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
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).
Obituaries
EDWARD (BARNEY) SEGAL
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward “Barney” Segal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Barney will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Elaine (Paul) Olin; his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephew: Jason Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Jessica and Shirley Ransby; Brenlee, David, Hayley, and Leah Selchen; and Daniel, Jordi, Poppy, and Skylar Olin; Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sam Segal (1998) and Louise Segal (2006), and by his sister, Dolly Chisick (December 2025).
Barney was born on April 27, 1955, in Winnipeg, where he lived his entire life. He spent his formative years on Lansdowne Avenue, a place that remained close to his heart and was filled with many fond memories throughout his life. Barney was the youngest of four children, and from an early age, he was a spirited and energetic presence, full of personality and spark.
Barney carried that same determination and energy into his adult life. With an unwavering work ethic, he pursued a career in education while working full-time, earning his degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to dedicate many years to teaching and supporting schools throughout Winnipeg. Barney took great pride in helping students grow, always striving to make a lasting impression on the young people whose lives he touched.
He was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, and the communities he served. Barney found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: cheering on the Chicago Bears, sharing vivid stories about his parents and days gone by, riding his motorcycle, and heading out on long road trips in his beloved Jeep, “Sparky,” always in search of the next good story.
Barney will be remembered for his strong spirit, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to those around him. His presence filled a room, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Olin, Jason Olin, Laurie Gorenstein, Jeff Brown, Gavin Rich, and Mark Lomow. Honorary pallbearers were Brenlee Selchen, David Selchen, Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman, Jordi Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Rick Lousier, Ben Szymkow, Ron Nelson, Leroy Fox, Robert Marvin, and Gerry Dudley.
In memory of Barney, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.