Obituaries
ARTHUR SIDNEY GILLMAN born January 28, 1934 – died March 30, 2019
Arthur was the eldest son of Maurice and Ida Gillman; brother of Alec Gillman and Thomas Harold Gillman, who predeceased Arthur and Alec.
He leaves behind his wife of 60 years Louise (Fineblit) Gillman; children Avery Gillman (Winnipeg), and Susan Kayesar (husband Tal, Kfar Warburg, Israel); and beloved grandchildren Eitan, Shaked, Hadassah and Ilan Kayesar.
Arthur was loved and admired by many relatives; and numerous friends across Canada, the US and Israel. He was a true Renaissance man who read widely and thought deeply about public policy, mathematics, systems analysis, music, history, philosophy, politics, education, chess, mind-body integration, economics, statistics, self improvement, Shakespeare, … “the universe and all that”.
Arthur’s great joy was sharing his insights, his wisdom and knowledge with anyone who would listen and hold a conversation about it, especially his grandchildren. “Let me send you a reference about that” was a frequent phrase. He read voluminously. When the Internet came along, it opened huge horizons of knowledge to Arthur. He was a man with no vanity, strong intellectual curiosity, and was interested in people from all walks of life and all over the world. He was always trying to repair the world’s injustices by improving the systems, not just patching up parts. His motto was: “To thine own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” (Shakespeare).
Arthur was very family oriented. He valued his friendships. He was a violinist and a chess player. He was a strong follower of the Feldenkrais method of mind-body integration. Arthur had many hobbies and interests, too numerous to list here. He was a strong supporter of Israel and Judaism.
After reading the Club of Rome’s Report – “The Limits to Growth”, in 1972 and Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring”, Arthur was persuaded that we humans are damaging our planet and did what he could to raise awareness. He helped to mitigate some of that environmental damage during his consultant days.
Arthur’s career path had many twists and turns. He delivered two newspapers as a boy. He became a disk jockey at a drive-in movie theatre. He was an itinerant photographer – taking photos of people at their work and selling them the pictures. Of course, he had his own darkroom and did his own developing. When Arthur dropped out of high school before completing it, he became a cook’s helper at the Bay. Eventually Arthur figured out this was not working well for him. His grandfather, Isaac Gilman, persuaded him to become a Chartered Accountant. Upon completion, Arthur worked for the tax office for a while, and then opened an independent office.
After Arthur and Louise married in 1959, Arthur enrolled at the University of Manitoba where he was able to follow his lifelong interests in Philosophy, Mathematics, Economics, and Statistics. His Master’s Degree thesis was on water resources management. After that, he taught Econometrics for a couple of years in the Faculty of Agriculture. Arthur then returned to pursue his PhD.
Before completing his doctoral thesis he was lured away to the Manitoba Civil Service to work at the Economic Development Advisory Board. Those were the glory days of the Ed Schreyer NDP government, which attracted many well educated social reform idealists from across Canada, who perceived an opportunity to improve people’s lives. They developed many new social initiatives.
Arthur started the Manitoba Bureau of Statistics which he used as a springboard to establish a number of innovative projects. Arthur was called the Father of Autopac, now MMPI.
Arthur ran a very successful trial in Dauphin to provide a Guaranteed Annual Income. Sadly, the Conservative government that succeeded the NDP closed the project down before the data were published.
When he left government, he started his own consulting company, Delphi Consultative Surveys and Research (International) Ltd. He developed his own methodology based on advanced mathematical, statistical and econometric foundations. He wrote his own computer software analytical programs for the data he collected. He did significant work for clients throughout Canada, the US and Great Britain. He did pro bono work for social organizations that were in keeping with Arthur’s values.
Many of his clients and people he met while traveling became his good friends over the years.
As Arthur’s health declined from the effects of Post Polio syndrome (he had Polio when he was seven years old) and hereditary diabetes. He traveled less but still continued his research, teaching and networking, closer to home and over the Internet.
Sadly, Arthur developed serious new health problems following surgery on April 2 this year and ended his days in the Palliative Care Unit 3 East at Riverview Health Centre, still trying to impart the importance and excitement of Fuzzy Logic and Bayes Theorem as well as the philosophical aspects of death and dying to his young doctors and nurses and his visitors. Arthur was buried June 2, 2019 at Bnay Abraham Cemetery in Winnipeg
We salute you Arthur! When you were around, life was full of wonder and interesting ideas.
Your ironic sense of humor got us through a lot of challenges.
Rest in peace.
We have so many people that we are grateful for:
Thank you to the Home Care aides who looked after Arthur with such care and kindness while he was at home, especially Rolando, Hailu and Gomeches. Thank you to the Home Care nurses, especially Ksenja, and to his Case Coordinator, BiNa.
Thank you to Arthur’s barber Sharon, and his foot care nurse Lori, who provided cheerful caring services to him at home.
Thank you to the knowledgeable doctors at Health Sciences Centre who tried to save Arthur but couldn’t.
Thank you to family and friends who have surrounded us with love and support and offerings of food, companionship, rides and other things – especially my brother Allan, sister Shirley, and friend Lynne.
Thank you to the friends living far away from Winnipeg who sent messages that I read to Arthur. Your words gave us both great pleasure. Thank you to two Toronto friends who attended Arthur’s funeral – Doug and Nathan.
Thank you to our daughter Susan who brought our grandchildren from Israel for a magical 10 day visit during which we laughed together, sang, told stories, and gave Arthur the chance do his final teaching.
Thank you to our son Avery who had his own health challenges at the same time that Arthur got sick but visited and offered support as best as he could. Thank you to friends and family who helped Avery with transportation.
Thank you to all the wonderful staff of 3 East – doctors, nurses, aides, students. You offered Arthur comfort, compassion, respect and dignity while dying. You helped us immeasurably to make the best of a bad situation. A special thanks to Dr. Robin McClure who really “grocked” Arthur.
Thank you to our new friend Kathy, who provided massages to Arthur in his last days that made him say: My body feels like air.
Thank you to Shelley at Etz Chaim Synagogue who helped us to arrange the funeral and burial; and to Rabbi Kliel Rose who conducted the funeral with great sensitivity.
If I have left someone out of the list, please know that we are grateful for your help and kindnesses.
If you wish to honor Arthur’s memory, please send donations to a fund that we have set up at the Riverview Health Centre Foundation. It will provide financial help to give alternative integrative care to patients on 3 East, the Palliative Care Unit, who could not otherwise afford it. This is comfort care beyond what basic health care offers. To donate, you may phone the Foundation at 204-478-6271 or online at www.give2rhcf.ca or mail to Riverview Health Centre Foundation, 1 Morley Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3L 9Z9
Obituaries
MEL MYERS April 24, 1936 – March 24, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mel Myers, K.C. on March 24, 2026, a month shy of his 90th birthday.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon; sons, Noel (Joan) and Paul (My-Phung); daughter Sarah; sister Gayle Myers (Jan Cooper); brother-in-law Brian Kaplan (Renee); grandchildren, Emily and Lily; nephews, Harris (Nina) and Ira (Ruby); nieces, Rachel (Alex) and Robyn (Kerem); great-nephew Jude; great-niece Chloe; extended family and many friends.
Mel was predeceased by his parents, Hymie and Rose Myers, and his brother, Paul.
Mel was a powerhouse of a man. He was worthy of praise and accolade, a person of substance and impeccable character who gave his time and talents to make our lives, our world, a better place for all.
According to Sharon and to many, he knew everything and everyone; he was an extraordinary lawyer and delighted in the law; he loved humanity; he was fascinated by many things and had an unquenchable thirst for the acquisition of knowledge. He was the consummate family man, who loved the lake, gardening and being with his beloved Sharon. He was a respected and dutiful father and father-in-law, and an even better Zaida!
Mel and Sharon were married on May 29, 1960. They were partners in marriage and in life for over 65 years. In 1961, when Mel graduated with honours from the University of Manitoba Law School, he was appointed a crown attorney with the Manitoba Attorney General’s department. He was the first Jewish crown counsel and served in that capacity for three years before going into private practice.
Mel had a long and distinguished legal career and became a partner with the law firm of Pollock, Nurgitz, Bromley, Myers and Hewak. This Winnipeg-based law firm now bears his name, Myers LLP, and is honoured to continue to practice in Mel’s name to uphold his legacy for generations to come.
Mel was Manitoba’s pre-eminent advocate for labour and a vigorous defender of fundamental human rights. As a labour lawyer, among numerous notable cases, he successfully defended the constitutionality of the Rand formula under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the prohibition against mandatory retirement as age-based discrimination under the Manitoba Human Rights Act. Mel was a strong champion of workers’ rights across Manitoba. His work touched thousands of lives and forged advancements for labour and human rights across Canada. As a human rights advocate, he served as the first chairperson of the Manitoba Human Rights Commission from 1974 to 1978. He has appeared before numerous commissions, including the Monnin Inquiry into violations of Manitoba’s election laws. In addition to litigation before labour boards, arbitrators and the courts including appearances before the Supreme Court of Canada, Mel also taught classes on labour relations and administrative law at the University of Manitoba and a bar admissions course on criminal evidence. He mentored countless union lawyers and advocates in the presentation of cases. As well, he tirelessly advanced the education of union members.
Mel served as the Chair of the labour relations subsection of the Canadian Bar Association (Manitoba Branch). He also was a former president of the YMHA Community Centre and was a former member of the Board of Regents, University of Winnipeg.
After his retirement from active practice in 2001, he was appointed Chair of the Automobile Injury Compensation Appeal Commission, where an advisor’s office to assist citizens dealing with Manitoba’s public auto insurance plan was established with his input. Throughout his retirement, he continued to frequently act as a labour nominee on arbitration boards.
Mel was involved in many community organizations and was a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada. His wisdom, guidance, and steadfast support was always appreciated by the Board.
In 2002, the annual Mel Myers Labour Conference on labour law was established in his honour by his former law firm. Proceeds are donated to a charitable cause espousing economic and social justice. Mel was a co-founder and past president of the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers, an association of 800 lawyers representing trade unions and professional organizations across Canada.
Mel was the recipient of several awards, including the Bora Laskin Award in 2005, which recognizes distinguished contributions in the field of labour law. Nominations of Mel for this award referred to “his willingness to work himself to the point of exhaustion, his fierce commitment to fairness and due process, and his conviction that protecting the rights of labour is fundamental to the preservation and strength of Canadian democracy.”
In addition to his professional activities, Mel maintained a broad range of interests in the arts and theatre, music, history, politics, travel, reading and sports of all kinds. He was also known for his immense and varied collection of trade union memorabilia and his readiness to discuss or debate any topic with passion and energy.
A very special thanks to the staff of Simkin Centre, Simkin 1, especially Nurse Cheryl, for their extraordinary care and vigilance over the time Mel was a resident as well as the staff of Realcare Inc, especially Cathy, Felix and Olumide, for the dignified and exemplary care they showed Mel.
Mel’s funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on March 27th officiated by Rabbi Carnie Rose. Beautiful words of tribute were given by Mel’s son, Noel, and sister, Gayle.
Pallbearers were Noel Myers, Paul Myers, Harris Kaplan, Kevin Marks, Seth Marks, and Evan Roitenberg. Honorary pallbearer was Brian Kaplan.
In honour of Mel’s memory, donations can be made to the ‘Mel Myers Endowment Fund’ (in support of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada) at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (call 204-477-7520 or online at https://jewishfoundationofmanitoba.crowdchange.ca/146553) or to the ‘Mel Myers, Q.C. Award’ at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law (call 204-474-9195 or online at https://give.umanitoba.ca/) or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
JENNIE GOLDSTINE
September 25, 1929 – March 6, 2026
Surrounded by loved ones Mom passed away on March 6th at the age of 96.
Mom is survived by her three sons, Marc (Robyn), Ian (Elaine) and Lawrence. She was also blessed with five grandchildren, Jacque (Tyler), Steven (Jani), Daniel (Lainie), Jason (Gen) and Kyle as well as five great-grandchildren, Asher, Beckham, Jakob, Quinn and Abby. She is also survived by her sister Phyllis (Alvin).
She was predeceased by her husband Allan; her brothers, Boris and David; and her parents, Aaron and Manya Margolis.
Mom’s journey began in Kremenets, Poland on September 25, 1929. Mom came to Canada with her parents and brother Boris in the summer of 1930 and her story was in many ways the classic immigrant story. Raised in the North End, first on Euclid and Barber and then the big move in 1938 to Atlantic and Aikins, her parents ran a grocery store and times were not easy. However, the way out was education and in 1946, Mom graduated from St. John’s high school. Her high school was a point of pride for her throughout her life and when the 75th anniversary festivities took place in 1985, she had the time of her life. Mom’s education continued after high school and she attended United College (University of Winnipeg today) where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was one of the few women of her generation to graduate from university and she took great pride in that fact. That push came from her own mother who had attended Gymnasia (secondary school) in Poland, a rarity for women.
Mom and Dad met in 1949 and were married on May 17, 1950. They were supposed to get married at the new Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on the corner of Wellington Crescent and Academy Road, but the first flood of the century intervened and they took refuge in Regina where my Dad had an aunt. They were married in aunt Eleanor’s living room. The family grew in the 50s and 60s with Marc arriving in 1952, Ian in 1955 and Lawrence in 1962.
In 1963 Dad graduated with his CA and as a celebration the family went out to Gimli and stayed at the Shoreliner Motel. While visiting Gimli, Mom and Dad made one of the great decisions of their lives when they purchased 25 2nd Avenue. The family shared so many fantastic experiences and has so many memories throughout the 50 years in Gimli.
Mom’s education continued in 1967 when she returned to school to obtain her teaching certificate. She taught for a year at Shaughnessy Park and spent a year on supply for Winnipeg School Division. Mom took a break from teaching in 1970 but returned in 1976 in a new role that would define her teaching. Mom became a substitute teacher for Winnipeg School Division and would continue in this role until she retired in 1992. Although she had no specialized training in early years education, Mom substituted primarily in JK K and Grade 1. She spent the majority of her time substituting in North End schools such as David Livingston, Victoria Albert and Norquay to name only a few. You could take the girl out of the North End but you could never take the North End out of the girl.
After Mom and dad retired in 1992, they moved out to Gimli to live full-time. Mom had one condition for moving out to Gimli, there had to be cable TV. Dad made sure there was cable TV. Mom and dad had a magical 20 years in Gimli. They met some terrific people who would become very close friends and they loved life in the Interlake. In late January each year they would drive down to Palm Springs and spend wonderful winters in the Coachella Valley.
It was the best of both worlds.
In 2013 they made the necessary decision to move back to Winnipeg in order to be closer to family. Mom and Dad were married for 63 years when dad passed away in 2014. Fortunately for mom, she was always a people person and she stayed busy by meeting new people and staying active. She was a voracious reader and there was always a newspaper or book in her hands. She also loved TV and enjoyed watching her favourite shows such as Murdoch Mysteries, Hudson and Rex and Blue Bloods.
Mom’s last journey began in June 2023 when she moved into the Simkin Centre. She adjusted well to her new surroundings and was well liked by staff and residents. She looked forward to Friday afternoon bingo on Weinberg 2 and especially winning at bingo which she often did. The family is grateful for the wonderful care Mom received from all the staff on Weinberg 2. There is one person who deserves special recognition and that is Mom’s companion and loving friend Mary Ann. The family is forever grateful for the care, respect and love she showed towards mom. It added a special quality of life to Mom’s final years. We were blessed to have Mom in our lives for an incredible 96 years. When Mom was 93, I asked her what it felt like to be 93. Her reply, 19!!
Mom’s funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on March 9th officiated by Rabbi Carnie Rose. Beautiful words of tribute were given by Mom’s grandson Steven Goldstine. Pallbearers were Jacque Edwards, Daniel Goldstine, Steven Goldstine, Jason Goldstine, Kyle Goldstine and Honourary Pallbearer Alvin Slayen.
Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Mom we will miss your smile, warmth and sense of humour. “You are my sunshine my only sunshine.”
Obituaries
WALTER (VEV) GANETSKY
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father Walter (Vev) Ganetsky on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the age of 85.
He will be lovingly remembered by his son David, his son and daughter-in-law, Morgan and Tracie, grandchildren, Braden (Maya), Jori (Justin), Alix and pup Enzo. Vev is also survived by Penny Ganetsky, sister-in-law Sharon Ganetsky, nephew Leonard (Lynn), niece Michele (Myles), great-nephews, numerous cousins, life long friends and special friend Fay Reich.
Graveside service was held at B’nay Abraham Cemetery on April 6. Pallbearers were David Ganetsky, Morgan Ganetsky, Braden Ganetsky, Myles Levin, Howard Jesierski, Laurie Etkin and Mitchell Rosenberg. We would like to thank Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his kindness. A heartfelt thank you to Ashley Miller of WFPS and the other first responders for their care and compassion.
If desired, donations can be made to Jewish Child and Family Service, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.