Obituaries
DR. BARRY CAPLAN
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Barry Caplan on June 2, 2017, at the age of 84, after a short, but courageous, battle with cancer.
Barry is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; children, Susan Billinkoff (Errol), Bruce Caplan (Sheri Winters) and David Caplan (Cindy Switzer); and grandchildren, Jordan and Asher Billinkoff, Maia and Annie Caplan, and Max and Layla Switzer-Caplan. He is also survived by his sisters, Sandra Ciarrocchi (Ray) and Gail Bender (Earl); sisters-in-law, Marcia Glazerman and Philipa Caplan, cousin and dear friend, Aubrey Caplan; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Max and Annette (Stall) Caplan; in-laws, Bertha and Allan Glazerman; and brother-in-law, Fred Glazerman.
Barry was a “gentleman”, a “gentle man”, and a “mensch”. He grew up on McAdam Avenue and attended school at Machray, Luxton and St. John’s High. Barry’s natural artistic talent emerged at an early age and one of his favourite pastimes was creating his own comic strip characters, all precisely rendered with pen and ink. He also wrote accompanying stories, producing incredible works of animated fiction. Barry credited his parents with instilling and nurturing in him a lifelong love of literature, history, art, poetry, and music.
Notwithstanding his passion for the arts and humanities, Barry’s formal education took him down another path, medicine. He graduated from the University of Manitoba’s Medical School in 1957, interned and completed a one year fellowship in pathology at the Winnipeg General Hospital (now Health Sciences Centre), and then moved to California where he completed a residency in urology at U.C.L.A. in 1963. After moving back to Winnipeg, Barry began his medical practice in the Boyd Building and later opened a new office in the Medical Arts together with fellow urologist, Dr. Alan Decter. He and Alan shared a long and happy professional association and friendship. Barry was known as a kind, caring, and compassionate doctor. He was devoted to his patients and always went the extra mile, ensuring that those in his charge received the best care possible. In addition to his practice, Barry served as a urological consultant to the St. Boniface Clinic and taught at the University of Manitoba’s Medical Faculty for over 30 years.
On June 21, 1959 Barry married his soul mate, Sandra Glazerman. Sandra knew that Barry was the love of her life and he was equally smitten, declaring at their wedding that their profound love would endure “beyond the limits of time with the brightness and freshness with which it blossomed on that day”.
Family was important to Barry and he shared special relationships with each of his children. Some of his happiest memories were of time spent on family vacations. He enthusiastically welcomed new members into the Caplan family, including his children’s spouses and their families, and, eventually, six grandchildren, each of whom he adored.
During their married life Sandra and Barry enjoyed Winnipeg’s rich cultural offerings, including the opera, symphony, ballet, and theatre. They also travelled extensively, savouring each experience, and always coming home ready to plan their next adventure.
After retiring at 68, Barry went back to university, enrolling in as many sessions as his schedule – and Sandra – would permit. He studied a wide variety of subjects and worked long hours on papers and art projects. He loved hearing his professors’ views on politics and currents events, and they all respected his sage opinions and views of the world. He continued to pursue his fine arts studies at their winter home in St. Petersburg, Florida, where they enjoyed the company of a new circle of friends, the warm weather, and the vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Barry was deeply touched by the many family and friends who came to his 80th birthday celebration. In his speech he thanked Sandra for her unconditional love and super human efforts on his behalf during the vicissitudes of their, then, 53 years together. In the end, it was Sandra’s devotion to Barry that allowed him to live comfortably at home until the last week of his life. Her dedication to his well-being at all times and, in particular, when his health declined rapidly and gravely, was a testament to her great love for him.
Heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Alan Green for providing support and comfort to Barry in his final days, to Dr. George Balko for his expertise and compassion, and to Dr. Bob Steinberg for his kindness and friendship.
Funeral services, officiated by Rabbi Green and Cantor Mass, were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on June 5, 2017. Pallbearers were Errol, Jordan, and Asher Billinkoff; Daniel and Alyn Glazerman; and Randy Bender. Honorary pallbearers were Dick Bell, Earl Bender, Lou Billinkoff, Aubrey Caplan, Bob Weinerman and Edward Winters.
Barry’s passing leaves a void in the essence of the Earth. We will miss him dearly and will strive to live by his example. He will be forever in our hearts.
Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince;
And flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest!
(Shakespeare, Hamlet)
If desired, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Obituaries
CARY RUBENFELD
Cary Rubenfeld, beloved husband, father, zaida, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away on December 4, 2025, at the age of 72. Cary lived a life defined by kindness, curiousity, humility, and a deep commitment to the people and communities he loved.
Above all, Cary was a family man. He was raised in a family shaped by Jewish resilience and history. He was born to George and Sally Rubenfeld in 1953. His father George and two aunts, Rachel and Regine, survived the Holocaust in France, and the legacy of that survival grounded Cary’s values throughout his life. He carried forward a strong Jewish identity through his early Judaic studies, and this continued to evolve in adulthood as he built a home alive with tradition and Jewish values.
For more than 40 years, Cary shared his life with his wife, Marion. Together they built a home, a business, and a relationship filled with warmth, humour, and unwavering devotion. They worked side by side in their wholesale garden supply and later an import business, travelled the world together, and supported one another with tenderness and resilience. Marion was Cary’s partner in every sense, and their devotion to each other was a foundation for the entire family.
As a father to Michael (Magda) and Sara (Rob), Cary was a steady and loving presence—gentle, attentive, and always remaining connected to their worlds. His kindness shaped them in ways that they will carry forward and aspire to in their lives. Later in life, he delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, Emry, Kian and Lev.
Cary was the cherished brother of Perry Rubenfeld, with whom he shared a lifelong bond of family, memory, and affection. Cary and Perry tragically lost their mother at a young age. Their close-knit family continued to support and raise them.
Professionally, Cary was known for his integrity. He believed that success in business meant acting fairly, ethically and with compassion. He built strong relationships across North America and Asia, earning respect not only for his expertise, but for his genuine interest in others. He was thoughtful, patient, and guided by a sense of moral clarity.
Outside of business, Cary cultivated passions that brought him community and purpose. His involvement in amateur radio—an interest that reawakened later in life—connected him to people around the world. A lifelong learner, he attended international conventions, helped newcomers enter the hobby, and even earned recognition as Canadian Amateur Radio Operator of the Year. Friends from across continents described him as humble, generous, and quietly inspiring—a man who motivated others not through ego, but through sincerity.
Cary was also a dedicated member of the Chavurat Tefilah – Talmud Torah congregation, where he served as treasurer and was instrumental in resurrecting regular Shabbat services in the synagogue after COVID. His love of Judaism deepened through study, particularly with a small Torah group he helped create—an intimate circle of friends who learned together each week, even across cities and time zones. His thirst for knowledge, especially when shared with others, was one of his defining traits.
Cary faced significant health challenges with remarkable courage. Diabetes, kidney disease, and heart complications never dimmed his optimism. He continued to travel, make plans, and pursue learning. He arranged dialysis across Canada, the United States, and even Poland so he could keep living life fully and on his own terms.
For those who wish to make a charitable donation in Cary’s memory, please consider providing a cheque to the Chavurat Tefilah – Talmud Torah Synagogue (459 Hartford Ave., Wpg, MB) or an e-transfer to chavuratt@gmail.com or donating to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Obituaries
NELLIE (NELL) LABOVITCH
Nellie (Nell) Labovitch passed away peacefully in her home on December 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Our hearts are grateful for the 103 years she blessed our lives.
Nell was predeceased by her beloved husband Morris of 56 years (2000), her eldest daughter Shelley Nimchonok (2019) and son-in-law Robert (Bob) Walker (2015). Nell will forever be missed by her children Connie (Darrel) Donen, Joy Walker (Bob), Sharon Elston, and son-in-law Meyer Nimchonok (Shelley) and her grandchildren Kevin (Mony) Nimchonok, Shauna (Aaron) Lindzon, Maury Donen (Jennifer Luong), Jason Donen (Kristin Macaraeg), Erin Walker, Adam (Samantha) Walker, Sean Walker (Lindsey Markusson), Chad (Sawako) Elston, Cori (Tonio) Ettienne and her great-grandchildren Jay, Eli, Jordan, Emily, Max, Carmen, Matteo, Logan, Dylan, Caleb, Hana, Jun, Prism and Onyx and her brothers, Sam (predeceased Rita) Bebchuk, Dr. William (Elaine) Bebchuk and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Nell was predeceased by her parents, Ettie and Joseph Bebchuk, her sisters, Marian Margolis (Joe Berz), Bessie (Mitchell) Schachter and parents- in-law, Rachel, and Hymie Labovitch; brothers and sisters inlaw, Sam Labovitch, Dr. Bill Lyons, Jack Lyons; Brina Bressler, Lil Seigel, Rose Weiner, and Sylvia Fritz.
Nell and Morris were married within a short courtship of only three weeks as they knew immediately that they were for each other. The connection that they had was undeniable. They were renowned for their shared love of dancing and moving together with extraordinary elegance and effortless skill. They met life’s challenges with a united front, setting a beautiful example of their lifelong commitment.
Nell took pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always made each one of them feel special. She enjoyed pampering everyone with their favourite dishes. Her life was filled with an abundance of family, laughter, love, and optimism.
Even in her later years Nell remained vigorous and active, powerwalking at her gym into her late 90’s. One had to stand in line for a chance to be one of her walking partners, even when she was walking with a walker. Her nightly ritual was to say special prayers not only for everyone who needed praying for, but also for those who were close to her. On special occasions it was a treat to receive her amazing poetry. Nell retained a remarkably keen mind and enjoyed tackling word games well into her 90’s.
In her later years, she was surrounded by a phenomenal team of caregivers who considered her as close as a grandmother. With special gratitude to Ruth, and Amandeep who were by her side until the end. With thanks also to Jenna and The Right At Home staff. She was truly an extraordinary soul, matriarch, and an inspiration to us all.
Nell’s joyful spirit is heartfelt and will forever be with us. We will all live by three words that she recited endlessly to everyone that she met – “Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy.”
Funeral Services were held on December 3, 2025, at a private graveside ceremony for immediate family members. Thank you to the Pallbearers: Maury Donen, Jason Donen, Adam Walker, Erin Walker, Chad Elston, and Tonio Ettienne.
If desired, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or plant a tree in Nell’s memory.
Obituaries
FAYE VICKAR LAZER November 18, 1950 – December 3, 2025
It is with deep sadness we announce Faye Vickar Lazer passed away on December 3, 2025 at the age of 75. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, patience, and quiet strength.
She will be greatly missed by her husband Joel Lazer; son Lawrence Cohen and daughter-in-law Szandra Temesvari; daughter Jilda Lazer, son-in-law Cameron Quinn and grandchildren, Noa and Eli; daughter Sara Lazer, son-in-law Christopher Maissan and grandchildren, Elliot, Simone and Lila; twin sister Reva Micflicker and brother-in-law Allan; brother Larry Vickar and sister-in-law Tova; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Norman and Florence Vickar.
Faye grew up in Melfort, SK and lived there until she moved to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba. First studying nursing, she quickly changed her focus to education. She taught for 34 years in the Winnipeg School Division, teaching nursery and kindergarten at Victoria-Albert, River Elm, King Edward, and Glenelm. She was her students’ first, and often favourite, teacher and over the years, fostered a love of learning and reading in hundreds of kids.
Faye and Joel were married in 1987 at Birch Island Resort in Minaki, Ontario, where family and friends were invited to celebrate their love and share in their love of fishing. Since then, they have spent their summers in the area fishing for pickerel, enjoying shore lunches of fish and fries, and in more recent years, spending time on the lake with their grandchildren.
Faye spent the last part of her life living at the Simkin Centre. When asked about it she would tell people happily “if you have to be in a place like this, this is the best place to be!” The family would like to thank the administration and management at the Simkin Centre and especially the team in Simkin 2 for their attentive care. The family is also grateful to the team of caregivers – Lovely, Luisa and Maria – who helped keep Faye happy and healthy for so long.
Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on December 5, 2025. Pallbearers were Elliot Lazer-Maissan, Noa Lazer Quinn, Sam Vickar, Stephen Vickar, Heather Micflikier and Liam Gutkin. Donations can be made to the Simkin Centre Foundation in Faye’s memory at https://www.simkincentre.ca/giving/.