Obituaries
DR. MOE LERNER
Dr. Moe Lerner, MD, FCFP, FACEP, CCFP(EM) died peacefully on January 9th at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 64.
He was predeceased by his parents, Pearl and Art Lerner. He is survived by his siblings, Yale (Carol), Anne, Meda, Michèle and Cara (Jonathan). He was a loving and devoted uncle and great uncle to 10 nieces and nephews and 7 great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Marie-Anne and Giselle and their families.
After graduating from medicine and working as a primary care physician at the Health Sciences Centre for several years, Moe became Director of Emergency Services at Seven Oaks Hospital and held that position for over a decade. During the same period, he was medical director of the City of Winnipeg Ambulance and Paramedic Services. Moe went on to work in a variety of different health institutions and served on numerous boards, task studies, commissions and similar groups. He served as a consultant to the Health Reform Office, which helped to fashion among other things, the regional health authority system, and served for a time as the medical director of the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre. He was a lecturer and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, and appeared at numerous conferences both in Canada and the United States.
Moe was a man of many talents who had a strong presence and was generally the life of the party. He was a certified lifeguard at a young age, and utilized this skill as an administrator and counselor at Camp Massad. He was active in sports including tennis, volleyball and curling, and was a talented artist, cartoonist and musician who played the guitar, banjo and ukulele, leading many a sing-along. He combined his comedic and musical talents with his medical knowledge to become a highly successful medical expert on CBC radio.
Moe loved, and was loved by, so many friends who have remained loyal to him throughout his life. Moe’s compassion knew no bounds. He was always available when anyone needed medical help or moral support. He was a leader in the fight for the rights of the obese and was internationally renowned for his work. Moe appeared on numerous television and radio shows in Canada and the US, and his many writings and broadcasts can still be seen online. He was featured in a National Film Board documentary titled “Fat Chance”.
While Moe’s mobility was severely limited in the past few years, he maintained his advocacy for the obese. Dr. Jon Gerrard, in speaking to his introduction in the Manitoba Legislature of Bill 207 in 2016, said: “Madam Speaker, I want to begin my remarks on Bill 207 by acknowledging the contributions of Dr. Moe Lerner to this bill. He’s helped me to understand the nature of the prejudice and discrimination which those who are obese can be subject to”.
Many thanks to the staff at St. Boniface and Deer Lodge Hospitals and especially to his friend and physician, Ian Maharaj.
Moe will be missed by so many.
Obituaries
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).
Obituaries
EDWARD (BARNEY) SEGAL
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward “Barney” Segal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Barney will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Elaine (Paul) Olin; his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephew: Jason Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Jessica and Shirley Ransby; Brenlee, David, Hayley, and Leah Selchen; and Daniel, Jordi, Poppy, and Skylar Olin; Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sam Segal (1998) and Louise Segal (2006), and by his sister, Dolly Chisick (December 2025).
Barney was born on April 27, 1955, in Winnipeg, where he lived his entire life. He spent his formative years on Lansdowne Avenue, a place that remained close to his heart and was filled with many fond memories throughout his life. Barney was the youngest of four children, and from an early age, he was a spirited and energetic presence, full of personality and spark.
Barney carried that same determination and energy into his adult life. With an unwavering work ethic, he pursued a career in education while working full-time, earning his degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to dedicate many years to teaching and supporting schools throughout Winnipeg. Barney took great pride in helping students grow, always striving to make a lasting impression on the young people whose lives he touched.
He was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, and the communities he served. Barney found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: cheering on the Chicago Bears, sharing vivid stories about his parents and days gone by, riding his motorcycle, and heading out on long road trips in his beloved Jeep, “Sparky,” always in search of the next good story.
Barney will be remembered for his strong spirit, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to those around him. His presence filled a room, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Olin, Jason Olin, Laurie Gorenstein, Jeff Brown, Gavin Rich, and Mark Lomow. Honorary pallbearers were Brenlee Selchen, David Selchen, Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman, Jordi Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Rick Lousier, Ben Szymkow, Ron Nelson, Leroy Fox, Robert Marvin, and Gerry Dudley.
In memory of Barney, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.