Obituaries
BENJAMIN DAVID ITZKOW, Doctor of Optometry February 11th, 1986 – November 15th, 2021
It is with heavy hearts and overwhelming sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Dr. Benji Itzkow on November 15th, 2021. Although Benji fought a variety of physical ailments throughout his life – he faced each day with determination; he was knocked down 100 times, but got up 99.
Since 2013, the love of his life, Eleni Wener, gave him strength and drive to realize all of his dreams. The birth of their son, Carter Sammy Itzkow, was the pinnacle of these last years, and gave him more joy than he ever imagined.
Benji is survived by his wife, Eleni Wener, and son, Carter Itzkow, his parents, Cathy Moser and Jeff Itzkow, brother, Jono and sister, Frannie (Emmett Brennan), parents-in-law, Lynne Oreck-Wener and Bob Wener, ever loving grandmothers-in-law, Evelyn Wener and Zoe Oreck, brothers and sisters-in-law, Taryn and Tim, Hart and Jocelyn, and his adoring nephews, Lucas and Cooper. As soon as they started dating, Eleni’s family embraced Benji as one of their own, and the love was mutual.
Benji was predeceased by his loving and influential babas and zaidas, Ann and Sam Moser and Dolly and Bill Itzkow, and precious dog Zoe. Zaida Sam and Baba Ann taught Benji that it was possible to live with a chronic illness and still laugh and enjoy each day to the fullest. Benji loved to better the lives of the Itzkow, Moser, Wener and Oreck families, friends, and community. His generosity extended beyond what was known by his families at his time of passing. Benji also leaves an enormous hole in the lives of his aunts, uncles, and cousins: Meite Moser and Chris Bottrill and Mark Moser and Sheila Kercheff, who played large roles in his life. Their children were extended nuclear family – as he was the eldest cousin, leading his troop of followers and sometimes rebels – Elliot and Nathan Moser, Samantha and Gabe Bottrill. Benji’s Uncle Martin and Edward Mah and Uncle Butch loved him dearly and the feeling was reciprocal. Benji enjoyed adventures with Butch and Mary Pokrant’s children, Rebecca (Matt) and Jacob (Alex), when they came into town.
Benji was a life-long friend; the kind of friend everyone wanted. He would describe himself as having a small number of friends but the richest of relationships. He had the best friends – his boys, who knew him since elementary school and even before; his friends from Optometry at the University of Waterloo; new friends – Benji embraced Eleni’s girlfriends across the country. Benji was fun-loving, compassionate, thoughtful, generous, and selfless. He made other people’s lives better. Benji and Eleni shared a life together that was always about helping others.
Benji was also someone who made great things happen. He had big plans, and he wasn’t just a dreamer with his head in the clouds, but a doer. After graduating as a Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2011, Benji honed his skills before starting his own business, Eyes in the Village, in 2015. Benji was equally great as an eye doctor and a business owner. Benji had a gentle way of speaking and a kind smile. He was the kind of eye doctor everyone wishes they had. Benji was incredibly talented and thrived on helping people see the world clearer.
Benji loved gadgets. He loved making and creating. He spent his free time woodworking, tinkering on the 3D printer, fishing, going to music concerts, cooking, and baking. But his most treasured roles were as a dad and a husband. His respect, support, and love for Eleni was boundless. In such a short time Benji taught Carter many things, like how to use tools, and to take time to stare and watch trains. They had a bond of true love that only a father and son can share. Benji was a dependable, generous, kind-hearted young man, beloved by all who were fortunate to meet him. People were drawn to Benji. He was such a determined fighter and nothing could keep him down. This is the gift he has given us and continues to give us – to be better – and to remember him and honour him by being better, by fighting harder, by trying more.
He will be sadly missed by his family and wonderful friends.
The family would like to thank Benji’s medical support team – Dr. Charles Bernstein, Dr. Michael Coodin, Dr. Michael Hochman, Dr. Marcus Ng, Dr. Harvey Chochinov, Dr. Laura Chisick, Dr. Marli Leibl and Dr. Noam Katz. They were available 24/7 for consultation and care. Thank you to our countless friends and family that have dropped everything during each emergency. Thank you to the first responders at Fire Station #3. Finally, we are eternally grateful to Benji’s wonderful staff that became family at Eyes in the Village. The EITVO team made every day easy for Benji to get up and go to work with a smile on his face every day.
Services were held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on November 18th, 2021. Pallbearers were Jono Itzkow, Gabe Bottrill, Hart Wener, Matthew Frankel, Jordan Fogel, and Marshall Weinstein.
Donations in Benji’s memory may be made to The Benji Itzkow and Eleni Wener Family fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, www.jewishfoundation.org 204- 477-7520 or to the HSC Foundation Advancing Epilepsy Care Fund with a reference to: In Memory of Dr. Benji Itzkow, https://www.hscfoundation.mb.ca/ 204-515-5612.
Obituaries
DENNIS GERALD DITLOVE NOVEMBER 25, 1936 – DECEMBER 1, 2025
Dennis Gerald Ditlove was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity and most of all, humor. He was born on November 25, 1936 in the small town of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of Louis and Faye Ditlove, and if you knew him at all, you heard plenty of stories about his childhood there. Dennis was a man of unparalleled resolve and an entrepreneur who built Inland Steel through grit and determination.
He retired from Inland Steel in Saskatoon, SK in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and innovation. His unwavering commitment to his work was only outshone by his love for his family and his community in Rancho Mirage, California. Dennis was a man of many talents and passions but he was best known for the relationships he cultivated with everyone he met, and his unparalleled sense of humor.
Dennis is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; and his loving children, Mark (Wendy) Ditlove, Shari Snow and Cindy (Stuart) Tapper; beloved grandchildren, Matthew (Mary) Ditlove, Jacob (Sydney) Ditlove, Danielle (Eli) Dresner, Emily (Max) Snow, Max Bermont, Jillian Snow, Jonah Tapper, Leo Tapper and Henry Tapper; and adored great-grandchildren, Sam and Wynn Ditlove, Goldie and Bernie Dresner. His legacy lives on in them, in the lessons he taught them and the love he gave. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of wisdom in their lives, providing them with a firm foundation on which to build their own successes.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Faye Ditlove; his sister Zora (Walter) Stern; his first wife, Marlene Ditlove; and son-in-law Howard Snow. While there is sorrow in his passing, there is also joy in celebrating a life well-lived, a life that left indelible marks on the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A service to honor and commemorate Dennis’s life was held on Friday December 5th at the Adath Yeshurin Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis.
We invite his family and friends to visit www. hodroff.com/DennisDitlove to rewatch the service. Contributions in name can be be made to the Jewish Federation of the Desert, 69710 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. May his memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
DEBORAH DOLLY CHISICK (nee SEGAL) NOVEMBER 30, 1942 – DECEMBER 19, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dolly Chisick on Friday, December 19th, at the age of 83. Dolly passed peacefully with her family by her side. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Shannon Chisick-Harman and Sean Chisick; her grandson, Charlie Harman; her siblings, Elaine (Paul) Olin and Barney Segal; her husband, Ernie Chisick; and her nephews, nieces, and many friends. Dolly was predeceased by her beloved parents, Sam Segal in 1998, and Louise Segal in 2006. Dolly was born on November 30, 1942, in Toronto, Ontario. After a few years, her family settled in Winnipeg, where she spent her formative years growing up on Lansdowne Avenue. Dolly graduated from teachers’ college in 1962 and married Ernie in 1964.
Together, they travelled the world, stopping at every museum along the way.
An extraordinary art teacher, Dolly’s career spanned more than fifty years. A gifted educator and passionate artist, she inspired generations of students and instilled in them a lifelong love and appreciation for art. Her creativity, patience, and encouragement left a lasting impact on all who learned from her. Dolly was a deeply caring person who truly loved people, always opening her home and making everyone feel welcome. Her energy was endless. An extraordinary cook, she was especially known for her famous challah buns, lovingly baked and shared, which became a symbol of her care, hospitality, and the comfort she brought to those she loved.
Family and connection were the most important things in Dolly’s life, and she nurtured those bonds with warmth and generosity. Above all else, she adored her children and, later, her grandson, Charlie, taking immense pride and joy in being a devoted Bubi. The bonds and connections Dolly shared with those she loved will remain deeply felt, a lasting source of comfort and strength, and an enduring part of her legacy.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Riverview for their exemplary care and compassion over the past several years. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 22nd, at the Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Owen Davidson, Myles Davis, Marc Goldberg, Michael Goldberg, Jordan Hochman, and Jordan Farber.
In memory of Dolly, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ABBOT KARASICK
1930 – 2025
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Abbot Karasick on December 29, 2025, at the age of 95. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and outgoing personality, always willing to lend a hand or an ear to others in need.
Abbot leaves behind Ruth, his wife of 72 years; son Brian and daughter-in-law Cheryl Shinfield; daughter Brenlee and son-in-law Matthew Posner; grandchildren Caleb, Sarah and Glen Boden, and Alex; great-grandson Eli, and many nieces and nephews.
The youngest of five children, he was predeceased by his brother Ben, and sisters, Eva (Bermack), Rebecca (Dobbs) and Ann (Yutman).
Abbot was born in 1930, at the beginning of the Great Depression. While that may have made for a difficult early childhood, another historic event provided a fortuitous opportunity; while sandbagging during the 1950 Red River flood, he met Ruth, the love of his life. They were married soon after, in 1953.
Never one to remain idle, Abbot had three careers over his lifetime: the first in the fashion industry, the second in the life insurance industry, and the third, following his retirement, setting up and managing Ruth’s fashion business. He thrived on being with people and nurturing relationships and brought his warm personality with him everywhere he went. He was athletic in his youth and remained an avid golfer until well into his later years.
Abbot and Ruth travelled extensively, taking cruises around the world, from the Caribbean to Europe, and with their last cruise being a long-awaited one to Israel. They spent many winters in Hawaii and Las Vegas. After their children moved from Winnipeg, they added trips to see them regularly in Montreal, Ottawa, Boston and Grand Rapids, along with trips to visit family in Toronto and Los Angeles. They also enjoyed spending weekends at their cottage in Winnipeg Beach.
Abbot spent his last six months at the Clara and Saul Simkin Centre. The family would like to thank the administration and management at the Centre, the caregivers at Blossom for their compassionate support, and especially the team in Simkin 1 for their attentive care and support.
Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on December 31, 2025. Donations in Abbot’s memory can be made to the Simkin Centre Foundation, at https://www.simkincentre.ca/giving