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
LIN JOSEPH ROSENBAUM
October 17, 1952 – April 18,2026
It is with great sadness that the family marks the passing of Lin, loving son, uncle, great-uncle, brother and brother-in-law. He will be greatly missed.
Lin completed his undergraduate degree in business at the University of Manitoba. He eventually took and completed apprenticeship as an electrician and worked as a licensed electrician with his father Harry. He took pride in his work and craft and assisting his father. He was greatly valued by their customers .
Lin was adventurous , traveling throughout Europe. He was a kibbutznik, and always spoke fondly of time spent in Israel. He was an avid runner, and had participated competitively in the Boston Marathon .
He made friends well and remained committed to volunteerism with community arts , including the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. He showed great empathy to others, reflected in his work with Mood Disorders Manitoba.
Lin believed in the worth of all persons and saw the good in others. His best nature illuminated the best nature in others; to a brother, son, friend, uncle and great-uncle, always.
Obituaries
Recent funerals – as posted on the Chesed Shel Emes website
| Harold Diamond | Tzvi ben Yaacov v’Chana | 04/12/1935 | 12/05/2026 | 25 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Ray Schnoor | Raizel bat Ephraim v’Rachel | 13/06/1927 | 05/05/2026 | 19 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Gila Ruth Fainstein | Rachel bat Kiva v’Leah | 25/06/1935 | 04/05/2026 | 14 Iyar 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Toby Schwartz | Chaya Tovah bat Moshe v’Chana | 16/07/1932 | 01/05/2026 | 14 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Rachel Wolman | Rachel Bayla bat Moshe v’Malka | 03/02/1962 | 24/04/2026 | 7 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Leah Gitlin | Laya bat Yosef v’Frayda | 04/09/1926 | 08/04/2026 | 21 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Lin Joseph Rosenbaum | Yosef Levi ben Hershel Zvi v’Dvorah | 17/10/1952 | 06/04/2026 | 19 Nisan 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Norman Stein | Nachum ben Avraham v’Chaya | 10/06/1932 | 06/04/2026 | 19 Nisan 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Marvin Saul Silver | Menachem Shaul ben Avraham v’Chana Gitel | 20/11/1941 | 05/04/2026 | 18 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Kimberley Dawn Kirshenbaum | Isabella bat Avraham v’Sarah | 09/12/1969 | 03/04/2026 | 17 Nisan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Walter Ganetsky | Zev ben Yosef haLevi v’Tziporah | 23/09/1940 | 02/04/2026 | 15 Nisan 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Lorelei Camille Lavitt | Rachel bat Yaakov v’Raisa | 11/04/1936 | 26/03/2026 | 8 Nisan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Melvin Myers | Moshe ben Chaim v’Rachel | 24/04/1936 | 24/03/2026 | 7 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Naomi Sharon Searles Koslovsky | Nechama Sara bat Shmuel v’Chana | 11/04/1940 | 23/03/2026 | 5 Nisan 5786 | Hebrew Sick Cemetery | More Info |
| Suzan Kravtsov | Chaya bat Shlomo v’Malka | 27/11/1935 | 23/03/2026 | 5 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Marcelo Chaffer | Moshe ben Chaim vFreda | 23/05/1959 | 20/03/2026 | 2 Nisan 5786 | New Israeli Congregation of Montevideo, Uruguay | More Info |
| Bonni Book | Basia Miriam bat Noach v’Tovah Chana | 29/04/1944 | 14/03/2026 | 25 Adar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Sarah Schwartz | Sarah bat Moshe v’Leah | 21/08/1930 | 08/03/2026 | 19 Adar 5786 | Jewish Memorial Gardens, Ottawa ON | More Info |
| Jennie Goldstine | Shaindel bat Aharon v’Manya | 25/09/1929 | 06/03/2026 | 17 Adar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Shelley Fogel | Shaindel bat Yehuda v’Sarah | 16/02/1935 | 05/03/2026 | 16 Adar 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
To see more funerals go to https://chesedshelemes.org/records-of-the-deceased/
Obituaries
MEL MYERS April 24, 1936 – March 24, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mel Myers, K.C. on March 24, 2026, a month shy of his 90th birthday.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon; sons, Noel (Joan) and Paul (My-Phung); daughter Sarah; sister Gayle Myers (Jan Cooper); brother-in-law Brian Kaplan (Renee); grandchildren, Emily and Lily; nephews, Harris (Nina) and Ira (Ruby); nieces, Rachel (Alex) and Robyn (Kerem); great-nephew Jude; great-niece Chloe; extended family and many friends.
Mel was predeceased by his parents, Hymie and Rose Myers, and his brother, Paul.
Mel was a powerhouse of a man. He was worthy of praise and accolade, a person of substance and impeccable character who gave his time and talents to make our lives, our world, a better place for all.
According to Sharon and to many, he knew everything and everyone; he was an extraordinary lawyer and delighted in the law; he loved humanity; he was fascinated by many things and had an unquenchable thirst for the acquisition of knowledge. He was the consummate family man, who loved the lake, gardening and being with his beloved Sharon. He was a respected and dutiful father and father-in-law, and an even better Zaida!
Mel and Sharon were married on May 29, 1960. They were partners in marriage and in life for over 65 years. In 1961, when Mel graduated with honours from the University of Manitoba Law School, he was appointed a crown attorney with the Manitoba Attorney General’s department. He was the first Jewish crown counsel and served in that capacity for three years before going into private practice.
Mel had a long and distinguished legal career and became a partner with the law firm of Pollock, Nurgitz, Bromley, Myers and Hewak. This Winnipeg-based law firm now bears his name, Myers LLP, and is honoured to continue to practice in Mel’s name to uphold his legacy for generations to come.
Mel was Manitoba’s pre-eminent advocate for labour and a vigorous defender of fundamental human rights. As a labour lawyer, among numerous notable cases, he successfully defended the constitutionality of the Rand formula under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the prohibition against mandatory retirement as age-based discrimination under the Manitoba Human Rights Act. Mel was a strong champion of workers’ rights across Manitoba. His work touched thousands of lives and forged advancements for labour and human rights across Canada. As a human rights advocate, he served as the first chairperson of the Manitoba Human Rights Commission from 1974 to 1978. He has appeared before numerous commissions, including the Monnin Inquiry into violations of Manitoba’s election laws. In addition to litigation before labour boards, arbitrators and the courts including appearances before the Supreme Court of Canada, Mel also taught classes on labour relations and administrative law at the University of Manitoba and a bar admissions course on criminal evidence. He mentored countless union lawyers and advocates in the presentation of cases. As well, he tirelessly advanced the education of union members.
Mel served as the Chair of the labour relations subsection of the Canadian Bar Association (Manitoba Branch). He also was a former president of the YMHA Community Centre and was a former member of the Board of Regents, University of Winnipeg.
After his retirement from active practice in 2001, he was appointed Chair of the Automobile Injury Compensation Appeal Commission, where an advisor’s office to assist citizens dealing with Manitoba’s public auto insurance plan was established with his input. Throughout his retirement, he continued to frequently act as a labour nominee on arbitration boards.
Mel was involved in many community organizations and was a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada. His wisdom, guidance, and steadfast support was always appreciated by the Board.
In 2002, the annual Mel Myers Labour Conference on labour law was established in his honour by his former law firm. Proceeds are donated to a charitable cause espousing economic and social justice. Mel was a co-founder and past president of the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers, an association of 800 lawyers representing trade unions and professional organizations across Canada.
Mel was the recipient of several awards, including the Bora Laskin Award in 2005, which recognizes distinguished contributions in the field of labour law. Nominations of Mel for this award referred to “his willingness to work himself to the point of exhaustion, his fierce commitment to fairness and due process, and his conviction that protecting the rights of labour is fundamental to the preservation and strength of Canadian democracy.”
In addition to his professional activities, Mel maintained a broad range of interests in the arts and theatre, music, history, politics, travel, reading and sports of all kinds. He was also known for his immense and varied collection of trade union memorabilia and his readiness to discuss or debate any topic with passion and energy.
A very special thanks to the staff of Simkin Centre, Simkin 1, especially Nurse Cheryl, for their extraordinary care and vigilance over the time Mel was a resident as well as the staff of Realcare Inc, especially Cathy, Felix and Olumide, for the dignified and exemplary care they showed Mel.
Mel’s funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on March 27th officiated by Rabbi Carnie Rose. Beautiful words of tribute were given by Mel’s son, Noel, and sister, Gayle.
Pallbearers were Noel Myers, Paul Myers, Harris Kaplan, Kevin Marks, Seth Marks, and Evan Roitenberg. Honorary pallbearer was Brian Kaplan.
In honour of Mel’s memory, donations can be made to the ‘Mel Myers Endowment Fund’ (in support of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada) at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (call 204-477-7520 or online at https://jewishfoundationofmanitoba.crowdchange.ca/146553) or to the ‘Mel Myers, Q.C. Award’ at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law (call 204-474-9195 or online at https://give.umanitoba.ca/) or to a charity of your choice.