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
SIDNEY RITTER
August 30, 1936 – June 20, 2025
Surrounded by his loved ones, Sidney left this world peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.
He is survived by his children Michael (Flynn Gerb), Beth Goldberg (Bobby), Alan and Andrea, and his sister-in-law Elsa Swedko (the late Norman). His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Zachary Goldberg (Karlene), Jessica Goldberg (Rhys Sharkey) and Stefanie Steigerwald (Alex), Halley Ritter, Brianna and Madeline Ritter, Francie and Sari Goldenberg, and great-grandchildren Brooks Goldberg and Ava Steigerwald.
Sidney was born and grew up in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He moved to Winnipeg following his marriage to the love of his life, Hinda, of blessed memory. Together, they built a beautiful home for their family, filled with love and caring for their community. Sidney’s commitment to making his world a better place is evident in his extensive volunteer work with the Chai Folk Ensemble, his synagogue, Folklorama and the Folk Arts Council, and his exemplary 62 years of perfect attendance at the Rotary Club of Winnipeg.
Funeral services were held on June 23, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Contributions in Sidney’s memory may be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BARBARA KAPLAN (z” l) April 7, 1942 – May 16, 2025
A star back in the sky – the life and story of Barbara Kaplan.
The story of Barbara Kaplan is as unique as the woman herself. On April 7, 1942, a creative and gifted soul was born to Sidney and Rose Rosenblatt. She will be deeply missed by her entire family, including her beloved husband of 55 years, Harry, her two children, Shawn and Carrie, her siblings Shelley Rosenblatt and Robbie Rosenblatt, and sisters-in-law Lorraine Kaplan (David z”l) and Sharon Rosenblatt. Barbara will also be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Barbara lived her life in full colour. This was evident in everything she did, from how she raised her children and nurtured her family through special celebrations, to bringing a canvas to life, playing the piano, and the many creative words she put to paper throughout her life. She lived with a higher purpose; one she often mused about in her writings or through the art she created.
Barbara had a unique talent for both imagining beauty and creating it. She embraced what she was gifted to envision and the beauty she saw before her. She made things beautiful and saw the beauty in everything. Best once described by her son Shawn, “she was like a human paintbrush, touching things and adding vibrant colour and life.” Barbara brought these gifts into her professional life, graduating from Interior Design in 1986, at the age of 44. She mused and collaborated with her dear friend and business partner, Toby Vinsky, to run Interiors by Design for 25 years. She lived and taught by example, passing on her passion for the creative world to her children.
Barbara often said that “there are no mistakes in art,” and if life imitates art, the story of Barbara Kaplan is one of a profound life lived with vibrancy, passion and love. May Barbara’s special way of observing, representing, and living in the world be a blessing to all who knew her.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, where the BABS Scholarship (Better Arts, Better Souls) will be created to support aspiring young artists.
Obituaries
MINNIE BELL
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Minnie Bell on June 8, 2025, at the age of 92. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Dick Bell; her children, Joady Bell (Larry Bloom), David Bell, Karyn Burleigh (Paul), and Debby Brown (Bob); grandchildren Cory, Breanne, Jenna (Adam) Jordan (Kady), Jason, Jonah (Danielle), and Justin; and great grand-children Charlize, Zack, and Mimi.
Minnie was predeceased by her parents Freda and Abraham Bay; sisters and brothers- in-law, Jen and Alec Goldman, and Dorys and Morris Silver. She was Aunty Minnie to nieces and nephews; Tannis and Sheldon Mindell, Glenda and David Segal, Les and Andi Silver, Fern and Narvey Goldman, and Andi Bell.
Minnie was born in Winnipeg on September 11, 1932 and grew up in the city’s North End. She attended William Whyte School for grades 1 through 9 and graduated from St John’s Tech.
Minnie and Dick initially met at a YMHA dance. They were later reacquainted in Winnipeg Beach, which was when their love story began. They were married October 10, 1955 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
The Bell family was a very busy household. Minnie had her hands full with four active children, especially while Dick travelled for business for over half the year. Minnie volunteered for several organizations including Hadassah and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood. She chaired and canvassed for CJA Campaigns and Men’s Youth Aliyah.
Minnie and Dick were always strong supporters of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Holocaust Museum, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. They had a mutual love of music and international travel. They also shared a love of cruising and embarked on over 30 cruises before slowing down and spending their winters in Palm Desert.
Dick had quintuple heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1986 when he was just 58 years old. Minnie made it her life’s mission to advocate for Dick’s every medical and emotional need from that time forward. Thanks to Minnie’s tremendous efforts on Dick’s behalf, and to Dick’s own commitment to daily walks and a heart-healthy diet, he is still alive today at the age of 97.
Minnie always took great pride in her appearance – her hair, makeup, lipstick and perfectly manicured almond shaped nails were all of utmost importance to her. She was also known for her beautiful heels – Naturalizers or Clark’s were never an option! Minnie especially loved her off the shoulder sweaters and blouses. She also loved hats and typically donned a selection from her extensive collection for synagogue services.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary love, care and devotion to Minnie- Dr. Cynthia Sawatzky and Dr. Keevin Bernstein; Dr. Harvey Chochinov; the staff of the outstanding Simkin Centre and, particularly, the staff on Weinberg 1.
Minnie and Dick’s caregivers and companions, namely, Mae, Sandra, Nettie, Estella, Amanda, Cora, and Tammy were all of invaluable assistance in caring for both of them over the past few months. They truly became a part of our family and we thank them all from the bottom of our hearts
For those who wish, donations in Minnie’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir and Music Fund.