Obituaries
ARNOLD MARGOLIS
Dec 28, 1929 – Nov 22, 2018
Unexpectedly, in the comfort of his home, aged 88.
Survived and forever cherished by his sister Betty Wexler, his children Ron (Debbie), Beth and Del, his grandchildren Zach Morton, Vanessa Rose, Tammy Brant and Matt Brant (Kerri). He was Alter-Zayde to great-grandchildren Alex Evans (Bree), Mackenzie Evans-Brant, Andrew Brant, and his newly-arrived great-great-granddaughter Raina Evans. He also leaves behind his adored grandpuppy Molly.
Predeceased by Lois, his beloved wife of 52 years, his sister Sarah, parents Sam and Rose, and his grandpuppy Sasha.
Arnold spent his childhood and early adult life in Winnipeg’s North End. He trained in the Cadets as the Second World War came to a close. A good student, notable amongst his extracurricular activities were the acting chops he displayed in local theatrical productions – he was a crowd pleaser. Learning piano wasn’t in the family budget, so after landing his first full time job, he purchased his own piano (on payments) and signed up for lessons. His love of classical music lasted his lifetime; he ensured his children all had lessons, and he enjoyed playing piano right up to this year.
Arnold and Lois chose to raise their children in River Heights. With Lois an only child, and Arnold’s elder sisters having moved to the U.S., he became the extended family care giver – modelling after his beloved Auntie Jennie Nathanson (née Gorsky), a Second World War nurse who relocated to Winnipeg to care for Arnold’s mother in the 1940s. He treasured his long distance telephone relationships with each of his sisters into their 90s, and Arnold’s attention to and care of elder relatives, including Jennie herself well into her late 90s, continues to resonate with his children today as a firsthand example of how to respect family.
While Arnold was Dad to Ron and Beth, he was Del’s Pa. Their special bond grew ever stronger and more meaningful, and these last years she became his best friend. Arnold was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments – ask anyone within earshot. He revelled in their adventures and achievements in school, sports, relationships, the arts and in the workplace; and if he wasn’t present, he thirsted for firsthand accounts of their activities. He and Lois embraced all that makes our City an amazing place to raise a family – from library visits to theatre, exploring beaches and parks, camping on summer vacations, museums, community centre events and extra-curricular sports and music. His face lit up at the sound or sight of his grandchildren, in a way that made you verklempt.
A hardworking and dedicated employee, the largest part of his distinguished business career until retirement was as General Manager at Imperial Agencies – a confectionary distributor. Trips to the candy showroom and the warehouse were highly prized by his children and their friends, and sparked many school fundraisers.
Arnold involved himself and his family in the Winnipeg community. His and Lois’ lifelong friendships had their origins in the 1960s among founders of Temple Shalom, where his roles included ritual committee chairman through the synagogue’s formative years, and he subsequently purchased and donated the storied Margolis Torah to its membership. Following retirement and a move downtown, Arnold and Lois enjoyed the connectivity of the walkway system, and were enthusiastic patrons of local theatre and festivals. Arnold started the Portage Place Residents Association, partnering with City Police and local business groups to improve living conditions in the downtown. He sat on the Winnipeg Public Library Board, and volunteered as a tour guide for the Winnipeg Art Gallery where he revelled as much in the visitors he engaged with each shift, as learning about the artwork. A longstanding force behind LWTB (lunch with the boys) club – he helped keep a disparate group of friends and extended family in touch. And after passing the torch, he looked forward to catching up at these “events” most recently together with his cousin Marsha. His easygoing manner and sense of humour meant Arnold was always popular amongst neighbours and staff at Place Promenade, The Boulton, Charleswood Adult Day Club and Lions Manor.
Again and again, we’re hearing that Arnold put the “gentle” in “gentleman.” His devoted daughter-in-law Debbie referred to him as her teddy bear. He always went out of his way to express his appreciation to family and care givers and medical professionals, and so while we want to thank all those who supported and cared for him since Lois passed in 2007, we know he’s already done that himself many times over.
Please honour Arnold by spending time with precious family; those so inclined may donate to a charity of your choice. He leaves us with the important reminder that a big life is not a requirement to leave a big legacy.
Private burial took place at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery and he was interred next to Lois, officiated by Rabbi Aníbal Mass with pall bearers Ari Marantz, Avrom Charach, Bruce Evans, Kevin O’Donovan, Mike Seifer and Ron Margolis. A celebration of Arnold’s life will be held Sunday, January 27, 2019, 2:00 p.m. at Rae & Jerry’s in Winnipeg, where we can share memories of his sweetness and love for family and friends. If you’d like to receive notification of the event nearer that time and have not yet been in contact with the family, please email Del at dmargolis6@shaw.ca.
On September 6th, 2023, Samuel (Sam) Isaac Wilder, K.C., passed away at the age of 83 in his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Sam was born on August 2nd, 1940, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to parents Jack and Rose (Garfinkel) Wilder, who emigrated from Romania. After graduating from St. John’s Technical High School in 1957, Sam continued his education at the University of Manitoba, where he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in 1961. Sam obtained his Bachelor of Law in 1965, earning the University of Manitoba/Law Society of Manitoba Gold Medal, among many other academic distinctions. Sam was well-respected as a contributor to the Winnipeg Jewish and broader communities and for his 56-year career as a litigator. Sam and his brother, Joe, built their law firm Wilder Wilder & Langtry LLP from the ground up and managed it until it merged with PKF Lawyers in 2020.
More importantly, Sam was known and loved by all for his character. With a smile that would light up a room, Sam will be remembered for his kindness, personability, humour, intelligence, and compassion. When he was not in the office, you could find Sam sitting on the docks at Winnipeg Beach, watching the Blue Bombers play, and spending time with his family, who were the most important thing in the world to him. Sam loved the outdoors, whether it was enjoying a meal in his screened veranda, riding his bike with his grandchildren, or, in his younger days, training for his next marathon. Sam also loved to golf with his friends, whether in Florida at Gleneagles, or at the Glendale Golf and Country Club here in Winnipeg, where he almost lost an eye after ricocheting a ball off d a tree on the 12th hole.
There are truly no words capable of expressing how incredible of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and person Sam was. His endless positivity and ability to bring out the best in everyone he touched will be dearly missed.
Sam is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Wendy, and his three children, Lisa, Raven, and Jonathan. His memory also lives on in his brother Joe, daughter-in-law Kylie, and five grandchildren, Matthew, Megan, Ross, Mika, and Maxwell.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to family and friends from near and far, CancerCare Manitoba, home caregivers, and the palliative nursing team.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution in honour of Sam may be made to the Sam and Wendy Wilder Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204-477-7520).
With great sadness we announce that beloved father, zeyda, uber-zeyda, uncle, and brother, Morley Rypp, passed away unexpectedly on August 11, 2023 in Winnipeg.
Left to cherish his memory are his kids, Howie (Beatriz), and Robyn (Arnie Usiskin), grandchildren Ma’ayan(Adam), Beth (Rob), Jacqui (Max), Adam(Adi), Natan(Tali) and great-grandchildren Ilai, Omri, Maya, Edie, Tamar, Basil, and Tom.
His beloved wife Shirley, his parents Joseph and Rose Rypp, and brother Meyer predeceased Morley.
Morley was born July 13, 1931 in Winnipeg’s North End. As a teenager, he found a passion playing basketball for the Stella Mission. The team, “The Stellars” was magic on the court winning the Canadian Dominion Championships in1950 & 1951. On the team, Morley made lasting friends who would continue to get together for reunions and stay very close throughout the years. The Stellars were inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1995, and the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983 &84. These milestones saw the Stellars celebrating with weekend long reunions and dinners at Morley’s.
Morley went on to play with the University of Manitoba Bison’s while he was pursuing his pharmacy degree. Upon graduating, Morley opened Rypp’s Pharmacy on Corydon and Wentworth. He was a “workaholic”, spending most of his life working long hours but enjoying every minute – he had the ability to make everyone who came into the store feel welcome and important. He joined Shopper’s Drug Mart in the 1980’s, ending his career at the River and Osborne store.
Upon his retirement, he volunteered at many of Winnipeg’s cultural festivals – the Jazz Festival, Writer’s Festival, Fringe Festival to name a few. In 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his volunteerism.
Family was very important to Morley. He was a devoted and loving husband to Shirley. He was so proud of the creative endeavours of Robyn and Howie, and was extremely proud of his three bright and talented granddaughters. He loved taking them to and from school when they were little, dropping them off at lessons, attending all their recitals, hosting them on winter trips in Marco Island Florida and summer trips on his boat in Gimli.
Morley was generous and wise, accepting and tolerant – he loved a good argument but not a confrontation – he would agree to disagree. He was fiercely independent, staying in his condo and driving his car up until the end. Morley lived a long and fruitful life – celebrating life, and living life on his terms. Above all he enjoyed being with his family, his friends, and all the people he encountered, leaving his mark and his beautiful memory with everyone. He lived life as a mentsch (a person of integrity and honour) and died like a saint – quietly before the Shabbat.
The funeral was held graveside at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetary on August 14, 2023. Our thanks to the pallbearers, Jacqui Usiskin, Ma’ayan Rypp, Rob Freeman, Max Mertens, Steve Perlmutter, and Nathan Jacobson. Also our thanks go to Morley’s home care workers Minerva Ronquillo, Hermie Teluz, and Loida Panganiban.
Donations may be made to The Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame or to a charity of your choice.
We will miss Morley’s wisdom, humour and smile. May his memory always serve us as a blessing.
Phyllis Pollock died at home Sunday September 3, 2023 in Winnipeg, after a courageous lifetime battle with cancer.
Phyllis was a mother of four: Gary (Laura), daughter Randi, Steven (deceased in 2010) (Karen), and Robert. Phyllis also had two grandchildren: Lauren and Quinn.
Born in Fort Frances, Ontario on February 7, 1939, Phyllis was an only child to Ruby and Alex Lerman. After graduating high school, Phyllis moved to Winnipeg where she married and later divorced Danny Pollock, the father of her children. She moved to Beverly Hills in 1971, where she raised her children.
Phyllis had a busy social life and lucrative real estate career that spanned over 50 years, including new home sales with CoastCo. Phyllis was the original sales agent for three buildings in Santa Monica, oceanfront: Sea Colony I, Sea Colony II, and Sea Colony. She was known as the Sea Colony Queen. She worked side by side with her daughter Randi for about 25 years – handling over 600 transactions, including sales and leases within the three phases of Sea Colony alone.
Phyllis had more energy than most people half her age. She loved entertaining, working in the real estate field, meeting new and interesting people everyday no matter where she went, and thrived on making new lifelong friends. Phyllis eventually moved to the Sea Colony in Santa Monica where she lived for many years before moving to Palm Desert, then Winnipeg.
After battling breast cancer four times in approximately 20 years, she developed metastatic Stage 4 lung cancer. Her long-time domestic partner of 27 years, Joseph Wilder, K.C., was the love of her life. They were never far apart. They traveled the world and went on many adventures during their relationship. During her treatment, Phyllis would say how much she missed work and seeing her clients. Joey demonstrated amazing strength, love, care, and compassion for Phyllis as her condition progressed. He was her rock and was by her side 24/7, making sure she had the best possible care. Joey’s son David was always there to support Phyllis and to make her smile. Joey’s other children, Sheri, Kenny, Joshua and wife Davina, were also a part of her life. His kids would Facetime Phyllis and include her during any of their important functions. Phyllis loved Joey’s children as if they were her own.
Thank you to all of her friends and family who were there to support her during these difficult times. Phyllis is now, finally, pain free and in a better place. She was loved dearly and will be greatly missed. Interment took place in Los Angeles.
