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June 12, 1941 – November 4, 2026

Peacefully at age 85.

Predeceased by Maggie in 2014, his wife of over 50 years, his parents, Bobby and Tubby Rayter, sister-in-law Dale Rayter and brother-in-law Mel Frasier.

Barry leaves to mourn his children, Jason, Kelly and Scott; sister Sharon (Benson) Labinsky; brothers, Bailey (Karen), Mark, and Ian (Lynnie) Rayter; brother-in-law David (Marilyn) Coubrough; nephews and nieces, Jordan (Shari), Brent (Tammy), and Ellen (Simon) Labinsky; Lindsay (Tyler) and Mika (Keith) Rayter; Jared and Aaron (Wendy) Rayter; Bill (Susan) and Joy Coubrough; and many more great and great-great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

Barry also leaves behind dear friends Winnie and Jim McPhee and their children, Terry Lynn (Dave), Michelle (Rob), Jim, Colleen, and Lisa (Dwaine) and their children. He was predeceased by his close colleagues Tom Dobbs and Ross McIntyre and dear friends Keith and Joan Thompson, who are survived by their surviving children Rob, Margot and Chris.

The help, support and friendship from many people have meant a great deal to both Barry and his family, including Beddie Nagle, Imelda Horbas, Julie Clark, Pam Swystun, Ryan Cormack, Neil Wilson, Laurie Lebel, Pat Karpasho, Kelly Wiebe and Mike Loyd.

The family would especially like to thank Dr. Joel Gingerich and the staff at both CancerCare Manitoba and Park Manor Care Home.

Barry grew up surrounded by a large and close family, first on Aberdeen, then on Mountain and Inkster, attending Peretz School, St. John’s, and then on to University of Manitoba where he studied Dentistry before opening a practice of over 45 years in East Kildonan, first on Watt Steet and then on Henderson Highway.

Barry was committed to the care and well-being of his patients, their families and to the profession, assuming the presidency of the Manitoba Dental Association in 1996 and serving as chair of the economics committee for over 30 years, he was recognized for his service including the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Density’s Alumni of Distinction Award in 2013 and he was the first inductee into the Manitoba Dental Association’s Hall of Fame in 2001.

After his years as a general practitioner, Barry joined the academic staff at the Faculty of Dentistry, assisting and teaching in several areas including the Emergency Clinic, making a lasting impression on the many students he taught and mentored – work he found richly rewarding and forming ongoing friendships with students who went on to work in the field, always available for guidance, offering advice, a caring ear, a free lunch, and a good joke.

Barry had both a keen aesthetic sense and skill as a visual artist, and the family home was filled with his many drawings, paintings and sketches. He also had a strong musical ear and could sit down at the piano and play a tune he had only just heard. He loved all kinds of music, including opera (which he attended with Winnie and Jim McPhee), classical, but also pop and rock and took his kids to concerts such as Supertramp, The Police, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, David Bowie, Styx and many more. He read widely, including fiction, history, travel literature, nature, and art.

Anyone who knew Barry can attest to his ability to tell and appreciate a good joke – all of which reflected his affable nature and his optimistic outlook on life.

Barry carried on the values his parents instilled in their children, including their generosity and kindness to those in need. He was caring and attentive to his patients and devoted to the learning experience of his students, who in turn would become excellent care providers. His presence in his family, community and profession were profound and we will all miss him dearly.

Service at Chesed Shel Emes (1023 Main St.), 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2026 followed by burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park (2795 Main St.). Shiva at 59 Vanier Drive following burial, and Sunday, November 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Monday, November 9, 2026 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Pallbearers: Bailey, Mark, Ian, Jared, and Aaron Rayter and Simon Flesischer.

Donations can be made to https://www.hscfoundation.mb.ca/donate/ (Dale Rayter GD6 Nursing Education Fund) at the Health Sciences Centre, CancerCare Manitoba, or charity of your choice.

Patricia (Pat) Charad passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, friendship, and community service.

Born in Detroit, Pat arrived in Winnipeg as a baby and grew up in the city’s West End. After graduating from Daniel McIntyre High School, Pat began her working life as a clerk at Great-West Life before moving on to various administrative positions. In the early 1950s, she and a friend ventured overseas, found work in London, and hitchhiked through the south of France. Pat was very much ahead of her time!

Pat met Issie Charad at a mutual friend’s party and they married in 1963, following Pat’s conversion to Judaism. Issie’s calm and steady presence was the perfect balance to Pat’s fiery spirit. They globe trotted and raised their two daughters, Judi and Reegan.

Their home was always warm and welcoming. Gatherings and celebrations were constant, as were teen drop-ins. Oak Street was a hive of activity, driven by Pat.

Pat devoted decades to volunteering with the Manitoba Children’s Hospital Foundation, contributing to fundraising efforts and serving as a board member. Her extraordinary commitment was recognized this past year when she was honoured for more than 60 years of volunteer service. She was equally dedicated to the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, where she served as Vice-President, Co-President of the Sisterhood and served on the board of the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre.

Although Pat began life as an only child, she certainly did not end it that way. Along the journey, she gathered an enormous circle of family and friends, comprised of adopted family, chosen family, honorary cousins, and nieces and nephews by the droves. To so many, she was simply and affectionately, Aunt Pat.

Pat will be remembered for her cracking bridge hand, her open door and her extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome.

Pat is survived by her daughters, Reegan Charad and Judi Charad, and her cherished grandson, Isaac, along with the many family members and friends whose lives she enriched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

If you wish, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba.

We celebrate the magical life of Harry Kaplan – and what a life it was. He passed peacefully at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and community.
Loved by family, extended family, and friends alike, Harry was the standard of human excellence and a true legend for the ages. To know Harry was to love him. He embodied compassion, determination, and deep family values, leaving the world a far better place for having passed through it like a shooting star. Harry was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Barbara (z”l), and his brother, Dave (z”l). He will be deeply missed by his children, Shawn Kaplan and Carrie Kaplan (Pelle); sisters-in-law Lorraine Kaplan (David z”l), Shelley Rosenblatt, and Sharon Rosenblatt; brother-in-law Rob Rosenblatt; special nephews Kevin (Roxy), Myles (Nicki), and Joel (Danna); as well as his extended family of nieces and nephews across generations, cousins, and dear friends.

Lovingly known as “The King of Winnipeg’s North End,” Harry’s formative years began at the Jewish orphanage on Matheson, where he prepared for his Bar Mitzvah, attended Luxton School, and later helped his parents run their general store on Dufferin. His pharmacy career started at Economy Discount Drugstore, where he apprenticed as a “soda jerk” making sandwiches and pouring drinks. He became a partner alongside his mentor, Dave Stern, where they continued to run their pharmacy at Redwood and Main as part of the Shoppers Drug Mart network.
Harry loved his family fiercely, embraced life fully and brought warmth and joy into every room he entered.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre for their extraordinary care and support.
Funeral services were held on September 30 at the Bnay Abraham Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry’s memory may be made to the “In Loving Memory of Barbara Kaplan (BABS)” fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

June 6, 1932 – October 22, 2026

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Ruben Helman. Surrounded by his family, he passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, at the age of 94.

Known throughout Winnipeg and around the world simply as “Uncle Rube,” he was the first person people turned to whenever they needed a favour, some help, or just heartfelt advice. Rube was a real people person. He could (and would) make friends with anyone, everywhere he went.

His memory will live on through his wife of 69 years, Rita; his children Mark (Christine), Carla (Michael), and Elaine; his beloved grandchildren Alex, Jane, Miles, Rachael and Zach (Isabelle). He was predeceased by his loving parents Abe and Sarah; sister Paula, and brother-in-law Bill Worb.

Born in Winnipeg, Rube attended Aberdeen and St. John’s High School. After school he started driving the open prairie roads for the Winnipeg Film Exchange and continued travelling for many other companies, including Elgin Watch and Longines. Always looking for new opportunities, he became a distributor for Charles M. Schultz, as well as opening his own companies, L&R Enterprises, R. Helman Ltd., Rumark Video Inc., World Gym and Premier Fitness. Throughout his ventures, his wife Rita was always by his side and his son Mark, and daughter Elaine, also enjoyed the privilege of working together with them.

Rube was always involved in the community through various service organizations, coaching baseball, and as a member of the Chevra Mishnayes and Winnipeg Beach synagogues. He was also a championship bowler, ukulele player and enjoyed singing barbershop whenever he got the chance. He was a guy who loved life and knew how to have fun, and everyone was welcome at “Helmans Hilton” at Winnipeg Beach each summer. There was never a dull moment.

The family also wishes to send a special thank you for all the care given at St. Boniface and Grace Hospitals, as well as the Home Care Workers and staff at River Ridge 1 who took care of him during the last year.

If so desired, Memorial Donations may be made in Rube’s name to the charity of your choice.

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Michael Stern on October 16, 2026 in Toronto.
He was born on October 31, 1949 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to Sam and Esther Stern. He grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba before moving to Vancouver, British Columbia and then to Toronto, Ontario.
Michael worked as a leading professional in the home security industry for over 25 years. He pioneered the development of new and innovative products for the companies he worked for.
He also served as a mentor and trainer for people at those companies where his deep knowledge of industry was invaluable in helping orient them in their roles. His leadership helped extend his organizations’ growth across Canada.
Michael was a loving brother to Andrea and Karen Stern and their spouses Isaac Singer and John Michaels. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and playful nature; as a devoted uncle, great uncle and cousin he brought joy to all those who had the privilege of being part of his extended family.
Michael dedicated his life to service to others. For over 10 years he was a Volunteer Coordinator for Huron Carol Food Bank Benefit Concerts which raised over $300,000 for Vancouver and Surrey Food Banks. As a volunteer Big Brother with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Canada and a Head Coach for Little League Baseball, he extended his love to children in need outside of his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Michael’s memory be made to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation.

After a prolonged illness, Debby (Olenick) Hirsch passed away at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the age of 73.

She is survived by: Brian, her beloved spouse of 46 years; her son Moshe and daughter-in-law, Chani of Baltimore, MD; her son Aron of Washington, DC; and her grandchildren, Tzippora Golda, Tuvia Mayer, Esther, Menucha, Russie, Sara Chava, Mindy, Aryeh Leib and Chaim Dov of Baltimore, MD. She is also survived by: her sisters, Gail (Arne) Wagner of Piedmont, CA and Roberta Olenick of Vancouver, BC; her aunt Marjorie Blankstein; her uncle Ernest (Evelyn) Rady; and her niece, cousins, other relatives and numerous friends in New York City, Winnipeg, Toronto, Keswick, Ottawa, Vancouver, San Diego and Hawaii. She was predeceased by: her parents, Tom and Mindel Olenick; her parents-in-law, Esther and Louis Hirsch; and grandparents, Anna and Zalman Olenick and Rose and Max Rady.

Debby was born in Winnipeg on September 10, 1953, the middle child of Tom and Mindel Olenick. Debby had a remarkable mind and a deep capacity for empathy and compassion. She truly loved children and they were central to almost every aspect of her life. After graduating from Kelvin High School, Debby earned her BA Honours, MA, and PhD in Psychology at the University of Manitoba. Her graduate work focused on helping autistic children to address behavioural challenges. She then completed a postdoctoral program in pediatric psychology and behavioural medicine at Harvard University and the Boston Children’s Hospital.

Just days before leaving Winnipeg for Boston, Debby met her husband Brian on a blind date. Debby wasn’t sure about meeting someone just before leaving town, but her friend insisted that this date might change her life. After a long-distance romance, Debby and Brian were married on August 11, 1980 in Winnipeg. They shared a lifetime of love, companionship and commitment. They stood together, caring for family, friends and each other.

Following several years in Boston, Debby and Brian moved to Calgary where Debby joined the Tom Baker Cancer Centre at Foothills Medical Centre. She used her behavioural medicine skills to help children with cancer and their siblings and parents face the daily challenges of testing, treatment and often loss. Debby understood the importance of caring for the entire family.

She and Brian then returned to Winnipeg to raise their own children. Her family was the treasure of her life. Debby was devoted to her husband and two sons, and then later on, her daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Her love was selfless and steadfast. She listened to every member of her family without judgement and with an understanding of their individual personality, aspirations and needs. She wanted for them whatever they wanted for themselves and was always there for them with support, warmth and compassion. Through her words and actions, Debby taught her children generosity, humility and trustworthiness.

Debby’s kindness and humanity reached beyond her family to her friends and to literally everyone she met. It was just intrinsic to her nature to make everyone feel heard, important and acknowledged. One of Debby’s most endearing attributes was her quick wit and sense of humour. Her gift for the perfectly timed one-liner or her hilarious descriptions of the most mundane events could lighten any moment.

Debby’s commitment to children and the community began long before her professional career. As a teenager, she worked as a counsellor at Summer Club, the Jewish day camp in Gimli. Throughout her life, she contributed her time and energy to organizations that were important to her, including: as a member of the advisory board at the McGillivray Montessori School; as a caseworker at Victim Services for the City of Winnipeg; and as a volunteer reader and baker with young children at the Jewish Community Centre where she found opportunities to work in lessons on fractions as the young bakers measured half a cup of flour or a quarter teaspoon of salt.

Debby loved to swim. Swimming was her daily early morning exercise and meditation. Friends described her as a beautiful, tireless swimmer who barely made a ripple in the pool. As a child, when it was still allowed, she regularly swam laps between the breakwaters at the harbour in Gimli. Debby loved Lake Winnipeg. She often said that she felt happiest and most at home at the family cottage in Gimli. She loved being with family and friends: swimming, building sand castles on the beach and exploring nature. She found peace and solace in being by the lake and releasing her thoughts and worries to the waves.

The family expresses heartfelt thanks to her team at CancerCare Manitoba for their kind and considerate care and to her gentle helpers from Home Instead who helped make it possible for Debby to remain at home until the last few days of her life.

A graveside service was held on October 11, 2026 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with Rabbi Kliel Rose officiating. Pallbearers were Arne Wagner, Gary Direnfeld, Alan Direnfeld, Max Blankstein, Gerardo Chernitsky and Rabbi Boruch Heidingsfeld. Honorary pallbearers were Marjorie Blankstein, Ernest and Evelyn Rady and Tzippi and Moshe Nahir.

Donations in Debby’s memory can be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada where a fund has been established in Debby’s name to help protect her beloved Lake Winnipeg (https://secure.natureconservancy.ca/site/Donation2), Suite 1501-365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, ON M4W 3L4, Tel 204-942-6053, or to a charity of your choice.

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Freddy after a brief, but valiant battle with cancer. His beloved wife Roberta, his dear son and daughter Aaron and Rachel, and his devoted brother Hymie, were by his side. Also left to mourn are Freddy’s brother-in-law Sherman (Anna) and Rachel’s partner Jeff.
Freddy was predeceased by his parents Gusta and Harry, his oldest sister Miriam, her husband Walter, his nephew Joshua; also Roberta’s family, Dora and Issy Greenfeld, and their daughter Sharon. Along with his immediate family, Freddy is survived by nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces in Seattle and London, England, and cousins in Israel and Winnipeg.
Freddy married Roberta in 1980. They had just celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary. Freddy loved his children, Aaron and Rachel. He would do anything for them, always at their beck and call. In return, they loved him dearly.
Freddy had a heart full of love and a way of making the people around him feel cared for and important. He always had time for stories, problems, joys and get-togethers. Freddy did not have a mean bone in his body. He was loved by all. He leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories that will be treasured and carried with us always. Though our hearts are broken by his absence, we are grateful for the years we were blessed to have him and for the love he gave us freely.
Freddy was an educator for 38 years. He loved teaching and the children he taught loved him. He just had a special way with them.
When Freddy retired, Roberta, his travel agent wife, took him to places he never dreamed of seeing. When asked about his favourites – it was difficult, but he said: Ireland, 3 River cruises and, of course, Liverpool – home of the Beatles. Also, in his retirement, he loved to bowl, curl, and play poker with his buddies.
Freddy fought his six-month battle with cancer fearlessly. He was a “Geeta Neshoma” – a kind soul, and a true Mensch. He always had a smile on his face. He will be remembered and loved forever by family and the so many friends he had. He passed away with dignity. God needed another angel.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the Simkin Centre staff for their compassionate care. Thank you to the MAID organization for their humanity.
The funeral took place Sept. 15th at the Chesed Shel Emes with Rabbi Matthew Leibl officiating, followed by interment at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery, with Rabbi Kliel Rose officiating. Pallbearers were: Sherman Greenfeld, Marty Greenfeld, Jack Solomon, Jeff Turbett, Rafi Mohammed, Ben Berkal. Shiva was held at the family residence.
If you so desire, donations may be made to Jewish organizations, Cancercare Manitoba, or the charity of your choice.

Comment from Randy Cramer (posted Oct. 15): Beautiful, right to the point

Ruth Billinkoff passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 98. Born in Winnipeg to Morris and Jennie Lentz, immigrants from Poland, she was especially close to her sister, Lottie Rosenstock.

Ruth married Lou Billinkoff in 1951. Devoted to each other for 71 years, they loved travelling and raised their sons, Lorne and Errol on Elm Street, their home for 62 years.

Gifted with a remarkable voice, Ruth sang in school productions, music festivals, operettas and the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir. She also taught kindergarten for many years at Hebrew schools. At home, she was an accomplished homemaker, cook and baker who cared deeply for her family.

Predeceased by Lou and her daughter-in-law, Marilyn, Ruth is survived by her sons, Lorne and Errol (Nicole Smith); grandchildren, Alix (Natan Cramer), Mitchell (Micaela Levi), Jordan and Asher; and great-grandchildren, Shalev, Boaz and Nava.

Ruth spent her final years at The Shaftesbury. Her family thanks Liza and her team, Dr. Marlie du Plessis and her assistant, Emily, for their compassionate care.

Ruth was laid to rest beside Lou at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on September 18. Pallbearers were Jordan, Mitchell and Asher Billinkoff, Daniel Bronstein, Ruben Levi and Max Asper.

Donations may be made to the Louis and Ruth Billinkoff Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.

June 30, 1931 – September 16, 2026

Peacefully, Mom passed away with her family by her side.

Mom was raised in St. James, moving to Charleswood where she met and married our father, Ted Faulkner. In the seventies, Mom converted to the Jewish faith, marrying Barry Leipsic. Mom’s Hebrew name is Zahava (golden one). After Barry’s passing, Mom married Dr. Harold Black.

Mom was active throughout her life as a member at Glendale Golf Course and The Rady Centre where lifelong friendships were made.

Predeceased by her parents, William and Isabelle; sister Arlene; brother Bill; and husbands, Barry, Ted, and Harold. Left to cherish her memory are her brother Neill (Joyce); twins, Michael and Patricia; son David (Jenny); grandchildren, Elizabeth, Debbie (Bill), Max (Kaitlyn), and Sam; and great-grandchildren, Jake, Sam, Sophie, Campbell, Desmond, Quinn, and Isabelle.

A private family service has taken place at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.

Those we love don’t go away,

they walk beside us every day,

unseen, unheard, but always near,

still loved, still missed, and very dear.