found beauty in the smallest moments—watching birds in quiet admiration, taking in breathtaking sunsets, and celebrating the gift of life with those he loved. His warmth, wisdom, and boundless curiosity touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Arnie’s legacy of love, kindness, and adventure will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.
Deep gratitude to the Jewish General Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Soins Virtuelles nurses, and the incredible Dr.Chang and Dr.Shamy whose dedication and compassion is unparalleled. We are also grateful to his caregivers Raquel and Josie who supported Arnie with unwavering support and deep human kindness.
Donations can be directed to Jewish General Hospital – Dr.Chang Palliative Care Unit and/or Dr.Shamy Hematology Oncology Unit. Donations in Arnold’s memory may be made to the Palliative Care Unit (Dr. Chang) or the Hematology Oncology Unit (Dr. Shamy) ℅ the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, Montreal, Quebec : (514) 340-8251B
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