Obituaries
ALAN HOWARD BERNSTEIN 1949 – 2017
After a courageous battle with cancer, Alan passed away peacefully at the age of 67 with his loving family and friends by his side.
Alan was predeceased by his parents Evelyn and David Bernstein. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Donna; daughter Lisa; son Mike (Katia); sister Joanne (Larry); brothers Richard (Rene) and Brian (Elizabeth); Donna’s brother Larry; and his nieces and nephews David, Laura (Lisa), Sarah, Davey, Arran, Jenny (Daniel). Also his faithful companion and good boy Benny.
Alan was born in Winnipeg and grew up in River Heights. He attended Brock Corydon School, J.B. Mitchell School, Grant Park High School and graduated from the University of Winnipeg in 1976.
Alan had a true zest for life and made friends wherever he went. He was always enthusiastic, loved to kibbitz and had the ability to tell the best stories. He paved his own way with drive, motivation and perseverance. He was passionate about sports, the stock market and anything to do with cars and engines. He loved racing and in his early years was known for having some of the fastest cars in Winnipeg.
Alan was a dreamer, a gifted salesman and had a creative eye. He had an intuitive sense of business, beginning his career at Silverman Jewellers and carrying those talents through to his finest professional achievement in starting his own company, Hangers Fashion Warehouse. Hangers was created in 1990 with the love and support of his wife, Donna. He began with one flagship store and grew the chain to 31 stores from British Columbia to the Maritimes. Alan was always known for his sharp negotiating skills and special way with people.
One of Alan’s favourite pastimes was heading out to the Lake of the Woods with his family. He loved to sit on the water while the waves gently rocked the boat. The lake truly nourished his soul. He also loved getting people together and having celebrations and barbecues at the pool on Aldershot.
Alan loved his family fiercely and cared so much for everyone in his life. Alan was a wonderful and attentive father who raised two beautiful children in Lisa and Mike. They were crazy about their Dad and he was so proud of their accomplishments and who they became as adults. Alan just adored being with everyone and would truly move mountains for his loved ones.
Alan loved to travel, see the sights and organize adventures. In 2011, when Alan and Donna retired, they created wonderful memories when they travelled to London and Paris.
Later on, in retirement, he transitioned that love of getting people together by founding a breakfast club to reconnect with old friends from his past and bringing new people together.
Alan was so fond of music and was a great piano and violin player. He could listen to a piece of music, sit down and proceed to play the whole piece from memory. He later tried his hand at the guitar and loved to have people over for a jam session in his music room.
He was a loving husband, a devoted father, a caring family man, a determined fighter, a hunter for the best new toy or gadget, a wonderful friend and a true character. The world will miss such a beautiful and special soul.
Thank you to all the staff at CancerCare Manitoba and Riverview Health Centre for your care and compassion and for making Alan’s journey as comfortable and painless as possible.
A celebration of Alan’s life was held on Sunday, November 26, 2017, at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, Rabbi Matthew Leibl officiated, with interment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Larry Pudavick, Arran Pudavick, David Sheps, Laura Sheps, Ian Kasloff and Tom Dojack. Honourary pallbearers were Larry Rice, Izia Mirski and Jack Lezack.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or the charity of your choice. –
You left us with beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You’ll always be by our side. –
Obituaries
LAWRENCE WERIER
Lawrence Werier passed away at home in Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 6 at the age of 98.
We thought he might live to 100, but it was not to be. Even though he was diminished by dementia in recent years, he still sparkled with an indomitable spirit that could not be missed, whether he was dancing with his many beloved caregivers or sitting quietly with his wife or children. He brought an intense energy to everything he accomplished, such as building a business, making a sale, playing tennis or scuba diving in some remote location.
His work at Goldin and Company was both challenging and joyful, and his entrepreneurial creativity brought him to Asia regularly, where he had close friends in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He married Eddy in 1949, and she remained the love of his life. They traveled the world together on many exotic trips, and in each place he would seek out adventure and fun. He was a force of life and an energetic presence who kept working and living and devouring experiences, always insisting that “the cup is half full.”
Many remember Lawrence as a great storyteller because he could never resist the impulse to share his exciting escapades with others. He didn’t retire until the age of 83, and even after formally ending his business, he continued to wheel and deal from home. In all of these passionate endeavors, he always had time for his children and grandchildren when they came to visit. His love of family was profound, and he demonstrated this love by generously bringing everyone together—children, spouses, grandchildren and Eddy—at treasured family gatherings in Costa Rica, St. Lucia and Mexico.
In recent days, people have reacted almost with astonishment that Lawrence has passed away, as if such a powerful energy might continue. We feel his loss deeply, along with his many friends in Winnipeg and beyond.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Eddy, and his children, Kerry, Cliff and Jodie, and their spouses, Suzanne, Sabrina, and Michael. He is missed by his two granddaughters, Cynthia (her partner, Matt) and Alex. Lawrence was predeceased by his beloved grandson Koby. Lawrence had many wonderful caregivers at “the Shafts,” too numerous to mention, but Tess Braun was his special friend and honorary daughter, to whom the family is grateful beyond words. Tess, Chris, Mavis, Jonathon and Jules made him comfortable in his final days, and we extend thanks to them all.
Donations in his memory can be made to Shalom Residences (shalomresidences.com).
Obituaries
BETTY JOAN KATZ
Betty Katz passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024, at the age of 94.
She was predeceased by her husband, Melvyn (Mel) and her daughter, Michelle.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Alana (Ted) and Bonnie (Howard); her son, Andy; grandchildren, Jonathan (Leiba) and Jeremy; and great-grandchildren, Louis and Ada.
Betty and Mel were high school sweethearts and married in 1953. Shortly thereafter, they purchased their cherished home on Lanark Street where they lived until after their 60th wedding anniversary. As the children grew older, Betty began a career in property management.
Betty is fondly remembered for her outgoing nature, wit, tenacity, and her great cooking, notably – her signature dish – Spaghetti a la Betty Katz.
Thank you to the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre where Betty received excellent care for the last eight years. Betty enjoyed the recreational activities and every opportunity to sit outdoors and at the sunny windows. Despite living with dementia, she was heard singing the words to “oldies” whenever there was an opportunity.
Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for leading a beautiful funeral service in Betty’s honour at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on October 28, 2024.
Obituaries
MARJORIE BAKALINSKY
It is with heavy hearts and deepest sadness that our family announce the peaceful passing of our dear sweet mother Marjorie Bakalinsky.
Mom passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Simkin Centre.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Rose and Joseph Weinstein; her sister Shirley; her in-laws, Dora and Beryl Bakalinsky; her sister-in-law Rosalie; and most recently, her dearest brother in-law Shia. Mom is survived by her loving and dedicated life long partner Leonard; her children Rachelle (Bob), Marty (Theresa), Cheryl (Avrum) and Gayle (Frank); her loving grandchildren, Jennifer, David (Andrea), Daniel, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Carllen, and Jerrett; her sister Kayla (Saul), sister-in-law Miriam (Jerry), and many nieces and nephews.
Mom was born in Winnipeg on March 7, 1935. She was raised as a youngster in the north end on Burrows Ave, then moved to Ferry Rd in St. James where her parents owned a grocery store. After graduating high school in 1953, she enrolled in nursing school in Chicago. She spent one year studying in Chicago, came home for summer break, met our dad, fell in love and didn’t go back. On June 5, 1955, Mom and Dad exchanged their wedding vows and were able to celebrate 69 years of marital bliss.
Mom always put others in front of herself, especially our dad, her children and grandchildren. She was the most unselfish woman we have ever known and loved. The matriarch of our family. Our home on Coralberry Ave. was always an open door to our many childhood friends.
Mom loved our cottage at Falcon Lake where many wonderful memories were made over the years, with her grandchildren always by her side. That gave her the greatest joy.
For over 25 years Mom and Dad’s second home was in Margate, Florida. Every year Mom would welcome her children and grandchildren to their Florida home, where there was always a home cooked meal on the dinner table.
There were many things Mom loved to do. One was playing mahjong with her weekly groups in Winnipeg and in Florida. Mom was an active member of Hadassah and was very involved in the Bnay Abraham Synagogue sisterhood. All of these were secondary to her love for her husband, children and grandchildren.
When it came to the point where her family felt Mom was no longer safe in her own home, Dad made the very difficult decision to make the Simkin Centre her new home. All the staff at Simkin who cared for Mom treated her with respect and dignity. Mom’s family will forever be grateful to the wonderful people at the Simkin Centre.
To Rabbi Matthew Leibl, thank you for being a source of support for our family. Your presence helped guide us through mom’s stay in Simkin.
Mom, we love you to the moon and back and beyond.
Forever remembered, forever loved!
In loving memory of our mom, Marjorie, donations can be made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, or to the charity of your choice.
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