Obituaries
DR. SHELDON MORLEY CLAMAN
The family of Sheldon Claman is saddened to announce his passing on December 19, 2020, at home surrounded by those he loved the most, in person and in spirit. Sheldon was a greatly beloved husband, father and grandfather who will be deeply mourned and dearly missed.
Sheldon was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin and Teresa (Tess) Claman; his brother Usher Claman; and his cherished son Benny. Deeply feeling his loss are his wife of 56 years, Louise and his three children, Erin (Toronto), Sara (Mardy) and Jeffery. His grandsons, Brett and Seth Yager will miss their zeyda forever and were Sheldon’s greatest gifts.
Sheldon was born in Beausejour, Manitoba in 1932. He was the older of two brothers and his father served as the local dentist. In the early 1940s, Sheldon’s father, Ben enlisted in the Army and the family relocated to Winnipeg. Tess held down the fort at home on Glenwood Crescent and Sheldon attended school and did the things boys do in their youth with his many neighbourhood friends. Sheldon graduated from St John’s High School, but was able to avoid writing final exams by the onset of the flood of 1950. Sheldon and his classmates were dispensed to help pack sandbags in lieu of graduation ceremonies. Following his high school graduation, Sheldon attended the University of Manitoba; as there was no Dental School in Manitoba at the time, he attended the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University. During the summers, Sheldon served as an Army Reservist with the Canadian Forces to fund his educational pursuits. He served in the Artillery Corps and the Dental Corps. Upon completion of his DDS, he completed postdoctoral training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Iowa, in Iowa city and at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, in Oklahoma City. Sheldon was a board member and the President of the Manitoba Dental Association and Founder/President of the Royal College of Dentists. He taught oral surgery in both the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and was a member of the Alpha Omega Fraternity. He was an incredibly humble man with a strong sense of integrity which was the basis for how he cared for people throughout his life. Sheldon was a mentor to many, a leader with a strong sense of fairness and compassion which he passed on to his children and especially his grandsons.
In 1963, Sheldon returned to his hometown of Winnipeg to work while he awaited the paperwork which would allow him to return to the US permanently. In May of 1964, he was set up on a blind date by a patient; he would say this meeting changed the trajectory of his life. Sheldon married the love of his life, Louise Hecht on December 22, 1964 and remained in Winnipeg for the rest of his life. Sheldon recently said, on Louise’s birthday just weeks prior to his passing that “I made many mistakes in my life, but marrying you (Louise) wasn’t one of them”. Together, Sheldon and Louise built a life filled with happy memories and family and friends. Although there were challenges along way, Sheldon, with Louise’s fortitude continued on building his professional practise, mentoring generations of dental surgeons through his teaching at the University of Manitoba, and assisting in establishing the Faculty of Dentistry, performing surgeries in the St. Boniface Hospital, Misericordia Hospital and briefly at the Victoria Hospital hospital , eventually founding his surgical center which provided a place for dental surgery to be performed outside the hospital system. Sheldon was responsible for bringing the dental implant surgery to Winnipeg, bringing progressive and cutting-edge surgical techniques to patients and professionals alike.
In 1966, Sheldon and Louise had their first child Erin, followed in 1968 by son Benny and in 1970 by Sara. The family was complete when Jeffery was born in 1971. He changing diapers side by side with Louise, and when Louise returned to work evening shifts, Sheldon took on the challenge of caring for four children after his workday was over. Things never went according to the lists laid out by Louise during her absence, but everyone got fed and was happy by the time she arrived home. Sheldon was an avid father, and although he worked extensive hours during his early years in practise, by the time the children were older, he was around home more and willing to help with their homework; until one of their teachers suggested he stop doing their homework and allow the children to do it themselves.
Sheldon cared deeply for all he considered friends, and passionately for his family. Through his life he never hesitated to offer his love and support to his children when times were tough and challenges presented themselves. Although Sheldon and Louise experienced heartache, they also had joy and happiness which was celebrated with the accomplishments of their children and in turn the birth of their grandsons, Brett and Seth. Sheldon and Louise’s grandsons embodied the meaning of life and love to all but particularly Sheldon who never ceased to be amazed at their antics and often took part in their mischief, laughing when they were caught “red handed”. Zaida was Brett and Seth’s right hand man and they knew his love and dedication to them and future they represented to him. Whether it was sitting with Brett as a toddler in a car for hours so Brett could “drive”, pretending the shower was a spaceship or proof-reading university papers, Sheldon glowed in the presence of his “prince” Brett. The mere picture of his grandson, Seth could bring a smile to his face even when he was not feeling well and he always counted on Seth to update him on facts about Frank Sinatra and other “Rat Pack” members for which they shared an affinity. On many rides to dialysis, Seth provided his zaida with a playlist of favourites, bringing smiles in a difficult time.
Sheldon’s family had the incredible honour of caring for him in his last days, helping Louise ensure that he had what he needed and was comfortable. His dignity and integrity were maintained to the end. He knew that he was beloved and cherished and that Louise would be well taken care of when he was no longer able to do so.
A graveside ceremony for immediate family only was held on December 21, 2020 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Liebl.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benny Claman Memorial Scholarship Fund at St. John’s Ravenscourt School (204-477-2485), Jewish Child and Family Service (204-477-4730) or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
LILY ROSE GUBERMAN JANUARY 30, 1922 – FEBRUARY 25
Peacefully, and with grace, Lily Rose Guberman passed away at the age of 103 on Tuesday, February 25th with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Wally, sister Beatrice, and daughter Sandra. Her son, Brian, remains missing, and his whereabouts are unknown. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, kindness and the sweetest of memories cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her daughter Marla and son-in-law Henry Berchard of Victoria, BC, granddaughters Fairen, Sefirah and Hannah, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
Lily had a wide range of interests that enriched her life. She loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, and visited many places, including Hong Kong, Israel, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Victoria.
Lily had a wide range of interests that enriched her life. She loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, and visited many places, including Hong Kong, Israel, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Victoria. At 91, she and Marla took a whirlwind trip to New York City, checking off one of their bucket-list items. There, Lily danced through the streets with youthful energy and enthusiasm. She studied Hebrew and Sociology at university and had a passion for dancing, photography, art, and learned to use a computer in her 90s. A generous philanthropist, Lily maintained an A-Z file of charities she supported and organized major fundraisers, such as walkathons in Hawaii and Winnipeg to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House. She was also actively involved with the Lehava Chapter of Pioneer Women for many years.
Her life was also defined by her ability to turn tragedy into legacy. After Sandra’s passing, Lily and Wally established the Sandra Faye Guberman Memorial Library at the University of Alberta’s Department of Drama, and a perpetual Emerging Artist Scholarship at the Banff School of Fine Arts in Sandra’s honour. After Brian’s disappearance, Lily continued to write him a birthday card every year, in case he ever returned—such was the depth of her motherly love.
After Wally’s passing, Lily continued to live independently in their condo until the age of 102. With the loving care of devoted companions— Aida Sy, Eya Topacio, Elna Galzote, April Patoc, Jaen Marquez, Rose Lino, Girlie and Jun Santos—she spent her later years surrounded by love.
In her final year, Lily lived at the Simkin Center, where she was treated with care, respect, and dignity. There, she earned the title of “Simkin Star” for her numerous media appearances and was also celebrated as the oldest living original member of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. A graceful dancer since her teens, she was invited by the founders of the Winnipeg Ballet Club to join their troupes in 1939 at age 17. Just prior to her 103rd birthday, in December 2024, she was invited back to the stage, for the ballet’s 85th anniversary, performing a walk-on role in The Nutcracker in full dress costume, surrounded by her fans and fellow dancers. It was a perfect full- circle moment in her extraordinary life. For more on her return to the stage go to: lilyrosedance. weebly.com
Lily’s passing was serene and peaceful. It was an honour to be with her in her final moments, as she transitioned from this world surrounded by love and gentle care.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Center, especially those on Weinberg 1, who lovingly cared for Lily during her last year. Our heartfelt thanks also to her devoted companions – Eya, Aida and Elna, who remained steadfast in their care of Lily until her final day. In loving memory of Lily, donations can be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet or the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
KEN TENNENHOUSE
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Ken Tennenhouse on February 27, 2025 at the Riverview Health Centre. Ken passed surrounded by his family at the age of 66 after an eight month battle with cancer. He will be deeply missed by his wife Reesa, children Lana (Erik), and Emily (Connor). He will also be mourned by his siblings Karen, Ron (Elaine), and Marsha (Doug) and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ken was predeceased by his parents Samuel and Gertrude.
Ken was born on June 8, 1958 and was a lifelong resident of Winnipeg. Ken loved life and had so many passions, but his first priority was always to his family. He married Reesa (née Reinhorn) in June 1988 whom he shared the rest of his life with. Ken was the best husband and father. He doted on his family and always put everyone’s needs above his own. He loved to spend time with his family travelling, watching silly TV shows, attending his girls sporting events and just being with each other. He would make sure the family had supper together at least once a week, often accompanied by one of his Saskatoon pies. He never stopped providing advice and support, helping his daughters prepare for work papers, interviews, moves, and more. He was so proud of his daughters and marvelled as they grew into accomplished women.
Ken had so many hobbies. He loved to garden and he spent countless hours growing his vegetables, raspberries, roses and other flowers. Sunday mornings meant a hot cup of coffee, CBC radio and the New York Times Crossword Puzzle. Ken could do a crossword puzzle faster than seemed humanly possible. Ken was also a winemaker and produced a sweet red wine from grapes each year meticulously following his dad’s recipe. Research of the Tennenhouse Family Tree was another one of Ken’s endeavors which he spent years undertaking and managed to go back as far the 1700’s. Ken had a passion for history and archeology and had a library with numerous historical books. Ken was an avid Winnipeg Jets fan and never missed either attending or watching a game on TV. He spent countless hours discussing and dissecting the current state of the team.
Ken had an amazing professional career as a lawyer. He worked for 36 years at Manitoba Hydro. Ken started his career as an in-house counsel for Manitoba Hydro, he was then promoted to the head of the law department and then became the Vice-President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. In 2016 Ken was named to the General Counsel Power list as one of the top 500 general counsel lawyers in Canada. Ken retired in 2020 and thoroughly enjoyed travelling to Palm Springs with Reesa over the cold winter months.
Funeral Services were held at the Chesed Shel Emes on March 2, 2025. Our heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Kliel Rose and Cantor Tracy Kasner who officiated the service.
Special thanks to all of Ken’s medical team including Dr. Green, Dr. Moltzan, Dr. Ogaranko, Dr. McClure and a very special thanks to Nurse Maureen at Riverview.
Pallbearers were: Jesse Searle, Josh Kimelman, Sam Kimelman, Martin Reinhorn, Arthur Reinhorn, and Leslie Reinhorn.
Donations in Ken’s name can be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, the Riverview Health Centre Foundation directed to 3E Palliative Care, or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ALEX SOMMER
August 26, 1928 – February 16, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Alex Sommer announces the passing of our beloved father and Zaida. He lived a full and rich life of 96 and a half years. He passed with his granddaughter, Jordana, by his side.
Alex is survived by his spouse, Elaine, his children, Reena (Jeffrey), Naomi (Hart), Hillel (Marlaina), Caron, Martin (Michelle), and Gary (Pam), his grandchildren, Debra, Daniel (Sonya), Leah (Nik), Michael (Ashely), Josh (Abbie), Sarah (Emmy), Niki, David, Sarah (Justin), Jordana (Blake), Micah, Serina (Jason), Sierra, Joey (Leah), Benji (Brittany), Carli (Wil), Sonny, Mara (Benji), Cayli, Zac, Izzy, and Sam, and his great-grandchildren, Mikaela, Kendrick, Mila, Solly, Billie, Sid, Cameron, Addison, Elias, and Ari.
He was predeceased by his wife, Sarah, his parents, Fanny and Levi, his sisters, Rochelle and Norma, his son, Aaron, and his sons-in-law, David and Willy.
Alex grew up in the North End of Winnipeg and went to school at St. John’s High School. He spent his summer months in the Whiteshell at Seven Sisters Falls and Whitemouth and attended various Jewish summer camps.
As a youth and young adult, Alex became active in Young Judeah. There he met the love of his life, Sarah Rodberg, and they married on July 4, 1948, at the young ages of 18 and 19, respectively. As proud Zionists, the young couple planned to settle in the newly born State of Israel. To prepare for Kibbutz life, Alex went to study horticulture in Homestead, Florida.
But as plans changed, Alex joined his father’s custom furniture business. His role in the company was to head out on the road across western Canada to secure orders. This experience fostered his strong work ethic, and stick-with-it-ness that he passed down to his children and grandchildren. Ultimately, this small family business grew to become Century Craft Ltd., where quality furniture and fiberglass boats were manufactured until the late 1990s.
Alex and Sarah raised their four children, Reena, Naomi, Aaron and Hillel, in a traditional Jewish home, celebrating the Sabbath, and Jewish Holidays. Throughout the 1960s, Alex and his young family enjoyed spending the summer months at Clear Lake, Manitoba. On any given day at the beach, Alex could be found in the water letting his children and their friends dive from his shoulders into the water.
Alex supported Sarah’s creation of the Chai Folk Ensemble, and after her untimely death in 1969, took on the role of its first president, founding a board of directors, and creating an infrastructure that has allowed Chai to celebrate its 60th anniversary last year.
Alex navigated his life with resilience, integrity and inner strength. After Sarah died at age 40, Alex was left to raise his four children alone. In 1971, Alex married Elaine Weinberg, of Winnipeg, and raised her three children, Caron, Martin and Gary as his own. Alex always treated all seven children of his newly blended family as his own and counted all their offspring as his grandchildren. He embraced the role of grandfather so completely, that he became known by friends and family alike by the title “Zaida Alex”.
Alex was the consummate storyteller. He would tell, and often retell, stories about his exploits as a young prankster, of life on the road, and other tall tales, to his children and grandchildren. Yet, no matter how many times the story was retold, he always had a willing and captivated audience of family members anxious to hear the story again. He also had a unique lexicon, coining words such as “behbeh,” “Eneway”, “Sanawich,” and “Shmodicase.” He was famous for his “hugs that hurt,” and his “swingies” for his grandchildren.
Alex was known throughout the Winnipeg Jewish community for his smile and charm. He had a natural warmth and easy-going nature and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was known as a man with the biggest heart and was always certain to tell those close to him how much he loved them.
Synagogue life was always an essential part of Alex’s life. Initially, he was an active member of the Rosh Pina Synagogue. In his later years, he attended shabbat services at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and became an integral part of their synagogue community. During his many winter vacations in southeast Florida, he participated actively at Congregation Beth Torah in Aventura.
Alex has been a role model, compass, and guide as to how to meet life’s challenges with grace. When he faced multiple cancer diagnoses, he did so with strength. In his later years, as his health declined and his mobility became more impaired, Alex became dependent on personal caregivers, for virtually all activities of daily living and personal care. Despite his lost independence, he continued with his positive outlook and was able to navigate life on his own in his home.
Alex celebrated one day at a time and learned to appreciate the important things in life, his family. He constantly showed gratitude and love for his family. On any given day, when asked how he was doing, his response was “excellent”. Even in his final hours, Dad wasn’t willing to concede to his failing health or abandon his “look on the bright side of life” philosophy. After arriving to hospital by ambulance, hours before he passed, when asked by the emergency doctor how he was feeling, his response was “excellent”.
Alex’s family would like to extend their warmest thanks and respect to the team of wonderful caregivers and support staff at Home Instead. Over the past approximately 10 years, these wonderful caring individuals allowed Alex to remain in his home, which always gave him great pleasure. They allowed him to maintain his dignity and continue to participate actively in community and family lifecycle events. His quality of life was enhanced immeasurably by the care they provided.
We would also like to thank Dr. Sheldon Permack for his dedicated care over the last several years.
Alex’s funeral service was held at the Chesed Shel Emes on Wednesday February 19, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl, followed by a burial service at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Daniel Golub, Debra Golub, Michael Knight, Blake Nichols, Justin Odwak, Micah Sommer, Emmy Uchendu, and Gary Weinberg.
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