Obituaries
ALEX SOMMER
August 26, 1928 – February 16, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Alex Sommer announces the passing of our beloved father and Zaida. He lived a full and rich life of 96 and a half years. He passed with his granddaughter, Jordana, by his side.
Alex is survived by his spouse, Elaine, his children, Reena (Jeffrey), Naomi (Hart), Hillel (Marlaina), Caron, Martin (Michelle), and Gary (Pam), his grandchildren, Debra, Daniel (Sonya), Leah (Nik), Michael (Ashely), Josh (Abbie), Sarah (Emmy), Niki, David, Sarah (Justin), Jordana (Blake), Micah, Serina (Jason), Sierra, Joey (Leah), Benji (Brittany), Carli (Wil), Sonny, Mara (Benji), Cayli, Zac, Izzy, and Sam, and his great-grandchildren, Mikaela, Kendrick, Mila, Solly, Billie, Sid, Cameron, Addison, Elias, and Ari.
He was predeceased by his wife, Sarah, his parents, Fanny and Levi, his sisters, Rochelle and Norma, his son, Aaron, and his sons-in-law, David and Willy.
Alex grew up in the North End of Winnipeg and went to school at St. John’s High School. He spent his summer months in the Whiteshell at Seven Sisters Falls and Whitemouth and attended various Jewish summer camps.
As a youth and young adult, Alex became active in Young Judeah. There he met the love of his life, Sarah Rodberg, and they married on July 4, 1948, at the young ages of 18 and 19, respectively. As proud Zionists, the young couple planned to settle in the newly born State of Israel. To prepare for Kibbutz life, Alex went to study horticulture in Homestead, Florida.
But as plans changed, Alex joined his father’s custom furniture business. His role in the company was to head out on the road across western Canada to secure orders. This experience fostered his strong work ethic, and stick-with-it-ness that he passed down to his children and grandchildren. Ultimately, this small family business grew to become Century Craft Ltd., where quality furniture and fiberglass boats were manufactured until the late 1990s.
Alex and Sarah raised their four children, Reena, Naomi, Aaron and Hillel, in a traditional Jewish home, celebrating the Sabbath, and Jewish Holidays. Throughout the 1960s, Alex and his young family enjoyed spending the summer months at Clear Lake, Manitoba. On any given day at the beach, Alex could be found in the water letting his children and their friends dive from his shoulders into the water.
Alex supported Sarah’s creation of the Chai Folk Ensemble, and after her untimely death in 1969, took on the role of its first president, founding a board of directors, and creating an infrastructure that has allowed Chai to celebrate its 60th anniversary last year.
Alex navigated his life with resilience, integrity and inner strength. After Sarah died at age 40, Alex was left to raise his four children alone. In 1971, Alex married Elaine Weinberg, of Winnipeg, and raised her three children, Caron, Martin and Gary as his own. Alex always treated all seven children of his newly blended family as his own and counted all their offspring as his grandchildren. He embraced the role of grandfather so completely, that he became known by friends and family alike by the title “Zaida Alex”.
Alex was the consummate storyteller. He would tell, and often retell, stories about his exploits as a young prankster, of life on the road, and other tall tales, to his children and grandchildren. Yet, no matter how many times the story was retold, he always had a willing and captivated audience of family members anxious to hear the story again. He also had a unique lexicon, coining words such as “behbeh,” “Eneway”, “Sanawich,” and “Shmodicase.” He was famous for his “hugs that hurt,” and his “swingies” for his grandchildren.
Alex was known throughout the Winnipeg Jewish community for his smile and charm. He had a natural warmth and easy-going nature and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was known as a man with the biggest heart and was always certain to tell those close to him how much he loved them.
Synagogue life was always an essential part of Alex’s life. Initially, he was an active member of the Rosh Pina Synagogue. In his later years, he attended shabbat services at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and became an integral part of their synagogue community. During his many winter vacations in southeast Florida, he participated actively at Congregation Beth Torah in Aventura.
Alex has been a role model, compass, and guide as to how to meet life’s challenges with grace. When he faced multiple cancer diagnoses, he did so with strength. In his later years, as his health declined and his mobility became more impaired, Alex became dependent on personal caregivers, for virtually all activities of daily living and personal care. Despite his lost independence, he continued with his positive outlook and was able to navigate life on his own in his home.
Alex celebrated one day at a time and learned to appreciate the important things in life, his family. He constantly showed gratitude and love for his family. On any given day, when asked how he was doing, his response was “excellent”. Even in his final hours, Dad wasn’t willing to concede to his failing health or abandon his “look on the bright side of life” philosophy. After arriving to hospital by ambulance, hours before he passed, when asked by the emergency doctor how he was feeling, his response was “excellent”.
Alex’s family would like to extend their warmest thanks and respect to the team of wonderful caregivers and support staff at Home Instead. Over the past approximately 10 years, these wonderful caring individuals allowed Alex to remain in his home, which always gave him great pleasure. They allowed him to maintain his dignity and continue to participate actively in community and family lifecycle events. His quality of life was enhanced immeasurably by the care they provided.
We would also like to thank Dr. Sheldon Permack for his dedicated care over the last several years.
Alex’s funeral service was held at the Chesed Shel Emes on Wednesday February 19, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl, followed by a burial service at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Daniel Golub, Debra Golub, Michael Knight, Blake Nichols, Justin Odwak, Micah Sommer, Emmy Uchendu, and Gary Weinberg.
Obituaries
Howard Lorne Tennenhouse March 7, 1956 – October 16, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Howard (Howie) Lorne Tennenhouse. He passed away on October 16, 2025, after a courageous ten-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Howie fought with every ounce of strength and determination he had.
Born on March 7, 1956, Howie earned his BA from the University of Winnipeg in 1976 and his law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1979. While attending the University of Manitoba, he met his devoted partner, Susan. After dating for five years they were married on November 14, 1982. Susan and Howie supported one another throughout their life together, and she stood by his side with unwavering devotion until the very end.
Howie was the proud father of three daughters and sons-in-law, Lauren (Jesse), Ellie (Evan), and Shira (Gideon) and the adoring Zaida How, to Jack, Joey, Charlotte (Charlie), and Brandon (Bran). He is also survived by his two sisters, Judy Mahon (and her family) and Penny Tennenhouse (Bill). Howie’s family was his greatest joy and the center of his world, and to his family he was a fierce protector and the most enthusiastic supporter.
Outside of his love for family, Howie’s heart belonged in Israel. He took immense pride in seeing the love of Israel and Jewish traditions passed down from his parents to his children and grandchildren.
Howie’s funeral was held on Sunday , October 19, 2025 at the Etz Chayim Synagogue with burial at the Rosh Pina Cemetery. Thank you to Rabbi Kliel Rose and to the pallbearers Morley Hoffman, Alden Hoffman, Joey Pollock, Harvey Oman, Evan Reinblatt, and Jesse Marantz. A big thank you to the doctors at Cancer Care Manitoba who worked tirelessly to care for Howie, and the incredible team at the Riverview Palliative Ward. A special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Qamar for her devotion to Howie. Your care and kindness meant the world to the entire family.
Donations in Howie’s memory can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or to Riverview Palliative Care Ward 3E.
Howie was a passionate, loving, and larger-than-life presence. He will always be missed and never forgotten.
Obituaries
HARRY KREEL April 9, 1927 – October 20, 2025
It is with profound sadness that the family of Harry Kreel announces his passing on October 20, 2025 at the age of 98 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Ben and Rebecca Kreel; his brothers, Isadore and Boris Kreel; and his beloved wife Myrna, to whom he was married for 68 years.
Left to mourn his passing are his daughter Eileen; his son Darrell (Nicole); and his grandson Benjamin Kreel.
Harry was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan and moved to Winnipeg in his early 20s. He spent his career in education. He was the Director of Special Education for the Winnipeg School Division, Principal of R.B. Russell Vocational School and he also taught in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba.
Our parents loved to travel, and throughout their lives they travelled extensively throughout Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Upon his retirement, he and our mother were able to spend many wonderful winters in Palm Springs, as well as many visits to New York to visit family. The highlight for them was their trip to Israel, which was something they had always wanted to do, and they did.
Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, graveside at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. We would like to express our sincerest thanks to Rabbi Carney Rose for officiating and for delivering a most beautiful and heartfelt service.
To the pallbearers, you know who you are, and we would like to thank you for being there for our father. We would also, at this time, like to thank the wonderful staff of Weinberg I at the Simkin Centre. You treated our father with the utmost kindness, respect, dignity and compassion, and for that we will be forever grateful. And last but certainly not least, to Sheryl, Tia, and Victoria Levine, to Leslie Stokoloff and Joe Lacey, we will be forever grateful for all your love and support during this most difficult time.
Should anyone so desire, donations may be made in our father’s memory to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre or CancerCare Manitoba.
Obituaries
ROSALYN GOLFMAN (née LINHART)
Rosalyn Golfman (née Linhart) passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Born and raised in Winnipeg to Jack and Clara Linhart, Roz and her brother Sam grew up with a deep appreciation for education, music, and community. Her father, along with her mother who was an accomplished singer and performer in Jewish plays and on radio, instilled in her a deep appreciation for both hard work and family traditions. The tragedy of the Holocaust, which claimed the majority of her mother’s immediate family, profoundly shaped Rosalyn’s outlook on life, nurturing in her a strong sense of identity, resilience, and commitment to her Jewish heritage.
Growing up in a home filled with music, the aromas of traditional cooking, and the warmth of family celebrations, Roz developed a lifelong connection to her roots. Her devotion to the Jewish community continued throughout her life as she volunteered and chaired various programs at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and served as a member of the National Council of Jewish Women.
Education was one of Rosalyn’s greatest passions. She earned her B.A., M.Ed., a Ph.D. in Psychology, and a Masters in Family Therapy. As a clinical psychologist, Roz worked for 43 years dedicating her career to helping others. Rosalyn also served as President of the Manitoba Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and Chair of its Ethics Committee and taught at various times at the Universities of Manitoba and Winnipeg, and at Red River Community College.
Rosalyn’s greatest devotion was to her husband of more than 60 years, Charles (Chuck) Golfman. Together they traveled the globe and shared a lifetime of love and adventure. Their mutual curiosity led them to explore new places, lectures and forums, always seeking to expand their understanding of people and the world around them. Roz and Chuck raised three children – Jeff (Helen Huang), Lisa (Steve Kroft) and Jill (Mark Kantor). Her grandchildren – Angela, Nathan, Alex and Maya – were her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them, whether during family dinners, at her beloved Clearwater Bay, or on family trips. Rosalyn’s brother Sam (Judy) was a constant source of support, and the times Roz and Chuck spent with Sam and Judy in Phoenix and Aspen were always highlights for her. Family events with nieces, nephews, her numerous cousins and other relatives were also very special for Roz.
Rosalyn will be remembered for her compassion, intellect and unwavering devotion to family, her friends, and her Jewish faith. The values she instilled in her family will endure through them.
The family wishes to thank the many friends who supported Roz with gentleness, dignity and love. Thank you also to Dr. Marshall Pitz, Kim Paradoski and the caring and talented doctors and caregivers at CancerCare Manitoba and Grace Hospital who assisted Rosalyn and our family during this difficult journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rosalyn and Chuck Golfman Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.