Obituaries
ALLAN DAVID SHAFER -1927-2022
Following a life well lived, Al passed peacefully on May 14, 2022, at the age of 95. He lived life with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his kind eyes. His glass was never half full, rather it was overflowing.
An industrious and hardworking young man – Al started his career in the early 50s as a car salesman at Gladstone Datsun (under the sign of the swinging keys). His exuberant personality quickly propelled him to Sales Manager and so began his dream of owning his own car lot. He changed course in the early 60s when an opportunity arose to buy a partnership in the McLaren Hotel. Although it was never his first love, he brought his optimism and energy to work every day and was much liked and respected by patrons and staff alike. In 1969 he and his wife Lona fulfilled a long-time goal of their own by designing and building their dream home where he lived until his passing.
After retiring from the hotel in the early 70s his attention turned to a beloved hobby of art collecting. Never one to stay idle, and always hoping to get back into sales, he opened the Concourse Aboriginal Gallery in the Trizec Building, where he thrived. He moved the gallery to Notre Dame and Albert in the early 80s and he remained working until his retirement last year at the age of 94. His great energy and kibitzing nature endeared him to all who crossed his path, and the gallery remained a welcoming hangout for friends, artists, and neighbourhood residents who often dropped by for a laugh and a coffee.
His legacy will be his extreme generosity that benefited many. Despite his favourite shopping destination being the Dollar Store, he will be recognized and admired for his donation of the entire Concourse Gallery contents last year to SScope. The prominent and unexpected media coverage of this unique donation touched him deeply.
We are so happy that he spent his last winter in Palm Springs with his partner Estelle, enjoying the sun, many friends, and his status as a champion horseshoe player.
Al was predeceased by his wife Lona and sister Dorie and is survived by his sister Esther.
He will be missed by many friends and relatives and leaves to mourn his partner Estelle and her family, his daughters Maureen (Dave), Lesli (Don), grandchildren Rakel, Jordan, Dana (Jack), Alix, Max (Cassie), and great grandsons Frank and Ed.
A true mensch and our go to guy for everything, he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Donations in Al’s memory may be made to ArtCity: https://artcityinc.com/Financial- Donations, Harvest Manitoba: https://www.harvestmanitoba-.ca/donate-now/, or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).
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.
