Obituaries
DR. HARRY PROSEN June 27, 1930 – June 21, 2021
Peacefully, on June 21, with family by his side, Harry Prosen sadly passed away at his home in Mequon, Wisconsin.
Harry is survived by his four children, Patricia and her husband Doug, Jory and his wife Lolita, Deidre and her husband Michael, his son David; his sister-in-law Jean Prosen; and nieces, Leandrea and Jennifer; and nephew Jonathon. Harry was predeceased by his wife Yvonne; his parents, Felix and Ruth Prosen; and his brother Melvin Prosen.
Harry was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to Felix and Ruth Prosen. He lived the first part of his childhood in Calgary and then moved to Winnipeg where he worked from a young age to put himself through medical school. He met his wife, Yvonne, on a blind date and they were married for 60 years. Harry was an outstanding student who received his MD from the University of Manitoba in 1955 and completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Chicago studying under Heinz Kohut. He went on to lead two departments of psychiatry for 28 years, first in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba (1975 to 1987) and then in Milwaukee at the Medical College of Wisconsin (1987 to 2003). He retired in 2003 and was bestowed with the Distinguished Service Award by MCW. His professional legacy includes an ardent dedication to his patients, advocating for mental health awareness, producing numerous books and publications, helping to build the departments and their reputations, while promoting research and overseeing the training of many future psychiatrists. He was an Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Medicine and a past president of the Canadian Psychiatric Association (1978 to 1979). He also had leadership roles with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Psychiatric Association. More recently he became interested in organizations focused on advancing a more humane and empathetic world (World Transformation Movement in Australia) as well as working with zoos to improve the lives and mental wellbeing of primate species in captivity – something he was tremendously proud of.
Harry was an avid reader, a lifelong learner and continued to keep active and intellectually engaged with friends and family. He loved fishing in Vermillion Bay, Ontario and travelling all over the world. He loved to drive and frequently made the trip back to Winnipeg to visit family and friends once he was retired. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. His greatest joy came from having his wife, children and grandchildren around. Nothing made him happier. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them – Benjamin, Mathilde, Leo and Jaevin. In October 2020, Yvonne sadly passed away and Harry recently told his family that he just missed her too much. He leaves his family and friends blessed by his memory and immense love.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association in Harry’s name. You can reach them at mbwpg.cmha.ca . Click the three little lines to get to donations and in the additional comments box please state that it is for Harry Prosen. Thank you.
We will be making arrangements for a memorial.
Obituaries
LAWRENCE WERIER
Lawrence Werier passed away at home in Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 6 at the age of 98.
We thought he might live to 100, but it was not to be. Even though he was diminished by dementia in recent years, he still sparkled with an indomitable spirit that could not be missed, whether he was dancing with his many beloved caregivers or sitting quietly with his wife or children. He brought an intense energy to everything he accomplished, such as building a business, making a sale, playing tennis or scuba diving in some remote location.
His work at Goldin and Company was both challenging and joyful, and his entrepreneurial creativity brought him to Asia regularly, where he had close friends in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He married Eddy in 1949, and she remained the love of his life. They traveled the world together on many exotic trips, and in each place he would seek out adventure and fun. He was a force of life and an energetic presence who kept working and living and devouring experiences, always insisting that “the cup is half full.”
Many remember Lawrence as a great storyteller because he could never resist the impulse to share his exciting escapades with others. He didn’t retire until the age of 83, and even after formally ending his business, he continued to wheel and deal from home. In all of these passionate endeavors, he always had time for his children and grandchildren when they came to visit. His love of family was profound, and he demonstrated this love by generously bringing everyone together—children, spouses, grandchildren and Eddy—at treasured family gatherings in Costa Rica, St. Lucia and Mexico.
In recent days, people have reacted almost with astonishment that Lawrence has passed away, as if such a powerful energy might continue. We feel his loss deeply, along with his many friends in Winnipeg and beyond.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Eddy, and his children, Kerry, Cliff and Jodie, and their spouses, Suzanne, Sabrina, and Michael. He is missed by his two granddaughters, Cynthia (her partner, Matt) and Alex. Lawrence was predeceased by his beloved grandson Koby. Lawrence had many wonderful caregivers at “the Shafts,” too numerous to mention, but Tess Braun was his special friend and honorary daughter, to whom the family is grateful beyond words. Tess, Chris, Mavis, Jonathon and Jules made him comfortable in his final days, and we extend thanks to them all.
Donations in his memory can be made to Shalom Residences (shalomresidences.com).
Obituaries
BETTY JOAN KATZ
Betty Katz passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024, at the age of 94.
She was predeceased by her husband, Melvyn (Mel) and her daughter, Michelle.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Alana (Ted) and Bonnie (Howard); her son, Andy; grandchildren, Jonathan (Leiba) and Jeremy; and great-grandchildren, Louis and Ada.
Betty and Mel were high school sweethearts and married in 1953. Shortly thereafter, they purchased their cherished home on Lanark Street where they lived until after their 60th wedding anniversary. As the children grew older, Betty began a career in property management.
Betty is fondly remembered for her outgoing nature, wit, tenacity, and her great cooking, notably – her signature dish – Spaghetti a la Betty Katz.
Thank you to the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre where Betty received excellent care for the last eight years. Betty enjoyed the recreational activities and every opportunity to sit outdoors and at the sunny windows. Despite living with dementia, she was heard singing the words to “oldies” whenever there was an opportunity.
Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for leading a beautiful funeral service in Betty’s honour at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on October 28, 2024.
Obituaries
MARJORIE BAKALINSKY
It is with heavy hearts and deepest sadness that our family announce the peaceful passing of our dear sweet mother Marjorie Bakalinsky.
Mom passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Simkin Centre.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Rose and Joseph Weinstein; her sister Shirley; her in-laws, Dora and Beryl Bakalinsky; her sister-in-law Rosalie; and most recently, her dearest brother in-law Shia. Mom is survived by her loving and dedicated life long partner Leonard; her children Rachelle (Bob), Marty (Theresa), Cheryl (Avrum) and Gayle (Frank); her loving grandchildren, Jennifer, David (Andrea), Daniel, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Carllen, and Jerrett; her sister Kayla (Saul), sister-in-law Miriam (Jerry), and many nieces and nephews.
Mom was born in Winnipeg on March 7, 1935. She was raised as a youngster in the north end on Burrows Ave, then moved to Ferry Rd in St. James where her parents owned a grocery store. After graduating high school in 1953, she enrolled in nursing school in Chicago. She spent one year studying in Chicago, came home for summer break, met our dad, fell in love and didn’t go back. On June 5, 1955, Mom and Dad exchanged their wedding vows and were able to celebrate 69 years of marital bliss.
Mom always put others in front of herself, especially our dad, her children and grandchildren. She was the most unselfish woman we have ever known and loved. The matriarch of our family. Our home on Coralberry Ave. was always an open door to our many childhood friends.
Mom loved our cottage at Falcon Lake where many wonderful memories were made over the years, with her grandchildren always by her side. That gave her the greatest joy.
For over 25 years Mom and Dad’s second home was in Margate, Florida. Every year Mom would welcome her children and grandchildren to their Florida home, where there was always a home cooked meal on the dinner table.
There were many things Mom loved to do. One was playing mahjong with her weekly groups in Winnipeg and in Florida. Mom was an active member of Hadassah and was very involved in the Bnay Abraham Synagogue sisterhood. All of these were secondary to her love for her husband, children and grandchildren.
When it came to the point where her family felt Mom was no longer safe in her own home, Dad made the very difficult decision to make the Simkin Centre her new home. All the staff at Simkin who cared for Mom treated her with respect and dignity. Mom’s family will forever be grateful to the wonderful people at the Simkin Centre.
To Rabbi Matthew Leibl, thank you for being a source of support for our family. Your presence helped guide us through mom’s stay in Simkin.
Mom, we love you to the moon and back and beyond.
Forever remembered, forever loved!
In loving memory of our mom, Marjorie, donations can be made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, or to the charity of your choice.
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