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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.

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Obituaries

HERB SINGER

Peacefully, with his family by his side, Herb Singer passed away on April 3, 2025.

He is survived by his daughters, Leslie (Sheppy Coodin), Marnie and Sheryl (Kevin Segall). He is also survived by grandchildren, Josh Glow (Leah), Sari Glow, Justin Segall and Hayden Segall, his brother Earl (Mimi), and sisters-in-law, Maureen Steinfeld (Leo) and Bonnie Dressler (Kenny). He was predeceased by his wife Myrna, his parents, Anne and Dave Singer and in-laws, Irma and Harry Nepon.

Herb was born on February 26, 1944, in Winnipeg and spent his early years on the family farm in Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan before the family moved into the city, eventually settling on Smithfield in the North End.

Herb attended West Kildonan Collegiate, excelling in both academics and sports. Herb and Myrna grew up between Salter and Aikins but did not attend the same high school because the back lane between Smithfield (where Herb lived) and McAdam (where Myrna lived) was the dividing marker for St. John’s and West Kildonan. They met in 1960, having been introduced by a neighbour of Myrna’s who was friends with Herb. It was love at first sight; they married in 1966 after graduating from the University of Manitoba.

Herb received his CA designation in 1972. He began his career in public practice but then switched to working as the controller of GIII Limited, which he said allowed him to spend more time with his family.

Herb and Myrna loved spending summers with their girls travelling to Detroit Lakes with other Winnipeggers. Later years found the family travelling campgrounds in Canada and the US in the trailer and finally settling in for summers at Gimli, where the family has happy memories of days at the beach and nights by the campfire.

Herb was an athlete all his life; he played basketball and football as a teenager and then played squash, tennis, racquetball and golf as an adult. Herb spent much of his retirement on the golf courses with friends and grandchildren and also loved his bowling league.

Herb and Myrna loved travelling and together explored China, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, England and Israel just to mention a few places.

Herb was an extremely social person and connected with many people over the years through golf, bowling, bridge and through winters in Palm Springs.

Herb was a supporter of community organizations over his years. He helped organize fundraising dinners for Talmud Torah when his children were students, he was umpire at his girls’ baseball games and in later years, he helped with fundraising at Congregation Etz Chayim, particularly with the yearly Golf tournament as well as the Lottery Brunch. He also donated blood well over 100 times.

His most rewarding role was that of Zaida. He loved spending time with his grandchildren whether it was attending concerts, games or marking a special occasion. He would always make sure his freezer was full of meatballs and ice cream and his cupboard was full of treats for their visits.

Herb loved watching sports on TV and rarely missed a Bomber or Jets game. He particularly enjoyed watching with his family and friends and thought himself an excellent armchair coach!

A funeral service was held at Chesed Shel Emes with burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park on April 4, 2025.

Those who are wishing to honour Herb are encouraged to make a donation in his memory to Congregation Etz Chayim or to the charity of their choice.

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Obituaries

YHETTA MIRIAM GOLDCM, OM, BA

September 3, 1929 – April 25, 2025

Yhetta passed away at home on her own terms.

As per her wishes, there will be no service.

The family would like to thank Realcare Inc, particularly Kristina, Ana, Agrima and Chantal for their compassion and expertise.

For those that would like to make a donation in her memory, please consider a gift to the Yhetta Gold Campership Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3N 2B4, jewishfoundation.org, or to a charity of your choice.

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Obituaries

SALLY ANN NARR

Sally Ann Narr, born September 5, 1935, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, at the age of 89.

Sally was born and raised in Winnipeg’s North End, and attended William Whyte school and later St. John’s Tech. At 18 years old, Sally bravely made the decision to leave her family and friends in Winnipeg, and head to Los Angeles, California where she hoped to pursue a career in Hollywood. After arriving in LA, Sally got a job working at Farmer’s Insurance, until she landed her dream job at Capitol Records at Hollywood and Vine.

Sally absolutely loved her job at Capitol Records and often found herself partying with some of the most famous celebrities.

At a New Year’s Eve party in 1958, Sally met the love of her life, Frank, and they were married the following year on December 12, 1959. Sally and Frank were married for 65 years and were overjoyed when they welcomed their daughter, Heather on October 1, 1965. It was in 1969, some years after the Watts Riot in LA that Sally and Frank made the decision to leave LA and return to Winnipeg to raise their daughter. Once back in Winnipeg, Sally and Frank resided in the West Kildonan area for 43 years until they bought a condo and moved to the south end of the city to be close to their daughter and grandchildren.

Sally lived a full and rich life. Some of her fondest memories were going on a Caribbean cruise for hers and Frank’s 50th wedding anniversary with her family, going to Hawaii for her 80th birthday, and attending her granddaughter’s wedding in 2019. Beyond all of this, Sally’s greatest joy in life was when her two grandchildren were born. She was overjoyed to become a grandmother and said it was the best job in the world.

It was shortly after the arrival of her first great-granddaughter in 2022 that Sally became a resident of the Simkin Centre, a place she would call home for almost three years until her passing. The staff treated her with the utmost care and respect and helped guide her family through her battle with Alzheimers and in the last few months of her life, cancer.

Sally’s quality of life would not have been what it was if it was not for her devoted caregiver, Oxana. From 2020 to 2025, Oxana provided wonderful care for Sally through her compassion and dedication and love for both Sally and Frank. There are not enough ways to thank Oxana for everything she did for Sally and her entire family over their five years together.

Sally was predeceased by her parents, Ann and Nicholas Dutkevich and is survived by her husband, Frank Narr, her daughter Heather Cantor (Ed), granddaughter, Lexi Cantor (Dan Robillard), her grandson Ryan Cantor, great-granddaughters, Parker and Blake and her brother Joey Dutkevich (Karen).

The family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer Association or the Simkin Centre in honour of Sally.

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