Obituaries
Dr. ASHER BARRY NORMAN THOMPSON
The family of Dr. Asher Thompson is heartbroken to announce his peaceful passing at the age of 84 on December 9, 2020 at Northridge Hospital in Los Angeles, CA. Asher was cherished by many and will be deeply missed.
He was the husband of 26 years to Cathy Roland Thompson, with whom he enjoyed a life rich with family, friends, and community. Asher was a loving and devoted father to Michael (Margaret Wong), Shelly (Blake Larkin), Karen (Nir Shema) and Marcie, and a loving, devoted step-father to Rabbi David Kornberg (Debbie) and Lisa Kahn. Together with Cathy, Asher treasured and enjoyed 14 grandchildren who will miss him dearly: Ella and Jonah Thompson, Zachary, Tanner and Zoe Larkin, Kinneret, Carmel and Arava Shema, Melanie, Lorelle and Dory Grynholc, Michael and Rachel Kornberg and Ethan Kahn. Asher was predeceased by his beloved parents, Tannie and Joe Thompson and his sister Doreen. Asher remained close throughout his life to his sister Myra Robles (Carolyn Robinson), and is mourned by his cousins, nieces and nephews. Asher will also be missed by the extended Niznick family.
Asher was born on October 13, 1936 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and grew up amongst dear friends in Winnipeg, with whom he remained close throughout his life. After graduating from the University of Manitoba Medical School in 1960, he was married to Sharon Niznick (Glass), and moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he took three years of training in internal medicine at Henry Ford Hospital. After Henry Ford hospital, he went to Salt Lake City with a National Institute of Health grant in their gastroenterology department, before returning to Winnipeg to begin his medical practice. In 1970, Asher moved to Los Angeles, where he built his medical practice, with a specialty in gastroenter-ology. Asher profoundly loved practicing medicine – it was not a job for him, it was a passion, a Sherlock Holms-ian mystery to be solved, and an identity. He was a caring and brilliant physician, and he was devoted to his patients, who recognized him not only for his medical services but for the way he took care of them with sensitivity and warmth; he considered himself an old-fashioned doctor.
After moving to California, Asher raised his family, and cultivated a circle of dear friends that he loved very much, some from his youth in Winnipeg, and others through his synagogue, golf club or medical practice. Asher was known, loved and admired for his warmth, intelligence, compassion and ability to spin a good story. He always encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue their passions, whether academic, professional, creative, athletic or musical, and always tried to attend and show his support at their games, plays, performances, graduations and other live events. He shared with them his passion for studying history, travel, books, golf, theatre, photography, food, a well-told story and spending time together. He also shared his love for Jewish religion, traditions, art and food. He enjoyed dining with and entertaining his family and friends, and was known for his generosity. He was a lifelong golfer, and enjoyed watching his favorite team, the Los Angeles Kings, play ice hockey. An avid history buff and traveler, he ventured around the world, including Israel, Australia, England, Europe, Scandinavia, and Asia.
Asher will be remembered for the unlimited and unconditional love and support he had for Cathy, his children and grandchildren, extended family and his many dear friends. He will be deeply missed, but in our grief, we find gratitude for our immense good fortune having had Dr. Asher Barry Norman Thompson in our lives.
Obituaries
JOEL SHEFRIN
After a courageous battle with cancer, Joel passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre on April 4, 2025 at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife Penny; sons, Mark (Laurie), Allan (Stephanie); step-sons, James (Jess), Jason (Christina); grandchildren, Abby, Seth, Livia, Frankie, Taylor, Maddox, Mya and Memphis, and great-grandchildren, Alessia and Leo, as well as siblings, Shelley (Bill), Shaun (Vicky), Bruce (Rene) and Morley. He was predeceased by his parents, Connie and Mickey, and sister Claretta. Joel wanted to be remembered as a fighter. He struggled with Crohn’s disease most of his life, but fought to remain active. He loved his family and took pride in all their accomplishments. Joel worked in the family steel business after University, and later in the promotional product industry. He was a dedicated volunteer, becoming the 1st national President of the Canadian Foundation for Ileitis and Colitis (now Crohn’s and Colitis Canada), President of Garden City Community Centre, President of Hockey Winnipeg, and Board member of Hockey Manitoba. Funeral services were held at the Rosh Pina Cemetery on April 6, 2025. The family would like to thank the staff on 3E at Riverview Health Centre, as well as all the homecare staff who allowed Joel to stay at home as long as possible. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in Joel’s memory.
Obituaries
IAN DUDECK November 20, 1950 – March 17, 2025
A golden heart has stopped beating. We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Ian – beloved husband of Marilyn, father of Michael (Patrizio), siblings, Lynne Spigelman, Fraydel Yamron, Joel Dudeck (Sharron), sister-in-law Barbara Kravetsky, uncle to many special nieces and nephews and friend to all he met. He was predeceased by his parents, Morris and Sarah Dudeck, his brother-in-law Ian Yamron and his father and mother in-law Bob and Connie Lenoff. Ian faced many health obstacles this past year and faced them all with great strength and courage, never once complaining and never once giving up. As an accountant, Ian had a tremendous work ethic and was well liked and admired by all he encountered. Special thanks to Dr. Krista Ryz, the staff of St. Boniface Hospital Renal Health Clinic, the doctors and staff of St. Boniface Hospital Dialysis Unit, St. Boniface Emergency physician Dr. Al Bucel and Ji Yung, Spiritual Care, the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Services, Rabbi Kliel Rose and our neighbour Marilyn B for her assistance and kindness. Thank you to all our family and friends for your continuing support. Donations may be made to The Manitoba Kidney Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba, or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BILL WORB
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Zaida, brother, and uncle, Bill Worb.
Bill passed surrounded by family on September 14, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Abraham and Sonia, his in-laws Abe and Sarah Helman, his wife, Paula, his siblings Esther, Joe, and Benni, and by his son-in-law, Bryan.
He leaves behind his children Marla and Ron (Gail); his grandchildren, Sari, Alexi, Andrew, and Samantha; his brother-in-law Ruben (Rita), as well as his nieces and nephews.
Bill was one of the most hardworking men anyone could have known, with a brilliant business mind that seemed to have no limits.
As a teenager, he began working as a fur auctioneer and grader for Dominion/Soudack Fur Auction, before founding and operating Winnipeg Fur Exchange from 1970 to 1994. He then established Bill Worb Furs, which he ran into his eighties, retiring only due to health issues.
Beyond Bill’s success, it was his warmth, generosity, and character that truly defined him.
He had a way of connecting with people—he was personable, distinguished, and treated everyone with kindness and respect. Whether supporting his family or giving back to the community, his generosity knew no bounds. Family dinners were some of the best memories shared, filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of simply being together. He made those gatherings special, and they will always hold a treasured place in our hearts.
Bill was known for sharing captivating stories, from his childhood in rural Manitoba with his giant German Shepherd, Jiggs, to his travels around the world in the fur trade. He was an accomplished and remarkable man, and on top of that, he did a spot-on Johnny Cash impression.
Bill cherished his grandchildren and created unforgettable memories with them. Whether sharing a meal or passing on life lessons, he always made those moments special and meaningful, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
As a husband, Bill was deeply devoted to his wife, Paula, always caring for her and demonstrating what true love looked like to everyone around them.
Bill was, in every sense, a “prince of a man”—someone everyone looked up to, learned from, and loved dearly. His warmth, generosity, and wisdom will be remembered by all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his impact and the love he shared will always remain with us.
Bill’s family wishes to thank his dedicated team of caregivers, as well as the doctors and nurses who provided compassionate and wonderful care to him at Grace Hospital.
Funeral services and interment were at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on September 16, 2024, with Rabbi Mass officiating. Pallbearers were Sari Daien, Alexi Daien, Dr. Andrew Worb, Dr. Eric Vicker, Ivan Master, and Lyle Silverstein.
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