Obituaries
ABRAHAM (ABE) SIMKIN
Peacefully, with dignity, and his family by his side, Abe Simkin passed away at Del Mar, California on July 22, 2020 at the age of 98.
Abe was predeceased by his wife Fan Simkin, his parents, Fanny and Samuel Simkin, his siblings and their spouses, Jen and Sam Cohen, Clara and Joe Erlichman, Jim and Lil Simkin, Saul and Claribel Simkin , and Blackie and Jean Simkin, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sam and Leah Rosenberg, Max Rosenberg, Becky and Harry Rosenberg, and Becky and Irv Ruvinsky, and his daughter-in-law Kathryn Simkin.
He is survived and will forever be missed by his dear children, Gary , Bernie (Carey) and Murray, his ten grandchildren, Jennifer (Mathew) Kostrinsky, Jory (Joelly) Simkin, Farrah (Ryan) O’Colman, Adam Simkin, Sam (Rachel) Simkin, Ryan (Alli) Simkin, Gayl (Jacob) Szmuilowicz, Erin (Josh) Allen, Jordan (Sarah) Simkin, Carli (Jason) Kirkorsky, and fifteen great-grandchildren, Hank and David Kostrinsky, Zane, Emmett, Shae and Mattea Simkin, Jonah, Penina and Vered Simkin, Brady, Finley, Cody and Kyla Simkin, and Joey and Lulu Simkin, his brother-in law and sisters-in law, Mickey and Pearl Rosenberg, Annette Rosenberg, and Myna Simkin, and his many nieces and nephews in the Simkin and Rosenberg families.
The funeral was conducted at Rosh Pina Memorial Park in Winnipeg on July 27th, 2020. Pallbearers were Mickey Rosenberg, Joel Dudeck, Simon Simkin, Jory Simkin, Zane Simkin, and Emmett Simkin. Honorary Pallbearers were Mickey Rosenberg, Jerry Cohen, Martin Erlichman, and Frank Lavitt.
Abe’s vitality and exceptional abilities will be missed throughout the Winnipeg, Palm Springs and San Diego communities. He served his communities as a lawyer, businessman, community builder, and philanthropist. His business interests were extensive and varied and included housing construction and land development, nursing homes, pre-school day-care facilities, book printing, and financial, transportation, automotive, health care and communication services and support. His contributions to the Jewish community in Winnipeg and abroad have been honored by many. Abe’s philanthropic activities extended to local, national, and Israeli charities. He was a director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Theatre Center, and the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews.
Abe’s greatest joy in life was family and friends. He was a devoted husband to his wife Fan for 63 years, and a remarkably loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and father figure to an extended family.
He selflessly devoted himself to helping many people and genuinely cared for their well-being. His enthusiasm knew no bounds and he was an inspiration to all who knew him. His passions were family, music, politics, philanthropy and the law.
He is loved and will be remembered always by his family and friends for his tireless energy, his good humour, his generosity, his upbeat personality, his modesty, and for the care and kindness he showed to everyone. The family is forever grateful to have had him in our lives. Through his unconditional love, and irresistible spirit he became a wonderful role model to all his friends and family and was admired and respected by everyone who met him. His loving presence will endure in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
The family thanks Sergio Ong and his family for their care and support. Donations may be made to the Jewish Educational Trust Fund – Abe & Fan Simkin, at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
DR. ARTHUR G. HERSCOVITCH

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur Herscovitch on February 3, 2025, at the age of 77.
Arthur will be remembered by his wife Linda, daughter Rennie (Mark), granddaughters, Anna and Miriam, sister Judy (Mel), brother Robert (Lynda), brother Martin (Rose), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arthur started his long career as a clinical psychologist in Winkler, Manitoba. A year later he moved back to Winnipeg, where he spent 36 years working at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, where he helped thousands of patients through very difficult times.
Arthur and Linda loved to travel and visited places such as China, Turkey, Morocco and many countries in Europe, and they went on road trips all over North America. Arthur was a very creative man who enjoyed woodworking and sketching, and he loved to engage in physical activities such as jogging and weightlifting. Above all else, Arthur cherished his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Simkin Centre for your care of Arthur. Your patience, compassion and understanding are greatly appreciated.
A funeral service was held in Arthur’s honour at the Chesed Shel Emes on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
RHONDA MATIAS

Rhonda Matias (nee Rykiss) passed away peacefully December 31, 2024, in Toronto, surrounded by her children.
Daughter of the late Belle and the late Max Rykiss of Winnipeg. Rhonda was born in Winnipeg on May 3, 1944, and raised in both the North End on Inkster Boulevard and later Cordova Street in Winnipeg’s South End. Her family nickname was Cookie as her father said she had a round face. She moved to Montreal when she was 18, only to be called back to Winnipeg to take care of her ailing mother.
Growing up in an entrepreneurial household, Rhonda was an independent and successful businesswoman. She worked in retail sales for her parents and from her basement, and later was a successful sales rep. Rhonda was a well-known and beloved figure at her own enterprise, A Store is Born, at the Winnipeg International Airport.
She loved fashion and art and followed in her mother and sister’s footsteps of cooking and baking. She read newspapers, kept in close contact with friends and family, stayed in shape and liked to spend time in the sun.
Rhonda relocated to Toronto in 2000 to be closer to family. She made many new friends and nurtured her love for dogs.
She is survived by her children, Debbi-Jo Matias (Kevin Filkow), Marshall Matias (Merav Barr). Bubbi Cookie adored her grandchildren, Mikaela Matias, Jack Matias, Jesse Filkow and Ari Filkow. She is also survived by her brother Bruce M. Rykiss and aunt Fay Rykiss, nieces and nephews, Jodi Sprackman (Paul), Steven Gilletz (Cheryl Lis), Douglas Gilletz (Ariane Cohen). She was predeceased by her son Jeffrey Matias in June 1973.
Funeral services were held at Chesed Shel Emes and Shaarey Zedek Cemetery in Winnipeg on January 2, 2025, Rabbi Kliel Rose presiding, and Shiva was observed in Toronto.
Pallbearers were Kevin Filkow, Jesse Filkow, Jack Matias, Ari Filkow, Bryan Borzykowski and Steven London.
The family wishes to thank her devoted caregivers, especially Michelle Ciego.
Donations may be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – Rhonda Matias Memorial Fund in support of BB Camp, or charity of your choice.
Obituaries
SYBIL RUBIN MARCH 18 1931 – SEPTEMBER 4 2024

Sybil passed on to her next adventure on September 4, 2024 at age 93 1/2.
She was a bright light in many people’s lives, most especially her loving family’s. Sybil lived her values with joy, energy, and purpose. She was always welcoming and inclusive, unwaveringly supportive, loving and optimistic. She volunteered extensively her time and skills with countless community organizations. She thrived on both teaching and learning, presenting celebrated book reviews, as a community presenter on the subjects of Israel and Hanukkah, and developing iconic programs like the Beth El Art Auctions.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Sybil was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba, and was elected to lead her college as Lady Stick of Arts in her senior year. Sybil met Manly Rubin – the love of her life – while in their teens in Winnipeg; they married in 1953. They immediately ventured off to Dublin, Ireland where Sybil earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Trinity College while Manly earned his medical degree. She loved their time in Dublin, which provided opportunities to explore various European countries.
They then moved to a small town in Saskatchewan where they welcomed their three children: Harry, Caron and Rochelle. With relocation to Minneapolis a few years later, Sybil threw her energy into her new community’s programs, her children’s activities, and volunteer opportunities. She remained a voracious reader (participating in three book clubs) and enthusiastic traveler into her 80’s, bringing her family on exotic foreign adventures after Manly passed away in 2010. She always delighted in attending plays, concerts and other performances. Hers was a life well lived.
Sybil is survived by her adoring children, Harry, Caron (Marc Meirovitz) and Rochelle Rubin (Scott Rutzick); sister, Rochelle Pincovich; grandchildren, Colin and Ethan Meirovitz, Shelby Rutzick and Boaz, Amalya and Gilad Rubin, as well as loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by husband, Manly Rubin; parents, Sam and Minnie Heft; sister, Connie Robinson; brothers and sister-in-law, Myles Robinson, Leon & Lainy and Jack Rubin and Aurel Pincovic
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