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
EDWARD (BARNEY) SEGAL
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward “Barney” Segal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Barney will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Elaine (Paul) Olin; his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephew: Jason Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Jessica and Shirley Ransby; Brenlee, David, Hayley, and Leah Selchen; and Daniel, Jordi, Poppy, and Skylar Olin; Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sam Segal (1998) and Louise Segal (2006), and by his sister, Dolly Chisick (December 2025).
Barney was born on April 27, 1955, in Winnipeg, where he lived his entire life. He spent his formative years on Lansdowne Avenue, a place that remained close to his heart and was filled with many fond memories throughout his life. Barney was the youngest of four children, and from an early age, he was a spirited and energetic presence, full of personality and spark.
Barney carried that same determination and energy into his adult life. With an unwavering work ethic, he pursued a career in education while working full-time, earning his degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to dedicate many years to teaching and supporting schools throughout Winnipeg. Barney took great pride in helping students grow, always striving to make a lasting impression on the young people whose lives he touched.
He was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, and the communities he served. Barney found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: cheering on the Chicago Bears, sharing vivid stories about his parents and days gone by, riding his motorcycle, and heading out on long road trips in his beloved Jeep, “Sparky,” always in search of the next good story.
Barney will be remembered for his strong spirit, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to those around him. His presence filled a room, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Olin, Jason Olin, Laurie Gorenstein, Jeff Brown, Gavin Rich, and Mark Lomow. Honorary pallbearers were Brenlee Selchen, David Selchen, Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman, Jordi Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Rick Lousier, Ben Szymkow, Ron Nelson, Leroy Fox, Robert Marvin, and Gerry Dudley.
In memory of Barney, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BARBARA CONSTANCE SLUTCHUK (née Stratton) MAY 9, 1941 – MARCH 3, 2026
Barbara Constance Slutchuk passed away peacefully. She was born on May 9, 1941, in Carmen, Manitoba to Lena Galbraith and Arthur Stratton.
Barbara was the beloved wife of George Slutchuk, whom she married on March 28, 1971. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Rishona Hyman (Hartley Hyman) and Dama Slutchuk (Tom Aldridge), and by her cherished grandchildren, Gregory and Izzie Hyman. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents; her second mother, Lyla “Winnie” Stratton; her sisters Mary Beighton (Ted) and Patricia Morton (Robert); and her brothers Keith Stratton, Grant Stratton, John Stratton, Bryan Smith (Eleanor), Lyle Smith, and David (Gail).
Barbara was a trailblazer in nursing. Over her long and dedicated career she managed an emergency department at St. Boniface Hospital, later oversaw the operating room at Seven Oaks Hospital. Eventually moved into Human Resources at Misericordia Hospital.
She had a deep passion for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and attended many games, events, and Grey Cups over the years. Barbara was an avid reader and bridge player. A proud Canadian, she loved football, hockey, curling, figure skating, the theatre, Rainbow Stage, rural Manitoba, and tending to her flower garden. She loved seeing the first robin and geese of the season.
Barbara had a special love for animals, both her own and those belonging to others. She rescued animals and people alike, always making room in both her home and her heart.
Barbara was a natural leader, a volunteer, and an organizer. Above all, her most important role was as a devoted mother and grandmother.
The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate and loving care provided by
Veronica and Lenora, as well as all of Barbara’s caregivers over the years.
A funeral service was held on March 5, 2026, at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice, Jewish Child and Family Service, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Obituaries
WILLIAM (BILL) MARANTZ SEPTEMBER 14, 1935 – NOVEMBER 15, 2025
Sadly, just after his 90th birthday, celebrated with four generations, Zaida Velvel passed away at Deer Lodge Centre following a brief illness.
He grew up in the storied North End mostly on Scotia Street, and it was there at Luxton School and St. John’s Tech that he made many of his lifelong friends.
But the shining star of his life was his beautiful Brenda, his loving wife and soulmate of over 65 years, who passed away in 2023. He was also pre-deceased by his parents Sophie and Frank, his brothers and sisters-in-law Cyril and Irene, Gary and Shirley-Anne, and his daughters-inlaw Andrea and Ruth.
He is survived by his children Josh, Ari (daughter-in-law Ilana), Allan (Jackie) and David; grandchildren Sarah (Chris), Noah (Nahla), Jesse (Lauren), Evan (Maddy), Dan (Tracy), Lauren (Kyle), Tamara (Robin), Ali (Wyatt), Neil; and great-grandchildren, Jack, Isaac, Sadie, Jack, Brandon and London; and nieces, nephews and cousins..
Bill graduated with his law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1960 and after articling, went into private practice.
Bill was a supportive and loving father who always came to watch the boys’ games and helped coach when needed. He and Brenda never tired of watching their sons play sports.
Bill’s eclectic career included time as a lawyer, part-time provincial court judge, movie critic, screenwriter, autobiographer, actor, Jewish Post columnist and novelist.
His most successful writing efforts were radio or screenplays, several of which were produced by CBC, and his self-published novel Christmas Eve Can Kill You.
After early retirement, he continued to write from home, the cottage and Palm Springs where he and Brenda drove to each winter for about 40 years.
Out of all his writing efforts, Bill was most proud of writing the memoir of a local Holocaust survivor.
He had another accomplishment for which he was also extremely proud. Just over three decades ago, Ari and Bill bought an old cottage at Winnipeg Beach and completely rebuilt it. This would become the new family summer home. He and Brenda lovedspending summers out at the beach with family.
For their 50th anniversary, it meant the world to them that all their sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren came in to celebrate at the cottage.
Winnipeg Beach was enjoyed for many, many summers until Brenda could no longer climb the front steps, shortly before becoming housebound. Bill took outstanding care of her as her health declined.
Bill was able to live independently and was driving until just a couple months before his passing. He loved spending time with family at dinners and Jewish holiday celebrations and adored his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren,especially.
He was buried next to his beloved Brenda at Beit Chayim Mikdash Shalom, the Temple Shalom cemetery, with son Allan officiating and grandchildren Noah, Jesse, Evan, Dan, Tamara and Neil serving as pallbearers.
If so desired, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Camp Massad of Manitoba.