Obituaries
Dr. Eugene Marks April 19, 1939 – July 30, 2024
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Dr. Eugene Marks (affectionately known as Gino), devoted husband of Karla Marks (nee Rayman), cherished father of Lana Marks Pulver and Kerri Marks Chetner, their spouses, Doug Pulver and Rob Chetner and adored grandfather to Benny, Chloe, Max and Lola.
Eugene was born in Winnipeg Manitoba, and was raised in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan by his parents, Harry and Jean Markovitch and was a big brother to Karen Trester (nee Markovich). His upbringing deeply influenced his commitment to his Jewish values.
Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, Eugene came from humble beginnings. He learned business by helping his parents in their General Store and how to play hockey on an outdoor frozen pond with frozen horse dung as his puck. He excelled at school in his one room schoolhouse.
He attended University of Manitoba to become a dentist and after practicing for three years attended NYU and Albert Einstein Medical Center to become an Oral Maxilla Facial Surgeon. After a short stint in Hamilton, Ontario, Eugene and family moved to Vancouver in 1970, where he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Perry Trester, later joined by Tony David, and they formed the practice called, Trester, Marks and David. Together they built a successful business in four different locations in the lower mainland for over 40 years and were known to have hosted the most infamous holiday parties for the dental community. What was a successful business partnership grew into a trusting and extremely close relationship. In addition to performing surgery both in office and hospital, he taught at UBC’s School of Dentistry and was a respected mentor to many. Eugene served as the Chief of Oral Maxilla Facial Surgery at Lion’s Gate Hospital in West Vancouver for many years.
Eugene’s first love was his family. He adored his wife, Karla, to whom he was married for almost 60 years. Committed to their relationship, he had a deep appreciation for his beautiful and wise life partner. He was a proud and devoted father and grandfather. His eyes lit up at the site of his daughters and any one of his grandchildren. He also loved spending time and celebrating many auspicious occasions with his belated in-laws, Benny and Evelyn Rayman and his multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and niece whether he was hosting them in his home or visiting them in theirs. Eugene cherished his friendships, treating his friends as though they were part of his own family.
Eugene had a zest for life. He thoroughly enjoyed pursuing his passions for hockey, both playing and watching, golf, poker, reading, opera, skiing, travelling the world and spending time in nature. He also was a respected leader in his community, serving as a Regent of Alpha Omega, a board member of several organizations and regular canvasser for Federation.
He will be fondly remembered for his profound teachings, with the favourites being to never forget the things you do, only the things you don’t and to savour life moments by taking a mental cocktail. Above all, he will be most missed for his presence, guidance, wisdom, and unwavering love.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dr. Eugene and Karla Marks Endowment Fund, at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Vancouver, (604) 257-5100 https://jewishcommunityfoundation.com/tribute-cards/donation-form/ or the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ALAN KLUNER
Suddenly and unexpectedly, Alan Kluner passed away on July 11, 2025 at the young age of 66. Alan had a very good life despite some ongoing health challenges he met head on for the majority of his life. He loved family and was a very kind and loving son, brother and uncle.
Born in Winnipeg, Alan developed a small but close circle of friends he maintained for many years. His passions were following his sports teams (Jets, Vikings, Bombers) and attending numerous rock concerts.
Alan is survived by his oldest brother Martin (Reesa), his sister-in-law Hanna, his four nephews and nieces Mickey (Stephanie), Corey (Sean), Zev (Kristen), Elana (Danny), and his great-nephews and great-nieces Mason, Lucy, Nora, Remy and Enzo.
He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Phyllis, brother Kerry, and uncle Alvin Mantell.
Alan’s funeral service was graveside at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Tuesday July 15, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were: Martin Kluner, Mickey Kluner, Corey Kluner, Elana Kluner, Henry Goldfeld, and Alan Levine. Honorary pallbearer was Albert Yanofsky.
For those who wish, donations in Alan’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada or the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ALAN JEFFREY RAPPAPORT
With much love and sadness, we mourn the passing of Alan Jeffrey Rappaport who died at the age of 72 on July 1, 2025.
Alan was predeceased by his parents – Sidney and Elaine Rappaport. He is survived by his former wife, Lynnie and their children Amy (Josh Bloomfield) and Lissie (Tamir Bourlas), grandchildren Aiden, Olivia, Shai and Aviya, his sister Bonny Leszcz (Molyn), brother Eppy (Ellen), brother Danny (Marcy), and many nieces, nephews and niblings.
Alan was born in Brooklyn, NY. He lived in Pennsylvania and California before moving to Winnipeg at the age of 14 when his father accepted a position as head rabbi at the Rosh Pina Synagogue. He earned an accounting degree at the University of Manitoba and became a Certified Chartered Accountant. An entrepreneur at heart, he went on to become co-owner of Omnitsky Kosher with his brother Eppy.
Alan was a gifted athlete. He had a sharp intellect (particularly with numbers). He played a great game of pool, poker and golf. He was well loved for his sense of adventure. He knew how to live large and did so in the first part of his life.
Alan had a significant stroke at the age of 48 when he lost the use of his left side. The latter part of his life was marked by adjusting to disability. He learned to live with less and appreciate ordinary everyday delights – a riveting murder mystery, a corned beef sandwich, a Blue Jays game.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Simkin Centre for the care he received in his final years.
If desired, memorial donations can be made to: Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre or Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.
Obituaries
JACOB (JACK) KLEIMAN FEBRUARY 8, 1927 – AUGUST 19, 2024
It was with great sorrow that we announced the passing of Jacob (Jack) Kleiman (Jacob ben Moishe) on Monday August 19, 2024 (16, Av) in his 98th year.
He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Rose Kleiman, his brother, Harvey, and his sisters, Florence (the late Louis Selby), Betty (the late Joseph Gilfix) and Ruth (the late Ben Aisenstat). He is survived by his sister Ann of Bethesda, U.S.A. (the late Harold Eist). He will be missed by his many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grand-nieces, great-grandnephews, and great-grandnieces.
Jack’s maternal grandparents were among the pioneer families established in the then Hirsch Colony (founded 1892) by the Jewish Colonization Association in the Southeast corner of Saskatchewan. Jack and his late brother Harvey lived and farmed on the same land purchased by their parents in the area.
In later years he and his brother developed many business interests: initially farm implement and automotive sales and later oil exploration companies including Poplar Developments Ltd., drilling locally. They were well known in the surrounding community and were generous supporters of local charitable initiatives such as the Estevan General Hospital.
Jack and his brother were the last Jewish farmers in the Hirsch area and over the years were the subject of many literary articles and television interviews. Jack and his brother helped to maintain the Jewish cemetery in the Hirsch area until it was taken over as a historical site by the province. Due to advancing age, the family farm was sold in 2016 and both retired to Calgary to be nearer to family. This marked the closing of one chapter of Jewish history in Canada.
Jack was a talented mechanic who remained married to the land and devoted to his family. He was ever of good spirit. Although frail in body, Jack remained active mentally and involved in life until the end being always interested in the happenings of his extended family.
It is hard to adequately sum up a long life marked by both hard work, dedication to family, and good humour. The entire family remember him and honour him with love, affection, and good memories.
The family wishes to thank the many friends and neighbours in the Estevan area who provided help and support during his last years and especially to his dedicated care givers in Calgary.
The funeral was held in Calgary on August 22, 2024, at the Chevra Kadisha Chapel with interment at the 37th Street Jewish Cemetery.
The unveiling will take place on July 27, 2025 at 11:30 AM at the same location. Donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the charity of your choice.