Obituaries
DINA GRANOVE (née WEISZNER) April 26, 1952 – January 1, 2023
Dina passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully on January 1st, 2023, at the age of 70 with her beloved Bruce by her side. In a moment, she was gone.
Dina is survived by her loving husband Bruce, her daughter Morissa (Laurie McCreery), and her cherished Ssister Mimi (Earl Singer). Dina also leaves behind her auntie Tova, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, friends, colleagues, students, and countless loved ones that will all miss her warm smile and extra-special hugs.
Dina was born in Israel on April 26th, 1952 to Moishe and Etta Weiszner (nee Kahan). Moishe and Etta knew each other from before the war, reconnected in Oradea after the liberation of the Holocaust, and on July 14, 1946 they were married. They welcomed their first daughter together, Mimi (Frieda) on June 25, 1947 before emigrating from Romania to seek a better life in Israel in August of 1950. Life there was not easy in those early years of Israel’s independence, but they had their faith and their freedom, and on April 26, 1952 in Haifa, their second daughter, Dina was born. Moishe, Etta, Mimi, and Dina immigrated to Canada on November 24, 1952 and settled in Winnipeg where they began their life anew. Although they began with practically no monetary treasures, they were very rich with priceless treasures: their freedom, their deep connection to the Jewish faith, their religion and traditions, their love and devotion to each other and their family, their skills, ambition, and the determination to make a good life.
Moishe and Etta succeeded and exceeded their goals. They made a great home, family, friends, and life which could be felt in the respect flowing out to and in from everyone they encountered. Dina was a testament to their love and devotion, and that same love and devotion continues to ripple out through each of us who knew her and loved her. We are better for having known her. The world is better, simply because she was.
Dina and her sister Mimi were steeped in rich traditions and meaningful practices that continue to be passed down from generation to generation to this day. Her love of family and appreciation for life made Dina a beacon of light to all she encountered. Whether you were looking to share a laugh or simply needed a little extra love, she was unconditionally there. To see ourselves through Dina’s eyes was one of the greatest gifts that life could offer. She saw the best in us, and she believed in us wholeheartedly – even when we struggled to do the same for ourselves.
Here are a few words that her beloved friend and mentor, Cantor Tracy Kasner, lovingly wrote in Dina’s eulogy, just as Dina’d requested – “for some day”:
Dina appreciated how things looked without being vain. She valued her surroundings without being materialistic. Most of all, and above anything else, she embraced thoughts and people with tenacity, wonder, and pure love. She could bounce around an idea for hours and analyze. Most fascinating was how she would hold on to an idea and let it grow, and she wanted to inspire others to do the same… to want to also make the world better, even if only to improve one thing. Her persistence was sometimes exhausting, until you realized you were in the embrace of a woman who felt that (true to her Hebrew name, Dina, translating to mean “judgement”) critical thinking and evaluation were the ultimate ways to show our appreciation of life. Every moment mattered to her, from the way a synagogue ebulletin looked, to major social justice scenarios.
Nothing was mundane – and especially not anything to do with the goings on of Bruce, Morissa, and Laurie. After 48 years of marriage to Bruce (following a marriage proposal that began with “Hey Dina. Take a look in the glove box.” because he thought it was so romantic) I am flooded by the memory of her words that she “knows how lucky she is to have such a good one in Bruce”, and then the ultimate gift: “A teacher for the teacher” – her daughter Morissa, about whom she would say, gave her the most profound lessons in life… perhaps unknowingly as a child, and in her adult life, knowingly – as her best friend. And Dina’s love continued to grow as she got to know her daughter-in-law Laurie, whom she and Bruce consider another daughter in every way. Laurie’s love for, and devotion to Morissa was amongst the greatest gifts and joys of Dina’s life. Their birthdays being only two days apart, Dina and Laurie shared an extra-special bond and many Taurus traits that they loved to joke about together. Their love transcended bloodlines and embodied the true meaning of family.
I am sure that many of you have a Dina story that reflects what it felt like to be welcomed by her… embraced by her. Like family, you belonged with her. This all makes me think of our sanctuary here at Etz Chayim Synagogue where Dina was a fixture in both her presence and her leadership. She was in synagogue often, and in this regard, she was a woman of predictability. She had her favorite spots and her famous facial expressions: The face that came with the pure joy of t’fillah and learning, and then the one for mindless chatter (or any noise whatsoever), other than the words of Rabbi Kliel or the sound of prayer. She had been synagogue President, was a devoted fellow congregant, a friend, and family to anyone finding themselves alone and without a place of belonging. Whether in life or at the high holidays, she and Bruce welcomed people into their world and home, openly, and without question. A great example of this could be found in recent years as they shared their home with “Cousin Arnie,” which continues to be a blessing in disguise to this very day. Dina didn’t just love sharing her home (and kitchen) with Arnie, she insisted he give at least six months’ notice should he ever decide to move out. He and his loved ones were a welcome addition to daily life. Once again, with Dina, everyone simply belonged without question.
Even before she retired and found herself embedded into the fabric of her synagogue, the magic of Dina was a gift to her students and peers in Adult Education. As a teacher she worked to bring out the love of learning in everyone around her. She taught so much more than math and focused on what is necessary to succeed. As Department Head she worked to make the quality of education more important than the politics of our education system. The relationships she forged and maintained with her colleagues, and even some students, lived on until the day of her sudden passing.
Dina had a great appreciation for anyone with a flair for artistic expression, mathematics, a good Yiddish curse, or a great pair of glasses. These all got an extra-special endorsement from Dina. She saw what people were capable of, and she valued people reaching for their potential in every way. All you had to do was ask and she was there in support. Whether with money, time, or her energy, she helped with editing, or cooking, or baking, and just generally showing up in any way that was required. She loved to find ways to connect and be helpful, which was most evident in her beloved role as “Auntie Dina” over the years. This was clearest in her greatest routine joy of picking up her Great-Nephew Ethan and Great-Niece Annie from school each week, simply to hang out, catch up, and help with their homework if needed.
Everyone and everything mattered to her. I wish for all of us that this could be the lesson we take from her life as a bold response to her leaving this world – in our minds: too soon, too quickly. I imagine she would still reflect on her days and tell you how lucky she was to have known you and to have spent any time in this world – and I think that is her greatest lesson. Tishi nishmatah tsrurah btzur Chayim – may her soul be bound up in the bond of life, may she forever rest in peace, and we can all say, amen.]
Thank you, Tracy, for capturing my Mom’s life and spirit so beautifully. Thank you for the connection you shared, and for helping us all to reflect on her life and remember her true essence.
Dina
literally left us all a final message the day before her passing – a mass email sent December 31st, 2022 that simply stated: “We feel so blessed that you are in our lives…. Love, Dina and Bruce.” – along with an attached image that said: “Enjoy the next chapter. May you be proud of the work you have done, the person you are, and the difference you have made.”
In lieu of flowers and gifts, we ask you to please consider a donation to support the Etz Chayim Synagogue. Dina was deeply invested in the preservation and growth of Jewish Living and in the opportunity for every one of every faith to have a safe space of belonging, always. This synagogue and community have served as a healing home away from home for her and our family in every way. She was so excited for the future of the new Etz Chayim, and in light of the exciting plans for a new location that were recently announced, donations for Dina will be used to help fund a special legacy project to support the continued growth of her beloved sanctuary in her absence.
Donations can be made online at
https://www.congregationetzchayim.ca/ or by calling the synagogue office at (204) 589-6305.
In closing, we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the incredible outpouring of support in the form of donations, meals, and love that have already been received over the past month in honor of Dina. We are deeply grateful.
Obituaries
MEL MYERS April 24, 1936 – March 24, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mel Myers, K.C. on March 24, 2026, a month shy of his 90th birthday.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon; sons, Noel (Joan) and Paul (My-Phung); daughter Sarah; sister Gayle Myers (Jan Cooper); brother-in-law Brian Kaplan (Renee); grandchildren, Emily and Lily; nephews, Harris (Nina) and Ira (Ruby); nieces, Rachel (Alex) and Robyn (Kerem); great-nephew Jude; great-niece Chloe; extended family and many friends.
Mel was predeceased by his parents, Hymie and Rose Myers, and his brother, Paul.
Mel was a powerhouse of a man. He was worthy of praise and accolade, a person of substance and impeccable character who gave his time and talents to make our lives, our world, a better place for all.
According to Sharon and to many, he knew everything and everyone; he was an extraordinary lawyer and delighted in the law; he loved humanity; he was fascinated by many things and had an unquenchable thirst for the acquisition of knowledge. He was the consummate family man, who loved the lake, gardening and being with his beloved Sharon. He was a respected and dutiful father and father-in-law, and an even better Zaida!
Mel and Sharon were married on May 29, 1960. They were partners in marriage and in life for over 65 years. In 1961, when Mel graduated with honours from the University of Manitoba Law School, he was appointed a crown attorney with the Manitoba Attorney General’s department. He was the first Jewish crown counsel and served in that capacity for three years before going into private practice.
Mel had a long and distinguished legal career and became a partner with the law firm of Pollock, Nurgitz, Bromley, Myers and Hewak. This Winnipeg-based law firm now bears his name, Myers LLP, and is honoured to continue to practice in Mel’s name to uphold his legacy for generations to come.
Mel was Manitoba’s pre-eminent advocate for labour and a vigorous defender of fundamental human rights. As a labour lawyer, among numerous notable cases, he successfully defended the constitutionality of the Rand formula under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the prohibition against mandatory retirement as age-based discrimination under the Manitoba Human Rights Act. Mel was a strong champion of workers’ rights across Manitoba. His work touched thousands of lives and forged advancements for labour and human rights across Canada. As a human rights advocate, he served as the first chairperson of the Manitoba Human Rights Commission from 1974 to 1978. He has appeared before numerous commissions, including the Monnin Inquiry into violations of Manitoba’s election laws. In addition to litigation before labour boards, arbitrators and the courts including appearances before the Supreme Court of Canada, Mel also taught classes on labour relations and administrative law at the University of Manitoba and a bar admissions course on criminal evidence. He mentored countless union lawyers and advocates in the presentation of cases. As well, he tirelessly advanced the education of union members.
Mel served as the Chair of the labour relations subsection of the Canadian Bar Association (Manitoba Branch). He also was a former president of the YMHA Community Centre and was a former member of the Board of Regents, University of Winnipeg.
After his retirement from active practice in 2001, he was appointed Chair of the Automobile Injury Compensation Appeal Commission, where an advisor’s office to assist citizens dealing with Manitoba’s public auto insurance plan was established with his input. Throughout his retirement, he continued to frequently act as a labour nominee on arbitration boards.
Mel was involved in many community organizations and was a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada. His wisdom, guidance, and steadfast support was always appreciated by the Board.
In 2002, the annual Mel Myers Labour Conference on labour law was established in his honour by his former law firm. Proceeds are donated to a charitable cause espousing economic and social justice. Mel was a co-founder and past president of the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers, an association of 800 lawyers representing trade unions and professional organizations across Canada.
Mel was the recipient of several awards, including the Bora Laskin Award in 2005, which recognizes distinguished contributions in the field of labour law. Nominations of Mel for this award referred to “his willingness to work himself to the point of exhaustion, his fierce commitment to fairness and due process, and his conviction that protecting the rights of labour is fundamental to the preservation and strength of Canadian democracy.”
In addition to his professional activities, Mel maintained a broad range of interests in the arts and theatre, music, history, politics, travel, reading and sports of all kinds. He was also known for his immense and varied collection of trade union memorabilia and his readiness to discuss or debate any topic with passion and energy.
A very special thanks to the staff of Simkin Centre, Simkin 1, especially Nurse Cheryl, for their extraordinary care and vigilance over the time Mel was a resident as well as the staff of Realcare Inc, especially Cathy, Felix and Olumide, for the dignified and exemplary care they showed Mel.
Mel’s funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on March 27th officiated by Rabbi Carnie Rose. Beautiful words of tribute were given by Mel’s son, Noel, and sister, Gayle.
Pallbearers were Noel Myers, Paul Myers, Harris Kaplan, Kevin Marks, Seth Marks, and Evan Roitenberg. Honorary pallbearer was Brian Kaplan.
In honour of Mel’s memory, donations can be made to the ‘Mel Myers Endowment Fund’ (in support of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada) at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (call 204-477-7520 or online at https://jewishfoundationofmanitoba.crowdchange.ca/146553) or to the ‘Mel Myers, Q.C. Award’ at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law (call 204-474-9195 or online at https://give.umanitoba.ca/) or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
JENNIE GOLDSTINE
September 25, 1929 – March 6, 2026
Surrounded by loved ones Mom passed away on March 6th at the age of 96.
Mom is survived by her three sons, Marc (Robyn), Ian (Elaine) and Lawrence. She was also blessed with five grandchildren, Jacque (Tyler), Steven (Jani), Daniel (Lainie), Jason (Gen) and Kyle as well as five great-grandchildren, Asher, Beckham, Jakob, Quinn and Abby. She is also survived by her sister Phyllis (Alvin).
She was predeceased by her husband Allan; her brothers, Boris and David; and her parents, Aaron and Manya Margolis.
Mom’s journey began in Kremenets, Poland on September 25, 1929. Mom came to Canada with her parents and brother Boris in the summer of 1930 and her story was in many ways the classic immigrant story. Raised in the North End, first on Euclid and Barber and then the big move in 1938 to Atlantic and Aikins, her parents ran a grocery store and times were not easy. However, the way out was education and in 1946, Mom graduated from St. John’s high school. Her high school was a point of pride for her throughout her life and when the 75th anniversary festivities took place in 1985, she had the time of her life. Mom’s education continued after high school and she attended United College (University of Winnipeg today) where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was one of the few women of her generation to graduate from university and she took great pride in that fact. That push came from her own mother who had attended Gymnasia (secondary school) in Poland, a rarity for women.
Mom and Dad met in 1949 and were married on May 17, 1950. They were supposed to get married at the new Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on the corner of Wellington Crescent and Academy Road, but the first flood of the century intervened and they took refuge in Regina where my Dad had an aunt. They were married in aunt Eleanor’s living room. The family grew in the 50s and 60s with Marc arriving in 1952, Ian in 1955 and Lawrence in 1962.
In 1963 Dad graduated with his CA and as a celebration the family went out to Gimli and stayed at the Shoreliner Motel. While visiting Gimli, Mom and Dad made one of the great decisions of their lives when they purchased 25 2nd Avenue. The family shared so many fantastic experiences and has so many memories throughout the 50 years in Gimli.
Mom’s education continued in 1967 when she returned to school to obtain her teaching certificate. She taught for a year at Shaughnessy Park and spent a year on supply for Winnipeg School Division. Mom took a break from teaching in 1970 but returned in 1976 in a new role that would define her teaching. Mom became a substitute teacher for Winnipeg School Division and would continue in this role until she retired in 1992. Although she had no specialized training in early years education, Mom substituted primarily in JK K and Grade 1. She spent the majority of her time substituting in North End schools such as David Livingston, Victoria Albert and Norquay to name only a few. You could take the girl out of the North End but you could never take the North End out of the girl.
After Mom and dad retired in 1992, they moved out to Gimli to live full-time. Mom had one condition for moving out to Gimli, there had to be cable TV. Dad made sure there was cable TV. Mom and dad had a magical 20 years in Gimli. They met some terrific people who would become very close friends and they loved life in the Interlake. In late January each year they would drive down to Palm Springs and spend wonderful winters in the Coachella Valley.
It was the best of both worlds.
In 2013 they made the necessary decision to move back to Winnipeg in order to be closer to family. Mom and Dad were married for 63 years when dad passed away in 2014. Fortunately for mom, she was always a people person and she stayed busy by meeting new people and staying active. She was a voracious reader and there was always a newspaper or book in her hands. She also loved TV and enjoyed watching her favourite shows such as Murdoch Mysteries, Hudson and Rex and Blue Bloods.
Mom’s last journey began in June 2023 when she moved into the Simkin Centre. She adjusted well to her new surroundings and was well liked by staff and residents. She looked forward to Friday afternoon bingo on Weinberg 2 and especially winning at bingo which she often did. The family is grateful for the wonderful care Mom received from all the staff on Weinberg 2. There is one person who deserves special recognition and that is Mom’s companion and loving friend Mary Ann. The family is forever grateful for the care, respect and love she showed towards mom. It added a special quality of life to Mom’s final years. We were blessed to have Mom in our lives for an incredible 96 years. When Mom was 93, I asked her what it felt like to be 93. Her reply, 19!!
Mom’s funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on March 9th officiated by Rabbi Carnie Rose. Beautiful words of tribute were given by Mom’s grandson Steven Goldstine. Pallbearers were Jacque Edwards, Daniel Goldstine, Steven Goldstine, Jason Goldstine, Kyle Goldstine and Honourary Pallbearer Alvin Slayen.
Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Mom we will miss your smile, warmth and sense of humour. “You are my sunshine my only sunshine.”
Obituaries
WALTER (VEV) GANETSKY
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father Walter (Vev) Ganetsky on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the age of 85.
He will be lovingly remembered by his son David, his son and daughter-in-law, Morgan and Tracie, grandchildren, Braden (Maya), Jori (Justin), Alix and pup Enzo. Vev is also survived by Penny Ganetsky, sister-in-law Sharon Ganetsky, nephew Leonard (Lynn), niece Michele (Myles), great-nephews, numerous cousins, life long friends and special friend Fay Reich.
Graveside service was held at B’nay Abraham Cemetery on April 6. Pallbearers were David Ganetsky, Morgan Ganetsky, Braden Ganetsky, Myles Levin, Howard Jesierski, Laurie Etkin and Mitchell Rosenberg. We would like to thank Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his kindness. A heartfelt thank you to Ashley Miller of WFPS and the other first responders for their care and compassion.
If desired, donations can be made to Jewish Child and Family Service, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.