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
MARK BERNARD SCHACTER
May 12, 1946 – October 19, 2025
We are sad to announce that Mark Schacter died peacefully in Vancouver on October 19, 2025, at age 79.
He was born in Winnipeg on May 12, 1946, and moved to Vancouver at the age of 22 to seek his fortune, and lived and worked there for the rest of his life, in a number of careers. He was a raconteur, a free spirit, a sports fan, a close observer of current events, and a good friend to many, as far away as Rio de Janeiro and Los Angeles. He attended the Canada-Russia hockey series in Moscow in 1972, flew on the Concorde to London, and went to Rio for Carnival on a number of occasions.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Brent Schacter and Sora Ludwig, nieces Miriam Stoller (Michael), Isanne Schacter, and Jennifer Schacter (Neil Rockman), grandnieces Reina and Maddie Stoller, Beatrice Schacter, and Sally Rockman, and grandnephew Jacob Rockman.
He was laid to rest in the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery near his parents on October 22, 2025. May his memory be a blessing.
Donations in his memory may be made to Yaletown House (www.yaletown.org) where he resided or to the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
GLORIA GERSHMAN
Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gloria Beatrice Gershman (née Lipchen), lived 95 remarkable years filled with love, laughter, resilience, generosity, a youthful spirit and a touch of mischief. Gloria passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
She was predeceased by her parents Rose and Nathan Lipchen, her husband George Gershman in 2016 and her grandson Jesse Short-Gershman in 2014. Gloria is survived by her three children: Darryl (Diane), Shelley (David), and Stu (Niki), eight grandchildren: Rachel, Daniel (Yeraldin), Mike (Hannah), Kara, Emily, Ashley (Andy), Max, Zak, and two great-grandchildren Ari and Grayson.
Born in Winnipeg on November 27, 1929, Gloria spent her early childhood in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, before returning to Winnipeg in 1940. Gloria and George married in 1949, residing in Winnipeg until moving to Miami, Florida in 1958 and returning to Winnipeg in 1961.
Gloria attended business college and worked at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and Glendale Golf Course. She volunteered in the community conducting hearing tests for elementary school children.
To our family, Gloria was our biggest supporter, our safe place, our guiding voice, and our example of what it means to be strong, independent, loyal, resilient, and generous. Gloria was known for her wonderful sense of humour and occasional salty language.
Gloria’s talents included sewing, knitting, needle working, cooking, baking, gardening and bowling. The family loved her homemade cookies.
She was devoted to her grandchildren and shared a special and unique relationship with each of them. She adored every moment she spent with Ari and Grayson, who brought her joy in her later years.
Gloria was a regular with the super seniors at the local McDonalds. During the Covid pandemic, she and her friends held “parking lot gatherings” at McDonald’s, sitting in their cars, chatting through windows, laughing, and refusing to let isolation dull their spirits.
She was an unofficial counsellor and second mother for many of our friends, offering warmth, insight, honesty, and love.
Gloria cheered (sometimes colourfully) for her Winnipeg Blue Bomber and Jets, rarely missing a televised game.
Mom wanted her family to live their best lives; Mom’s memory will forever be a blessing and legacy for her loving family.
Among the many people we thank, we give a special thanks to Dr. Ify Osagie and mom’s dear health care companion Tess Barillos.
Graveside funeral was held on October 20, 2025, at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.
Donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to the Buddy Check for Jesse Society, supporting youth mental health in honour of her grandson: https://buddycheckforjesse.com/ donate/
Obituaries
MARC AARON COHEN
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Marc Aaron Cohen on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the age of 55, following a brave battle with cancer.
Survived by his parents Lawrence and Dolly (Reesa) Cohen, sister Michelle (Ben) Levich, nephew Seth Levich, auntie Deanna Cohen, uncle Sherv Sharagge, and many cousins.
Marc was in love with his career. He was passionate about trucking and was good at it, wearing several hats during his career. He was a dispatcher, a long haul and local trucker, and an instructor to new truckers, while working for several trucking companies including Quick Transfer, Big Freight, and Gershman Transport. Marc received numerous awards and recognitions during his career including the Elite Award for Excellence in Performance in 2014 and 2015 from Big Freight. His commitment to the trucking industry led him to be chosen for the Industry Excellence Award in 2015 from the Manitoba Trucking Association.
Marc’s second love was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Being on his motorcycle brought him so much joy. He loved playing, watching and coaching football. He was active in the Nomad Football Club. Being outdoors in any kind of weather was his favorite place to be.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Brightwater Tuxedo, Health Science Center, and St Boniface Hospital. We are grateful for the compassionate care they provided Marc.
Donations in Marc’s memory can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation. 204-787-4143.