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It is with profound sadness, and immense gratitude for a life so richly lived, that we announce the passing of Dr. Neil Margolis on July 1, 2026, just weeks shy of his 90th birthday.
Neil was born July 29, 1936 in Winnipeg to Doris and Hymie Margolis. Raised with his beloved sisters, Shirley and Liba, he spent his early years in Transcona before the family moved to Winnipeg’s North End, where he forged lifelong friendships and developed a deep connection to the Jewish community.
One summer at Winnipeg Beach, Neil met the love of his life, Elaine. Their romance began with handwritten notes passed by his sister Liba and a first date to the movies, where Elaine was captivated by Neil’s blue suede shoes—and the man wearing them. They married in 1959 and shared nearly 67 years of unwavering love, partnership, laughter, and devotion. Together they raised three sons and built a home filled with warmth, generosity, humour, and countless celebrations.
Neil graduated from St. John’s High School before attending the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine. He completed his pediatric specialty training in Winnipeg and Cleveland, returning home to begin what became an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades.
Affectionately known to many as “Dr. Marvelous,” Neil devoted his life to caring for children and their families. He practised pediatrics throughout Winnipeg, served for many years at the School for the Deaf, travelled to remote northern communities including Berens River, taught generations of medical students and residents, and helped develop the pediatric component of Manitoba’s Physician Assistant Program. His compassion, kindness, and exceptional memory left a lasting impression on thousands of families. Even years after his retirement, former patients would stop him to say hello, and he often remembered not only their names but those of their siblings and parents as well.
Neil was deeply committed to public service. He served on numerous professional and community boards, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, the Manitoba Medical College Foundation, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Talmud Torah, Rosh Pina Synagogue, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, and later assisted Manitoba Public Insurance in assessing medical claims.
Beyond medicine, Neil embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He loved music, art, sports, travelling with Elaine, collecting sports cards and antiques.
Neil possessed a remarkable sense of humour and a generous spirit. He believed life should be celebrated, especially birthdays, which he marked with unforgettable parties, abundant laughter, and more than a few creative ways to ensure he received the most birthday cards.
Above all else, Neil treasured his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, cherished brother, uncle, and loyal friend.
Neil was predeceased by his parents, Doris and Hymie Margolis; sister Shirley and brother-in-law David Permack.
He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Elaine; his three sons, Moish (Jodi), Aubrey (Kim), Evan (Elaine); his cherished grandchildren Lindy, Kelsea (Brando), Shelby (Noah), Jessie, Isaac (Kristin), Lexi (Drew), Ezi; his sister, Liba (Tom); along with nieces and nephews, countless friends, colleagues, and generations of grateful patients whose lives were enriched by his care and compassion.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Neil’s healthcare teams, whose compassion and extraordinary care meant so much to him and to all of us.
Donations in Neil’s honour can be made to Elaine & Neil Margolis Family Endowment Fund at the Children’s Hospital Foundation, Elaine & Neil Margolis Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

MAY 31, 1930 – MAY 13, 2026

Basia Bayla Fliegel passed away unexpectedly on May 13, 2026 at 95 years of age, just 18 days before her 96th birthday. She was born in Kalisz Poland, an only child. She remembers having fun, dancing and helping her parents. Life was happy and normal until 1939.
She, my grandmother and grandfather were on the run for about 3 months crossing in and out of Russia and Poland. During this time, her father was taken by the Germans to a work camp and never seen again. Basia froze her hands and feet badly during their final crossing into Russia, and she and her mother spent three months in hospital healing. Basia and her mother spent the rest of the war in work camps in Siberia and Uzbekistan. Conditions were harsh. They worked logging, picking cotton and fruit and Basia suffered from typhus, malaria and hunger.
When the war ended they returned to Poland but there was nothing there for them. Polish people had occupied their apartment and with no documents and no rights they left. They went to a displaced persons camp in Rosenheim, Germany. Basia’s mother remarried and set up a small kiosk selling beer and apples.
Our mother worked part time at the kiosk and learnt dress making at an ORT school. It was at the kiosk where she first met my father, Lazar, who liked the ‘apples’ in her rosy cheeks.
In 1948, Basia went to Haifa and lived with her Baba and Zaida. She worked in a dress shop on Herzl Street. One day while walking with friends, she bumped into Lazar and their relationship renewed. They were married on a rooftop on April 17, 1950. The heat did not agree with Lazar so along with my aunt they emigrated to Winnipeg. They arrived on a Friday and by Monday Basia was working piece work in a sewing factory. She worked until a week or so before her first child was born and then stayed at home taking care of her children. But, Basia didn’t just cook and clean. When Lazar started a family business providing cabinetry and construction services for residential homes and commercial ventures my mother worked alongside him. She answered the phone, paid bills, did banking and made sure all the paperwork was in order. She ran errands for their business and also helped in the workshop, holding plywood and lending a hand withwhatever was necessary. My parents considered themselves equal partners which was something Basia was very proud of.
And, Basia had a well-run household. Everything was organized and she was always prepared and on time. Basia valued good food and hospitality. She cooked wonderful meals, and always had cake and cookies for people dropping by. My mother’s closest friend stopped by every day after work to have coffee and cake. The two of them would visit, and simultaneously, mom would ensure dinner was ready. My grandmother dropped by almost daily and so did other friends as they knew they would be welcome. It was fun having a welcoming home and visiting with family friends.
My parents had a large circle of ‘greener’ or greenhorn friends, all of them immigrants escaping and recovering from the Shoah. They knew how to live. They worked hard and played hard. Every Saturday night there were card games at someone’s home. They served tons of food, and played poker and kaluki for money, until three or four in the morning. When it was New Year’s Eve, they dressed up in costumes, went to the synagogue dancing and celebrating until the wee hours. As teenagers their children never had curfews because the parents were always out later than them.
Basia sewed clothes for the family, knitted sweaters, hats and scarves for everyone. She loved doing big jigsaw puzzles with her children. Her hands were always busy. She loved music, particularly klezmer, and when tapes were still around had them in her car.
She was a caring and conscientious parent always making sure her children were well fed, safe, did their school work and lots of chores, had annual check-ups and a bed to sleep in. She was always there for us no matter how big or small our problems were. We knew we could call and she would help. She worked hard in her home, and in the family business. We always felt safe, loved and cared for.
Basia and Lazar started with absolutely nothing. Basia came here with virtually no education, no possessions and couldn’t speak the language. With hard work and incredible foresight, she and her husband accomplished their dreams of having a loving family and home. They always contributed to society and were never takers.
The last few years of Basia’s life were hampered by a progressing dementia and physical disability that slowly compromised her. But, her final few years didn’t define her life of success and achievement. She’ll be remembered for how much she accomplished and as the warm and devoted mother and wife she was.
Basia is survived by her children Miriam (Ron), Larry (Ann) grandchildren Sarah, Alex (Stefanie) and Danny and her greatgrandchildren Mia, Jake, Ava and James and sister-in-law Bella.
We would like to express our thanks to Helma, Herminie and Marilyn from the WRHA for their kindness and caring toward Basia. We would also like to express our thanks to the pallbearers, Barry, Bernie, Larry, Sarah, Alex and Ron.
Donations in Basia’s name can be made to the JNF, Alzheimer’s Society or charity of your choice.

APRIL 24, 1940 – MAY 30, 2026

Cecile passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026 at Deer Lodge Centre after living several years with dementia. She was 91.
She is lovingly remembered by her devoted children: Pamela (Gary Brooker), Paul (DD), Feryn, Sheri (Robbie Weisz); her grandchildren: Alana (Matthew Joudrey), Ivy, Rachel, Sarah (Roman Dascal), Lainey, Nayce and Sienna; sister-in-law Lynn Pollock and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of almost 68 years, Monte Kowall, parents Sam and Sluva
Pollock, and older siblings Myra (Hy) Kravetsky, Mischa, Gordon (Mimi) and Harvey (Sylvia) Pollock, brother-in-law and sister-inl-aw Bernard and Louise Kowall.
Cecile was born in Winnipeg but lived in Bethany, MB until she was nine. Her family then moved back to Winnipeg where she attended Machray School, St. John’s Tech and United College. She met our dad in 1954 and they married in 1956. They had a very close and loving relationship until Dad passed in 2024.
After they were married, Mom and Dad lived in Boston while Dad was doing his fellowship in pediatrics. After two years they moved back to Winnipeg and settled in River Heights. In later years Mom and Dad also lived in Winnipeg Beach and Margate, FL. Once their health started to decline they moved back to Winnipeg so they could be closer to family. During the last several years of her life Mom developed dementia and eventually could not be cared for at home.
Mom was strong, kind, caring and nurturing. She was a great wife, mother and grandmother. Family was very important to her. She was well respected and loved by all of her extended family and anyone who knew her.
She excelled at everything she did. It was said she could make “a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”. She was a multitalented woman. She loved surrounding herself in nature, berry picking, sewing, baking (especially pies), volunteering and travelling. She and Dad had many friends and loved to entertain. Once the children were in school, she worked in retail sales at The Bay, Shirley K Maternity and World Adventure Tours, among others.
Mom was deeply involved in the Jewish community and was an active participant on the Herzlia Synagogue Board and PTA in its early years.
We would like to thank the staff on T3W and T3N at the Deer Lodge Centre for caring for Mom with dignity and respect over the last two years and two months.
Funeral services were held on June 7, 2026 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.
Donations in Cecile’s memory may be made to the Monte and Cecile Kowall Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.

April 3, 1944 – May 21, 2026

Beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend, Chaya Tova bat Raisel v’Calman.

Born on April 3, 1944, in Saskatchewan, Karen (Chaya Tova) was raised in a deeply rooted Jewish home built by parents whose courage and resilience shaped generations to come. Her father, Calman, was born on the Lipton Baron Hirsch colony, established by Jewish immigrants seeking refuge and opportunity in Canada. Her mother, Rose Bercovici, emigrated from Solitza, Romania, in 1930, leaving behind family and a world she would never see again. Together, they created a home grounded in love, Yiddishkeit, chesed, and unwavering Jewish pride.

Raised initially in Dysart, Saskatchewan, and later in Melville, Karen grew up surrounded by family, Jewish tradition, and a close-knit prairie Jewish community that remained central to her identity throughout her life. She spoke often and lovingly of those formative years and carried their values with her always.

As a young woman, she moved to Winnipeg, where she built a new chapter of her life with her best friend Shirley Anne Teplitsky Z”L and soon met the love of her life, Peter who was a devoted husband to the very last moments. They married in 1970 and together built a home filled with warmth, laughter, resilience, ahavat Yisrael, and unconditional love.

She was a fiercely devoted mother who believed deeply in the limitless potential of her children. Her love, encouragement, and strength shaped every aspect of their lives. She taught her family to be proud Jews, to carry themselves with dignity and confidence, and never to fear adversity. Her support was constant, her standards high, and her love unwavering.

Karen had an unique gift to make people feel seen and special. She was incredibly warm and kind and would never miss an opportunity to take time to engage with everyone she encountered each in a unique and personal way sharing support and kindness with everyone she met. She saw the uniqueness in all of humanity in a fashion that is so incredibly rare.

In 2001 and 2004, she welcomed a cherished daughter-in-law Karly and son-in law Kevin into the family. To her they were simply her children. She loved them with the same depth and constancy. In 2004 she embraced what would become one of the great joys of her life: becoming “Bobbie.” Nothing brought her greater happiness than her grandchildren. She adored each of them uniquely and completely, delighting in their personalities, interests, accomplishments, and everyday moments. From Shabbos dinners and movie nights to family trips in Spain and Costa Rica and Israel, Disneyland adventures, and countless chaggim and seders celebrated together, she created memories that will remain treasured forever.

Karen lived with extraordinary Jewish pride and a profound love for her people. Her life embodied resilience, humour, love and devotion to family. She remained deeply connected to her roots, her upbringing, and the traditions she inherited and passed forward.

Even in her final months, she continued to bring her family together through shared travels, laughter, conversations, and moments of closeness that are now cherished gifts. Though her illness came suddenly and heartbreakingly, the love she gave over a lifetime remains enduring and immeasurable.

She leaves behind a heartbroken but deeply grateful family: her beloved husband Peter; her children Sarah (Kevin) and Jonathon (Karly); her treasured grandchildren Isabella Rose, Hugh, Carsyn, Ryann, Cole, Ty, and Sydney; extended family; lifelong friends; and all those whose lives were enriched by her warmth, strength, wisdom, and kindness.

Her family wishes to express profound gratitude to the many relatives, friends, caregivers, and members of the community who supported them with love, compassion, prayers, and acts of kindness during her illness.

Tehei nishmatah tzrurah bitzror hachayim — may the soul of Chaya Tova bat Raisel v’Calman be bound in the bonds of eternal life.

May her memory forever be a blessing to her family, her friends, and all of Klal Yisrael.

David H. Diamond, born on April 8, 1929, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at the age of 97.

Dave grew up in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Penn State University. He proudly served in the Korean War, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

In 1955, he married Miriam, and together they shared more than 70 years of devotion, partnership, and love.

Dave was a proud and loving father to Sharon (Hillel) and Aubie (Susan); a cherished grandfather to Josh (Samantha), Azriel (Carrie), Daniel (Jenn), Yael (Yoel), and Noah (Tali); and a beloved great-grandfather to 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom are his treasured legacy.

David excelled in his business ventures and was highly regarded and respected by all who knew and worked with him as a man of unwavering integrity.

The family extends enduring gratitude to the staff on Weinberg 3 at the Simkin Centre, who cared for Dave with exceptional love, kindness, and compassion.

May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

Donations in David’s memory may be made to the Chesed Shel Emes Endowment Fund through the Jewish Foundation at 204-477-7520.

Sid Geen died on June 7th, three months shy of his 97th birthday.

Sid grew up with six siblings in a small house on Selkirk Avenue. As a teenager he helped his father deliver coal until he got his first outside job at Oretzki’s Department Store on Selkirk Avenue. Sid’s own children grew up in a house at 121 Cathedral Avenue east of Main. Then in 1969, Sid purchased a turn-of-the-century mansion at 147 West Gate where he was proud to live for the next 55 years.

Predeceased by his wife Shleema in 2009, he leaves a large family behind, including great-grandson Daniel who just turned seven and specifically requested that he be mentioned here.

Sid graduated from Law School in 1955 as Gold Medallist. He soon became recognized as an agressive litigator, often representing trade unions. In 1965 a judge issued an injunction shutting down the picket line of one of Sid’s clients. Five years later, as a member of the new NDP government, Sid passed what became known as the Green Amendment which guarantees the right of any person to walk down a public sidewalk carrying a placard for the purpose of “communicating true statements” – possibly the most comprehensive Freedom of Speech legislation in Canada, if not the world. (No, the Green Amendment does not allow protest groups to shut down Portage and Main.)

Sid was never bound by conventional wisdom, instead forming his own unique perspective on events. (Those perspectives were shared for years with readers of the Free Press until a leftward shift in editorial policy made Sid too politically incorrect.) A good example of Sid’s different point of view was Obamacare: while others debated the impact on doctors and patients, Sid predicted that the insurance companies would be the big winners. So he bought United Health and quickly doubled his money. (In fact he cashed out too soon…the shares have since gone up tenfold.) But surely nothing has had a greater public impact than his vision, in 1968, that the third-party NDP caucus should be setting its sights not on replacing the Liberals as the Official Opposition, but on seizing power as the actual government. It was Sid’s audacity in challenging for the party leadership that led directly to the “Draft Schreyer” movement and subsequent victory in the 1969 election. (The family is grateful to Ed for the moving words he spoke at Sid’s funeral in testimony to his long-time colleague’s integrity, ability, and loyalty.)

Despite his noted accomplishments in public life, Sid sometimes said that he actually achieved more in the field of law than in politics. That can be argued; but he has surely left a remarkable legacy in terms of family life: 15 grandchildren who, despite living in four continents, have retained intimate friendships well into adulthood – and also nine great-grandchildren (so far) whom we hope will look forward to the same. For this Sid must share the credit with his wife Shleema, who put on countless Passover dinners for the entire brood year after year; and also his daughter Cathy and husband Peter who generously hosted regular family vacations and ocean cruises.

Sid would not have wanted his interest in sports to go unmentioned. In university he was Slingin’ Sid, star quarterback of the Law School team. In his late 40s, he decided he should take up hockey, and eventually joined the Manitoba Steelers, who would welcome him to their scrimmages well into his 80s. He was an avid golfer who almost shot his age (93 when he was 91). As a spectator he enjoyed football, most likely because he could second-guess the plays called by the coaches. He also liked watching golf, despite enduring years of disappointment waiting for Greg Norman to win a major tournament.

We cannot conclude without mentioning Sid’s long-time companion Dwila Burns, who brightened Sid’s later years following the death of his wife in 2009. Sid and Dilly enjoyed road trips together and she was a welcome addition to our many family gatherings. Dilly’s sister Sonia was married to Sid’s Law School classmate Scott Wright, and her father, former premier D.L Campbell, long enjoyed a mutual admiration society with Sid.

Funeral service was held on June 9th at the Chesed Shel Emes, with interment at the Hebrew Sick on McPhillips. Donations in Sid’s honor may be made to Operation Smile Canada.

With his family by his side, Dave passed away, peacefully at home, on February 13, 2026, at the age of 92. Dave was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor, father Alex and mother Rose; brothers Jack, Ben, Moishe and Harvey; sisters-in-law Mary Chochinov, Loretta Chochinov, Sherry Chochinov, Marion Golfman, and Belva Shaff, and brother-in-law Ralph Shaff.

He is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his children, Paul (Cathy Carey), Linda (Allan Sand), Sheldon, and Andrea; his adored grandchildren, Alex, Jeffrey, Matthew, Celene (Scott Campbell), Abbey, Claire, Eli (Pam Pilon) and Josh; great-grandchildren, Kate, Jacob, Holden and Hayes; brother-in-law Archie Cham, sister-in-law Shelley Chochinov; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Dave was born on January 15, 1934, the youngest of five sons. He attended Machray School, St. John’s High School and the University of Manitoba, where he graduated from the faculty of Pharmacy. On October 11, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor, and remained married for the next 48 years until Eleanor’s passing on October 17, 2003.

After graduating from the University of Manitoba, Dave opened a pharmacy located in the River Heights area. After several years operating his pharmacy he arrived at the conclusion that he was not happy practising as a pharmacist and a career change was required. In the mid 1960’s, with a spouse, three young children at home and one on the way, he continued working as a pharmacist, then spent a couple of years selling life insurance before deciding to pursue a path in accounting. In 1973, he completed his course of studies in accounting and obtained his designation as a Certified General Accountant. In late 1975, he opened his own accounting practice, located at 1850 Main St. His professional accounting career also included terms as President of the CGA association of Manitoba and Canada. He continued active participation in the accounting firm until 2003.

During his retirement Dave spent his days scanning photos in the family albums and sending them to his children so that they would have a rich legacy of memories to keep and pass on to their own families. When he could not drive for a time, his grandson Alex would be available to take him wherever he needed to go. They spent much time discussing the human condition, vocabulary, music, cuisine preferences, and the good old days. A tough man from a tough generation, family was everything to him. Dave had an extremely close relationship with his four older brothers, and we believe he would say that his fondest memories were the times spent at family gatherings. Whenever there was a big get-together or a Chochinov reunion, he would always remark, “It was great … the family was together.”

He was also a great sounding board for anyone who needed advice and gave quality and insightful input. He was fiercely passionate about family. In his later years he started to compile an all-encompassing family tree and in doing so he discovered long lost relatives still in the old country and ended up opening a line of communication with them. He loved technology as well and started using computers as soon as the first ones were available. He had a unique sense of humor and sent group e-mails of cartoons and jokes to friends and family daily that added joy to the lives of those privileged to be on the email list. It was also his way of staying in touch and letting people know he was thinking of them.

Funeral services were held on February 16 at the Shaarey Zedek cemetery. Pallbearers were Paul Chochinov, Shel Chochinov, Alex Chochinov, Jeff Chochinov, Yale Chochinov, Jordan Chochinov, Tyler Chochinov and Matthew Strachan.

With great sadness we announce that beloved wife, mom, and Baba, Phyllis (Zelickson) Hochman passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026 in Winnipeg.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Paula (Warren Zimmerman) and her one and only granddaughter, Abby, her greatest joy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Phyllis was born in Winnipeg in 1940 to Walter and Esther Zelickson. She was pre-deceased by her parents, her sister, Sylvia Oberman, and her beloved husband of 53 years, Benny Hochman.
Phyllis grew up on Burrows Avenue with close friends and family. She worked at Leon A. Brown Ltd., an insurance company. Family was at the center of her world. Phyllis devoted her life to caring for those she loved, always making sure everyone was taken care of. Whether it was offering a helping hand, a listening ear, or words of encouragement, she was always there when needed.
Phyllis was known for her beautiful smile, warm heart, and joyful laughter. Her presence brought comfort, happiness, and strength to those around her.
As a mother, she was simply the best, loving and endlessly supportive. As a Baba, she filled Abby’s life with affection, guidance, and countless special memories that will be treasured forever. As a mother in law, Warren was like a son to her and they had a beautiful relationship.
Phylls was 19 when she met the love of her life, Benny Hochman. They were married in 1970 and together they created a beautiful family. They showed their daughter, Paula, true love, commitment, and partnership. Their greatest joy was being together and creating memories with family and friends.
Phyllis will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.
The funeral was held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Chesed Shel Emes with burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park, presided by Rabbi Kliel Rose. Pallbearers were Warren Zimmerman, Dr. Wayne Manishen, Michael Hochman, Larry Hochman, Sherman Greenfeld, and Michael Charach. If desired, contributions can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, The Simkin Centre, or a charity of your choice.

Alvin Murray Zivot, aged 94, died at home on May 28, 2026. He was a blessing in life for all of us who loved and admired him, and his memory will always be a blessing. Born in Winnipeg in 1931, he was too young to join the fight against fascism in Europe. He was a Jewish man willing to be counted and counted on.

Alvin dedicated his life to his loving family, close lifelong friends, and the community. He was an unceasingly devoted son to Jack and Lil, loving brother to Gerry and Bernice, loyal and loving husband to Ruby and then Libby, supportive, proud, and affectionate father to Paula and Gary, Eric and Jill, and Joel and Jennifer, and doting Zaida to Sam, Olivia, Solomon, Tovah, Eli, and Lilly. He is survived by his sister-in-law Zoe Piper and her husband Julian Piper.

Alvin enjoyed a long career as a skilled lawyer with an attention to detail and a sterling reputation. He wore his Queens Council recognition with honor. Alvin was more naturally a mediator and consensus builder than an adversary. He was the first chief justice of the Manitoba Landlord-Tenant tribunal. After many years of distinction, he pivoted to running elections for the Manitoba Metis Foundation.

In retirement, he shifted to philanthropy, big and small. He was a serious man who loved to laugh and delighted in those around him. He was the most loyal friend and showed up to provide support in the most difficult situations. He loved his wife Libby, who preceded him in death in 2009. For all who saw the way he looked at her and adored her, it would make anyone know that true love and marriage were real.

Space does not permit the mention of so many people whom he valued and who valued him. He will be buried next to his wife, Libby, and for all of us, we were blessed for the time we had with him. We will miss him for all the days of our lives.