Obituaries
ALLAN JOSEPH SHNIER “ALLIE”
Born June 11, 1928 passed away Dec 4, 2020
It is with enormous sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Allie, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather.
He leaves to mourn, his adoring wife, Rhona of 73 years. Sons, Clifford (Ruth Anne), Sara (Jeffrey), Jordon, Gary (Roxan). Grandchildren Carrie, Tammy (Ilan), Kelly, Jared, Noah, Lily, Jacob, Andrew (Baillie), Zoe, Skyler, Bryn. Great grandchildren Zoey, Lexi, Ivory. Also leaves to mourn, his beautiful sister, Esther, sisters-in-law, Bert, Rae, Hannah as well as many nieces and nephews.
Allie was predeceased by his parents, Sarah and Moishe Shnier,
brothers George , Clifford, Irving (Eleanor), Bertha (Gordon) Cecil, Norman, Phillip (Shirley), Jack (Esther), Max, Charlotte (Mitchell) and brother-in-law Lanny.
We all have not only lost a father and “mensch” but we have almost bid farewell to a tribe of 12, children of Russian immigrants, the quintessential story of parents who fled pogroms and persecution, to give their offspring a life in a country in which freedom, justice and acceptance were valued. These children indeed suffered their own adversities, however strove to make ours even a better world by valuing education, family, and community. The generation may be almost gone, however, the memories will indelibly be engraved in our hearts.
They were the children who worked in the dry goods store, who did their homework in the Deli kitchens, they were the border guards, the soldiers, the navigators, the POW’S, the masters of the one liners, the Shriners, the salesmen, the drive in movie owners, the antique collectors, the neighbourhood plumber, the engineers, the bakers of cinnamon buns (recipes from the war with just the right amount of rationed sugar), the volunteers, the philanthropists, the feminists and the mavens of the floor covering industry…
“Allie” was the baby of 12, born in 1928 in Emerson, Manitoba. They were a close
knit family, the older kids raising the younger ones as the parents worked in the stores. They share so many memories together and spoke of a sprawling acreage in which to run free. A family so large and united that Mothers and daughters, aunts and nieces had babies close together. As adults, when we returned to the family “Plantation” we were shocked at just how small it was!
Throughout life Allie was always treasured and showered with love, which is most likely why he in turn was able to bestow that love to us and the world.
Our Dad was known as “Allie”. Not Mr. Shnier. Everyone in Winnipeg knew him as Allie.
Allie attended University of Manitoba, and then joined his Father Moishe in a small building on Ross street in Winnipeg. They carried small houseware items and established a presence. It was there Allie got his taste for business. During the following years his brothers in eastern Canada, who had the rights to lines such as BF Goodrich, introduced the factory to Allie and he eventually obtained distribution rights in the west. The company became Eagle Distributing Co. Years later all the brothers merged companies to form the national company known as G.E.Shnier and Gesco Industries Inc. These two companies eventually became the dominant National Floorcovering distribution company in Canada. After the mergers, Allie enjoyed working many years with his brothers George, Irving, Norman, Cecil & Phil. In addition to running G.E.Shnier in Western Canada, Allie was very active as the President of Metropolitan Equities, the extended family’s real estate investment company.
Whether it be the janitor or the president of a National Company, he gave everyone his undivided attention and the respect they deserved. No one was ever invisible to him and he made sure that when someone new came into the family, they were accepted with welcome arms. He had no dark side, he only saw the good in people.
That’s what made Allie so special.
He was an astute businessman. His polite manner and kind disposition made people feel respected and heard.
Our father was a “Quiet Philanthropist’. Should it be a religious cause, an employee, a family member or a charitable event. Wherever and whomever he rose to the occasion helping any in need. He got pleasure from helping others and often said it made him feel good. He was a modest man and could’ve taken credit for his contributions, instead he chose to give often and quietly. People knew they could always rely on Allie, but never took advantage of him. He was uncomfortable in the limelight, but warmth emanated from him when he stepped into a room.
He was the prince of paying it forward, never wanting the recognition or acknowledgement. Our dad reached out to many less fortunate. When he noticed suffering in society, he did all he could to make a difference. He was a fair and honest person, a man of integrity.
Food gave him a great source of enjoyment. When we all worried about his sugar intake, (he was diabetic), we would tell him, “now dad, you can’t eat anything white. Such as bread, rice or potatoes.” To which he responded, “now let me get this right dear, I can’t have vanilla ice cream, but I CAN have chocolate?”
Allie had a mantra. It was to tell everyone he came in touch with that he loved them, even the server at a restaurant or the technician drawing his blood.
His love for our mother was unimaginable. His happiness was gauged on hers and quite often had lipstick kisses on his shiny bald head. When he was hooked up to a heart monitor, he asked, “does this machine show how much I love my wife?” Our mother has dementia and when she spoke in an incomprehensible manner, dad would gaze lovingly into her eyes and would mouth, “I love you.”
Allie was a superb crossword master. He was confident enough to do them with his lucky red Rae & Jerry’s pen. Occasionally completing the Sunday New York Times puzzle.
The pride and joy of his life were his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchilren. His generosity to them was beyond belief. Visits to Palm Springs in the winter, the cottage at the lake in the summer, family reunions or simply to celebrate special occasions, bonded us all over the years. This will leave us with memories which will endure permanently.
An essential visit to the hospital for a blood transfusion, ended in a serious fall. The ramifications of Covid 19 made for a cycle of frustrations for us, as we fought to make sense of it all. It gave us restricted access at a time when it was most needed.
Our parents had the privilege of aging at their familial home. The care, respect, and devotion which the caregivers bestowed upon our parent’s physical and mental wellbeing, is a cherished gift which we shall forever be indebted.
Special thanks to Dr. Simkin, Dr. Goldberg, Dr. Yang and Dr. Wilson. As well, the wonderful staff at Seven Oaks Hospital. We would also like to thank our cousin
Dr. Sarah Kredentser for her support and advice.
Immense thanks to caregivers Anna (Nikki),Clarisse,Richelle ,Dianne , Ernelle, Lorenza (Vina) , Fatima, former employees, Rachel and Fay
In lieu of flowers, tribute donations may be made to the Allan and Rhona Shnier Foundation of The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
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Obituaries
EARL (ARIE) PERLMUTTER
We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend and cousin Arie Perlmutter at the age of 77. Arie died peacefully after a brief but difficult struggle with cancer on April 12, 2025.
He was predeceased by his parents, Hymie and Thelma and by his beloved sister Sheila.
Arie developed and maintained many close friends throughout his life. He attended St. John’s High in the 60s and kept in touch with many of his classmates. He began his working life as a delivery driver for City Bread. This was followed by a career of over 20 years at Advance Electronics, where he was a well-respected and expert sales associate. He hung out at North End Sals, for virtually his entire life, discussing (arguing? kibitzing?) with many people too numerous to name, the issues of the day but especially about sports, and most especially about baseball.
In his retired life, he was a member of Larters Golf Club, golfing with much enthusiasm and passion, if not prowess. Arie donated to and volunteered at the Winnipeg Humane Society for many years.
His family and friends would like to thank the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital whose compassionate and caring attention to Arie in his final days was truly a great comfort to him.
In keeping with Arie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral will be held.
Obituaries
IRENE MARANTZ (nee KATZ) November 28-1930 – March 30, 2025
Our mother, Irene , passed peacefully in her own home at the age of 94. Irene was predeceased by: her parents, Abe and Sally Katz , her husband; Cyril Marantz, sister Clarice Rosenbloom, brother Max Katz, sister Bernice Grant, her sons-in-law Mike Langer and Bruce Cook
Irene is survived by her children: Jeff Marantz and Barb, Debra Marantz, Susan Marantz, Ellen Marantz, and brother Harvey Katz; her grandchildren, Sarah Marantz Lindenberg and Ira, David Marantz and Olivia; her great-grandchildren Rose, Izabella and Max; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Our mother was born in Fort Francis, Ontario. After meeting and marrying my father Cyril she moved to Winnipeg. Mom loved that she moved to Winnipeg and had this large Jewish community for which she became an integral part of and it became a major part of her life.
Once her youngest daughter Ellen was in school, she went to work at the family business : Marantz and son, as a bookkeeper, and worked there until her early 70s.
Irene love to go to synagogue and be a part of Rosh Pina congregation. She was also a member of the sisterhood and was very involved in the activities in and around the synagogue. She was so grateful to learn Hebrew and to be able to participate in the Shabbat and other holiday services.
She spent every summer since the birth of her eldest son Jeff, at Winnipeg Beach.
She loved the beach riding her bike, going for long walks, meeting with her beach friends, playing cards and sharing good meals.
Irene was a kind soul.
She never had a negative word to say about anybody and nobody ever had anything but a kind word to say about her.
Her family was the light of her life. She encouraged her children to pursue their dreams and be the best they could be.
She was a loving and caring grandmother to her grandchildren, and her home was always opened to them, her friends, her children’s friends and even to strangers.
Funeral was held on April 2
Pall bearers were : David Marantz, Ira Lindenberg, Allan Marantz, Ari Marantz, Stephen Rosenbloom, Hartley Katz. Honorary pall bearer: Josh Marantz
Obituaries
SYLVIA BASS NOVEMBER 19, 1924 – MARCH 14, 2025
On March 14,2025, after a very long life and a brief illness Sylvia Bass (nee Breitman) passed away peacefully. She is survived by son Ken, daughter Robyn Lerner (Neal) and grandchildren Jordyn (Tina), Shea (Anna) and Blake (Jacqueline). She is predeceased by her husband Harold and her four siblings (Alvin, Joseph, Belle and Shirley).
Sylvia was born on November 19, 1924, and had her North End Winnipeg childhood shaped by the rigours of the Great Depression. When the warehouse that employed her father went out of business in 1931 her mother, a seamstress, regularly worked late into the night to keep the family from destitution.
In 1942 Sylvia graduated from Isaac Newton High School with an A average and entered the world of work as a receptionist and secretary. In the pre- Dictaphone era this was a challenging vocation, requiring mastery of the arcane language of Gregg and Pitman shorthand. Her employers included Dr. Art Lerner and a forerunner agency of Jewish Child and Family Services.
In 1948 Sylvia met her life partner Harold Bass, an auto mechanic and auto body shop proprietor. After they married, at the fashionable Marlborough Hotel, she devoted herself to providing a home for her husband and children -Ken, born in 1950 and Robyn, in 1960. Her responsibilities increased in the Fall of 1966 when Harold decided on a radical career change, from the auto trades to government employment as a welfare worker.This meant attending an eleven month college course, available only in Brandon.
Sylvia was always sociable, enjoying the company of her Garden City neighbours, her many friends and her large extended family. For many years she was active in Pioneer Women (Na’amat), and a memorable 1971 trip to Israel strengthened her connection with the homeland. She and Harold also travelled to Chicago and Florida, as well as several trips to Las Vegas, where she indulged the Breitman family taste for gambling.
In their later years Sylvia and Harold focused their attention on their grandchildren, letting everyone know of their many and various accomplishments. Unfortunately, in 2009 Harold suffered serious health problems and was no longer able to live at home. He died the next year. Because her natural sociability made living alone out of the question Sylvia moved to the Portsmouth Retirement Residence, where she was a vital part of the community for the next sixteen years.
The funeral took place at the Chesed Shel Emes on Sunday, March 16 with interment at the Shaarey Zedek cemetery, Rabbi Anibal Mass presiding. Pallbearers were Jordyn Lerner, Shea Lerner, Blake Lerner, Harrison Katz, Ramy Penner and Benji Winestock. Neal Lerner, David Davis and Ken Bass were honorary pallbearers. Our thanks to the caring staff at the Portsmouth, JTRC Care Services and the Grace Hospital. Special thanks to Dr. Terry Babick, who cared for Sylvia for many years and helped her to reach 100.
Anyone wishing to make a donation is asked to do so to an Israeli – linked charity of their choice.
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