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
SAMUEL SEARLE October 29, 1930 – December 1, 2025
Our dear father, Sam, passed away on December 1, 2025, after a long, rich life of 95 years.
Dad shared almost 67 of those years with our dear mother, his beloved wife, Betty, who predeceased him in April of 2024. Sam was also predeceased by his parents, Dora and David Cirulnikov; three of his four older sisters, Bernice Brownstone, Marion Toffick, Luba Sitchin, and their respective spouses; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Doreen and Garry Shapera.
He is survived by his children Sharna, Lorne (Barbara) and Beverlee (Barry); grandchildren Evan, Aaron, Jamie and Matthew; sister Eve Blank; many nieces and nephews who adored him and for whom he was Uncle Sammy; several cousins; and many friends and former colleagues. All delighted in his company.
Sam was the youngest and only son in a family of five children. His parents emigrated from Russia in the late 1920s with his three oldest sisters. Eve was born shortly after they arrived in Canada and Sam in 1930. The family lived in Winnipeg’s North End and Sam attended public schools and the Talmud Torah night school. During the summers, and part-time throughout the years while continuing his education, he worked as a short order cook at both the Silver Grill Restaurant and Arcade Deli. Dad made his legendary, piled-high sandwiches into his eighties!
After graduating high school from St. John’s Tech, Sam was accepted into the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba, and ultimately went on to enjoy a very accomplished career as a partner with MMP, a major local architectural firm, and later, as a founding partner/developer with Duraps Corporation and Pine Hill Development Corp. In a career that spanned almost half a century, Sam made his mark on the landscape of Winnipeg and other North American cities, having been involved in the design and construction of private residences, schools, concert halls, fire halls, university and government buildings, and the development of condominiums, residential subdivisions, shopping centres and industrial land.
In addition to his professional life, Sam was also a dedicated community volunteer. A long-standing member of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg North, Dad was awarded Rotary International’s highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellow medallion, for his contributions and service to the organization. He also served on the board of the Rosh Pina Synagogue for several terms and was a charter member of the Bel Acres Golf & Country Club.
Dad was also a talented, and ambidextrous, artist, a curler, green thumb, dapper dresser and terrific dancer. He and Betty always lit up a dance floor!
Sam shared a wonderfully rich family life with Betty. Married in 1957, they moved four years later into the mid-century modern masterpiece that Sam designed for them in Garden City (a then new, north end Winnipeg neighbourhood) and in which they remained throughout their entire marriage. The house magically expanded and contracted as needed and saw its share of fabulous parties, Passover Seders and a multitude of family simchas and other joyous gatherings. As parents, they were loving, excellent role models who encouraged strong family connections. As grandparents, Zaida Sam and Bobbie Betty were the best – adoring, proud, involved and a lot of fun!
Locally, Sam and Betty enjoyed attending the symphony, chamber music and jazz concerts, the opera, the Folk Festival and the theatre. Their worldly travels took them to Mexico, Israel, China, Cuba, Europe, the Caribbean and North American camping trips and ski holidays. Closer to home, their cottage in Gimli (Loni Beach), MB, was a focal point for family and friends every summer.
Our father was a man of unwavering integrity, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a generosity of spirit. Respected and respectful, Sam Searle was a great guy, a real mensch. He will be deeply missed.
The last year and four months of Dad’s life were spent at the Simkin Centre. Sharing an ice cream and a smile, singing with him, particularly at the “Friday Night Lights” Shabbat service, were precious moments.
Sam passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital. We are grateful for the care and kindness provided by the staff at both institutions. A heartfelt thank you, as well, to Sharon Merrells, the ultimate “Sam whisperer,” for her years of care and dedication, especially over those last challenging 16 months.
The graveside funeral service, held on December 4, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park, was warmly officiated, on a freezing morning, by Rabbi Kliel Rose. The pallbearers were grandchildren Evan, Aaron and Jamie Searle and Matthew Pearl, son-in-law Barry Pearl and great nephew Gavin Shapera.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba’s “Betty & Sam Searle Memorial Fund” or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
JEAN SHIRLEY KOPSTEIN February 14, 1934 – January 11, 2026
Jean Shirley Kopstein passed away peacefully, a month shy of her 92nd birthday, with her three devoted children by her side.
Known to her family as Shaney, Jean will be deeply missed by her children, Ivy (Murray), Ruth, and Alan; her grandchildren, Louis, Minnie (Patrick), Leo (Ashley), and Max (Brynne); her great-grandchild, Margot; her brothers, Martin (Grace) and Gary; as well as her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jean was born on Valentine’s Day in 1934 in Montreal. In 1939, her family returned to Winnipeg, where they settled in the city’s North End. During her second year at the University of Manitoba, Jean met Bobby Kopstein, the light of her life. They married on June 23, 1954. That same year, Jean graduated as a teacher and taught for three years before choosing to stay home to raise their family.
Later in life, Jean embarked on a deeply meaningful professional career and left her mark on every organization she served. She worked as a counsellor at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, went on to become Director of Staff Development and Training for the provincial Department of Corrections, and was seconded by the government to establish the Manitoba Women’s Directorate. She was often described as an inspiration – a wonderful colleague, a thoughtful leader, and a great friend.
Jean had many passions and immersed herself fully in all of them. She loved travelling with Bob and had a keen appreciation for music, art, design, fashion, film, and food from many cultures – always in search of the perfect muffin! She formed deep bonds with family and friends, with constant concern for the well-being of those she loved. Jean and Bob were humanists who led by example, instilling strong values in their family.
Jean had a unique and engaging presence. She was outgoing, vivacious, curious, and intelligent. She lit up a room with her energy and her beautiful, warm smile.
Diagnosed with glaucoma in her 60s, Jean began a long and challenging period in her life. After the loss of Bob in 2014, she faced further health difficulties. Despite these challenges, her desire to live fully never waned. She remained interested in the world around her and took great joy in family dinners, trips to Winnipeg Beach, and spending time with family and friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in Jean’s care over the many years, especially those who went above and beyond. They are deeply grateful to Shaftesbury Park for its support, and in particular to Jean’s caregivers for their outstanding care, compassion, and kindness. The family also thanks the clergy and staff of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue for their services and support.
Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ISADORE (IZZY)MINUK (Z”L) JULY 5, 1927 – DECEMBER 30, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Isadore (Izzy) Minuk, on December
30, 2025, at the age of 98.
Izzy was born on July 5, 1927, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the third of five boys born to Tibel and Ben Minuk. Izzy was predeceased by his beloved wife Merle Minuk and his
cherished son Morley Minuk.
Izzy leaves to mourn his children Martin Minuk (Stephanie), Linda Rabkin (Jack), Jeffrey Minuk (Lora) and Cheryl Bokhaut (Bradley), thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Our father was a man of great wisdom, kindness, strength and resilience. He was
fiercely devoted to his family. He was committed to his health and well-being and a longtime member of the Rady JCC.
Izzy spent his last years at the Simkin Centre. Our family would like to express its appreciation and thanks to the Staff and Administration of the Simkin Centre for their attentive care.
Donations in Izzy’s honour may be made to the Merle and Isadore (Izzy) Memorial Fund
at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Simkin Centre or the Rady JCC.
Daddy will always be our sweetheart