Obituaries
DAVID RABB (RABINOVITCH)
Born: NOVEMBER 17, 1930 Passed away: DECEMBER 31, 2020
Following a brief illness, the family of David Rabb is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our loving husband, father, and zaida.
David leaves to mourn his adoring wife of 65 years, Sheila; his children, Jeff, Irene (Jack), Ian (Trevor); his grandchildren, Haley, Justin, Matthew and Emily; his beautiful sister, Merle, and sister-in-law, Zsipie, as well as many nieces, nephews, their spouses and children. David also left behind countless friends and their families who may have not been related by blood but were as close as family.
David was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Irene Rabinovitch; sisters, Rose (Abe), Ethel (Eph), brother-in-law, Earl Pitch, niece, Pamela Wolson, and nephew, Michael Hoffer.
David Rabb grew up in the south end of Winnipeg. He attended Queenston School, Robert H. Smith and Kelvin High School. He was always an avid learner, starting from a very young age. He was a frequent winner of spelling bee contests, dollars for scholars, and graduated winning the Governor General’s medal at Kelvin High School.
In high school David competed and excelled at basketball, bowling and curling. Later in life he discovered both tennis and golf, and pursued these activities for many years. He golfed every week, including this past summer.
David attended University of Manitoba, graduating with an honors degree in geography. His love of learning never ceased, and as a senior he audited classes with his friends at both the University of Winnipeg and College of the Desert in Palm Desert.
In 1954 David met the love of his life – Sheila Pitch, though his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu. Married in 1955, the fairytale love story lasted over 65 years. They shared a passion for their families, friends, traveling, winters in Palm Desert, playing cards, entertaining, and sports. David had season tickets for the Blue Bombers for 68 years.
David started his career with his dad and brother-in-law. They opened automatic car washes across Western Canada, followed by Washtronics Ltd., manufacturing equipment for lifting and washing various forms of transportation.
David retired in his mid 50s. Realizing that he still wanted to contribute, he got a real estate license and spent the next 30 years actively working in this market. He finally fully retired five years ago at the age of 85.
David was known to all for his incredible demeanor. He was honest, kind, genuine, reliable, and made a friend of everyone he met, whether it was for five minutes or 50 years.
It didn’t matter if it was business, charity or personal relationships. These qualities shined brightly always.
David never forgot the lessons he learned watching his parents and in-laws lead and teach by example. Throughout his life he gave generously to a number of causes – volunteering both time and money – the Jewish Foundation, JNF, B’nai Brith, and Chai Folk Ensemble to name a few. He sent a donation to any charity that ever asked.
The family would like to offer our since love and thanks to all the caregivers and doctors who supported us during his brief illness. We would like to thank Maria, Patty, and Cathy for the exceptional care and concern they extended to our family.
For many years Dr. Sheldon Permack and staff were always there when needed. We also want to thank Dr. Dan Chenier, who saw our dad regularly before he entered the hospital. Also, a special thank you to our dear friends, Dr. Leon Waye and Dr. Jeff Mottola, who helped us navigate throughout his short illness.
Finally, a huge thank you to Dr. Lamba, Rose and Jessie from the Health Sciences Centre for their role in his care.
We are so heartbroken over our loss. David never spoke an ill word of anyone. He had a colossal zest for life. His life was exemplary. He was righteous, a mensch of all menschen, a person of integrity and honour. His unconditional love and support of all his family and friends will sustain us forever.
In lieu of flowers tribute donations can be made in his honor to:
twotenrecovery
www.twotenrecovery.org
or
www.jewishfoundation.org
204-477-7525
Obituaries
LAWRENCE WERIER
Lawrence Werier passed away at home in Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 6 at the age of 98.
We thought he might live to 100, but it was not to be. Even though he was diminished by dementia in recent years, he still sparkled with an indomitable spirit that could not be missed, whether he was dancing with his many beloved caregivers or sitting quietly with his wife or children. He brought an intense energy to everything he accomplished, such as building a business, making a sale, playing tennis or scuba diving in some remote location.
His work at Goldin and Company was both challenging and joyful, and his entrepreneurial creativity brought him to Asia regularly, where he had close friends in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He married Eddy in 1949, and she remained the love of his life. They traveled the world together on many exotic trips, and in each place he would seek out adventure and fun. He was a force of life and an energetic presence who kept working and living and devouring experiences, always insisting that “the cup is half full.”
Many remember Lawrence as a great storyteller because he could never resist the impulse to share his exciting escapades with others. He didn’t retire until the age of 83, and even after formally ending his business, he continued to wheel and deal from home. In all of these passionate endeavors, he always had time for his children and grandchildren when they came to visit. His love of family was profound, and he demonstrated this love by generously bringing everyone together—children, spouses, grandchildren and Eddy—at treasured family gatherings in Costa Rica, St. Lucia and Mexico.
In recent days, people have reacted almost with astonishment that Lawrence has passed away, as if such a powerful energy might continue. We feel his loss deeply, along with his many friends in Winnipeg and beyond.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Eddy, and his children, Kerry, Cliff and Jodie, and their spouses, Suzanne, Sabrina, and Michael. He is missed by his two granddaughters, Cynthia (her partner, Matt) and Alex. Lawrence was predeceased by his beloved grandson Koby. Lawrence had many wonderful caregivers at “the Shafts,” too numerous to mention, but Tess Braun was his special friend and honorary daughter, to whom the family is grateful beyond words. Tess, Chris, Mavis, Jonathon and Jules made him comfortable in his final days, and we extend thanks to them all.
Donations in his memory can be made to Shalom Residences (shalomresidences.com).
Obituaries
BETTY JOAN KATZ
Betty Katz passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024, at the age of 94.
She was predeceased by her husband, Melvyn (Mel) and her daughter, Michelle.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Alana (Ted) and Bonnie (Howard); her son, Andy; grandchildren, Jonathan (Leiba) and Jeremy; and great-grandchildren, Louis and Ada.
Betty and Mel were high school sweethearts and married in 1953. Shortly thereafter, they purchased their cherished home on Lanark Street where they lived until after their 60th wedding anniversary. As the children grew older, Betty began a career in property management.
Betty is fondly remembered for her outgoing nature, wit, tenacity, and her great cooking, notably – her signature dish – Spaghetti a la Betty Katz.
Thank you to the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre where Betty received excellent care for the last eight years. Betty enjoyed the recreational activities and every opportunity to sit outdoors and at the sunny windows. Despite living with dementia, she was heard singing the words to “oldies” whenever there was an opportunity.
Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for leading a beautiful funeral service in Betty’s honour at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on October 28, 2024.
Obituaries
MARJORIE BAKALINSKY
It is with heavy hearts and deepest sadness that our family announce the peaceful passing of our dear sweet mother Marjorie Bakalinsky.
Mom passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Simkin Centre.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Rose and Joseph Weinstein; her sister Shirley; her in-laws, Dora and Beryl Bakalinsky; her sister-in-law Rosalie; and most recently, her dearest brother in-law Shia. Mom is survived by her loving and dedicated life long partner Leonard; her children Rachelle (Bob), Marty (Theresa), Cheryl (Avrum) and Gayle (Frank); her loving grandchildren, Jennifer, David (Andrea), Daniel, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Carllen, and Jerrett; her sister Kayla (Saul), sister-in-law Miriam (Jerry), and many nieces and nephews.
Mom was born in Winnipeg on March 7, 1935. She was raised as a youngster in the north end on Burrows Ave, then moved to Ferry Rd in St. James where her parents owned a grocery store. After graduating high school in 1953, she enrolled in nursing school in Chicago. She spent one year studying in Chicago, came home for summer break, met our dad, fell in love and didn’t go back. On June 5, 1955, Mom and Dad exchanged their wedding vows and were able to celebrate 69 years of marital bliss.
Mom always put others in front of herself, especially our dad, her children and grandchildren. She was the most unselfish woman we have ever known and loved. The matriarch of our family. Our home on Coralberry Ave. was always an open door to our many childhood friends.
Mom loved our cottage at Falcon Lake where many wonderful memories were made over the years, with her grandchildren always by her side. That gave her the greatest joy.
For over 25 years Mom and Dad’s second home was in Margate, Florida. Every year Mom would welcome her children and grandchildren to their Florida home, where there was always a home cooked meal on the dinner table.
There were many things Mom loved to do. One was playing mahjong with her weekly groups in Winnipeg and in Florida. Mom was an active member of Hadassah and was very involved in the Bnay Abraham Synagogue sisterhood. All of these were secondary to her love for her husband, children and grandchildren.
When it came to the point where her family felt Mom was no longer safe in her own home, Dad made the very difficult decision to make the Simkin Centre her new home. All the staff at Simkin who cared for Mom treated her with respect and dignity. Mom’s family will forever be grateful to the wonderful people at the Simkin Centre.
To Rabbi Matthew Leibl, thank you for being a source of support for our family. Your presence helped guide us through mom’s stay in Simkin.
Mom, we love you to the moon and back and beyond.
Forever remembered, forever loved!
In loving memory of our mom, Marjorie, donations can be made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, or to the charity of your choice.
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