Obituaries
ALLAN STERN
Born April 06, 1933, Allan Stern, peacefully passed away on June 09, 2017, at the age of 84.
Allan is survived by his wife Donni (Belzberg), daughter, Marlene Stern (Peter Rae), granddaughters, Amanda and Jordana Katz, brothers, Walter and Gerald Stern. He was predeceased by daughters Susan Stern (1997), Jocelyn Katz (2017), siblings Cyril (1987), Layla (2002), Mel (2005), parents Joseph (1939) and Bessie Stern (1977).
Despite or perhaps because of Allan’s numerous losses, cardiac surgeries and other medical challenges, he endeavoured to live a long and full life. That became difficult in his 80th year, when Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy (PSP) began to rob his well-being, yet he soldiered on. When Jocelyn, tragically passed away in February, he lost his will to live.
Allan was a loving husband, father, zaida and caring friend. He was a storyteller with a sharp sense of humour, his one-liners and antics were legendary and memories of family and the business community rich with interesting details. Charitable organizations, in particular Israel were beneficiaries of his time and generosity as were visits to family and friends with compromised health.
His autobiography, The Life and Times of Allan Stern in Verigin, Saskatchewan, 1933-1948, dedicated to his grand daughters, captured his early years. At 17, he moved to Raymore to sell trucks and tractors. He became known throughout the prairies for his business acumen and honesty. He and Donni married in Calgary in 1953 and she joined him in Raymore. In 1957, they settled in Winnipeg, where he and brothers Gerald and Cyril, opened Stern GMC Trucks, the only GMC truck dealership in Manitoba. He retired at 39, selling Stern Trucks to his then partner, Cyril. He didn’t strive for wealth. He sold to ensure financial security and more time for his family, community, other business interests, and collections.
His most significant collection was antique clocks and pocket watches. He bought, sold and traded hundreds. ‘Time in and the timelessness of’ the family home, tastefully decorated with hundreds of clocks, holds wonderful memories for guests at numerous parties he and Donni and his teenage daughters hosted.
Summers in the 60’s were spent on their cabin cruiser, the SuMarJo, first on Lake Winnipeg and later exploring Lake of the Woods. The family cottage at Clearwater Bay replaced the SuMarJo. For family and friends, their unique cottage (antique clocks banned) was the desired destination for hospitality, gourmet food, laughter, especially when Allan held court and to observe or participate in a project he had underway.
In 1966, Allan made happen the family trip of a lifetime. He bought a school bus and named it Disneyland A-Go-Go. Together with his family, he drove to Calgary, picked up Donni’s 3 sisters and brother in laws, 14 kids, ages 5-16, 26 in total, and they drove to California, camping most of the way.
Business, collecting, visiting friends and exploring the world took Allan and Donni to Europe, New Zealand, Australia and Israel. North American travel was largely in their motorbus until spending winters in Israel and then California. When Allan’s health kept them home, he became a regular at flea and antique markets. Last year, after a noticeable absence, one vendor said, “Allan I thought you died”, he retorted, “I dug myself out.” Classic Allan, quick and funny, until his last day.
In his 40’s, for interest and experience, he went to auctioneering school, university for a term and registered to run for Mayor of Winnipeg until realizing Bill Norrie was the front-runner.
In 1971, appreciating the historical and architectural significance of the CPR’s Royal Alexandra Hotel’s famous Selkirk Dining Room for Winnipeg, he saved it from the wrecking ball. He organized the liquidation auction of the hotel contents, and bought and dismantled the dining room with the help of Donni and others. An antique clock museum across from Lower Fort Gary was his plan for the room, until the province expropriated his land to twin a highway. Thirty years later, the room was reconstructed to its former glory at BC’s Cranbrook Railway Museum. He and Donni were the guests of honour at the Museum’s 2010 weekend of opening events, culminating with a journey in the private vintage luxury rail car, pulled by the refurbished steam locomotive on its maiden voyage from Cranbrook to Fernie.
In his 70’s, he scoured the city and bought thousand of used books for a bookstore he wanted to open but never did. Another collection was vintage cars. He bought, refurbished, and sold many, save the 1976 red convertible Eldorado Cadillac, that 3 of his best buddies, Alvin Zivot, Martin Corne and Harvey Pollock drove in as part of the funeral procession from the service at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue to its cemetery.
They along with Jeff Stern and Fred Chernoff were honorary pallbearers. Pallbearers were Peter Rae, Martin Pollock, Cyril Labman, Lewis, David, and Joey Stern. He said a funeral should be when the weather is good and that it not ruin a cottage weekend. His funeral was Monday, June 12; there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
Allan’s interests kept his wife at the ready, his daughters saying “what”, and his working friends envious. His stories would often come back to him boasting about his wife, daughters’ and granddaughters’ activities and accomplishments and to whom he dedicated his life to instilling good values, a joie de vivre, and to keeping safe. Donni in turn, helped him live longer than his team of medical specialists expected. Their love kept her by his side every step of the way.
Allan’s family is grateful to the staff on 3W, Deer Lodge Centre, where he resided since December for their excellent care, and to family and friends, whose visits he enjoyed. His charm, love, kindness, and stories kept all wanting more of his company, even when the symptoms accompanying PSP prevailed. His surprise passing was unexpected. While it relieved him from the worst of the diminishment accompanying PSP, it was a huge blow to his family who were not ready to lose him.
If desired, donations can be made to the Jocelyn Stern Katz memorial fund: https://memorial.support. ubc.ca/jocelyn-stern-katz/ 1.877.717.4483 or 500-5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, the Susan Stern and Jocelyn Katz fund at the Winnipeg Jewish Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
GERALD (JERRY) BRIAN CHMELNITSKY
With great sadness we announce the passing of Jerry Chmelnitsky on October 16, 2024 at the age of 73 in the Niagara Falls Hospital, Ontario, after a long illness.
Jerry was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 30, 1950, and most recently resided in Fort Erie, Ontario.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Anne Chmelnitsky, and loving aunts and uncles. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his daughters Dana and Elly, cousins and his partner Rachel, her sons and their families.
Jerry was very close with his extended family and especially enjoyed spending time with his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and daughters at weekly family dinners. He also spent many summers with his daughters in Clear Lake, Manitoba.
Jerry graduated from the University of Manitoba and spent his career working at his father’s business and then in sales. Jerry was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in his early teens and over the years raised money for Diabetes Canada. In his younger years, Jerry enjoyed playing golf, softball, and curling with his friends. Jerry fought through and survived many illnesses over his lifetime, always with a smile on his face.
Donations can be made in Jerry’s honour to Diabetes Canada or a charity of choice.
Obituaries
FAYE FAIGEL GORENSTEIN RABER September 1, 1921 – September 12, 2024
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother and Bobie, FAYE RABER nee GORENSTEIN on September 12, 2024, the 9th of Elul in Ottawa surrounded by her family at the age of 103. Faigel was predeceased by her loving husband, Leon after 68 years of marriage It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother and Bobie, FAYE RABER nee GORENSTEIN on September 12, 2024, the 9th of Elul in Ottawa surrounded by her family at the age of 103. Faigel was predeceased by her loving husband, Leon after 68 years of marriage in 2017 in 2017. Predeceased by her parents, Aryeh Leib (Louis) and Frayda Gorenstein of Winnipeg in 1951. Faye was the last surviving member of her generation having been predeceased by her brothers, sister, sister-inlaws and brother-in-laws on both the Gorenstein and Raber side of the families. She is survived by her daughter Frayda Raber (Charles Wiseman) and son Label Raber (Lynn Superstein), Grandsons, Joshua Raber, Yossi Bokhaut (Julia) and Michael Bokhaut (Tatyana) and Great Grandchildren, Samantha, Emma, Leon, Marcus and Bridget.
Faye was born in Winnipeg, September 1, 1921, the second youngest of seven (7) children at home at 360 Manitoba Ave. She attended Peretz Day School until Grade 5 where English and Yiddish subjects were taught and completed their after school program until the end of high school. Grades 6-9 were completed at McCrae School and high school at St John’s High School.
Mom had wanted to study to become a Dietician. Sadly her parents could not afford university tuition. She attended the Manitoba Business College where she was on the honour roll for Dictation, Short Hand and Typing. She worked as a Legal Secretary with her first job being with David Levin and then with the first Ukranian law firm- a father and son office- Swystun and Swystun.
When she and our father married on March 13, 1949, our Dad said he would be the provider and Mom was to be responsible for the home and the children. Our home was filled with love, affection and laughter, not to mention good cooking. Mom was very easy to get along with. She was kind and loving and yet, firm and very sensible. Rarely did we ever have an argument. Mom was a wonderful parent. We were very fortunate to have had a mother like her!
Mom was a life long learner and consummate community volunteer. Over the years she learned to drive a car at age 40, take Hebrew speaking classes, adult swimming lessons, learned to play Mah Jongg, sewing lessons, dancing lessons and computer classes. She was a Life Member of National Council of Jewish Women and of Canadian Hadassah WIZO. She actively volunteered at the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue chairing the Mother and Daughter Luncheon. Family and Yiddishkeit were very important to her.
She participated in Aquafit at the Rady Center three times a week well into her 80s, played Mah Jongg twice a week and attended Herzlia Synagogue weekly for Shabbat Services.
In the fall of 2017, Mom decided to come to Ottawa after our Dad had passed away on what she called a “Trial Basis.” She settled in beautifully. She participated in a Jewish Seniors’ Day Program at our JCC, played Mah Jongg, enjoyed her grand-son Yossi and his family’s company and synagogue services.
Funeral Services were held September 16, 2024, graveside at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with Rabbi Y. Benarroch officiating. Pallbearers were Label Raber, Charles Wiseman, Joshua Raber, Yossi Bokhaut, Michael Bokhaut and Geoffrey Katz.
Donations in Faye’s memory may be made to the Leon and Faye Raber Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue Winnipeg, Canadian Magen David Adom, or charity of your choice.
Donations in Faye’s memory may be made to the Leon and Faye Raber Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue Winnipeg, Canadian Magen David Adom, or charity of your choice.
Obituaries
SOL SHLOMO TODRES
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Sol (Shlomo) Todres on October 27, 2024 in Israel. Sol was born in Winnipeg in 1934 to Sam and Bessie Todres. He was a proud North Ender who graduated from St. John’s High School and received his BA and Masters in Social Work from the University of Manitoba. He was a strong believer in the power of group work and translated those beliefs in his role as the first full-time Director of Bnai Brith Camp in Kenora. Of his many innovations, his most beloved and enduring was the development of Advanced Camp for the older campers- a source of meaningful and enduring memories for many.
In 1968 he made Aliyah and settled in Kfar Saba. He earned his doctorate in Social Work from Yeshiva University. His work career included contributions to the Ministry of Welfare and Bar Ilan University.
He is survived by his loving wife Varda, his son Allon (Ortal), his daughter Naomi of Ibiza, Spain. He leaves behind his brother Rubin (Elaine), his nephews, Jesse of Toronto, Howard of Saskatoon, his nieces Lindsay of New York, and Susan of Winnipeg, and three grandchildren.
Donations in his honour can be made to Bnai Brith Camp of Winnipeg
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