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
HARRY REISS
On Monday, July 3, 2023, at home, after a short illness, Harry Reiss passed away at the age of 93. He was the beloved husband of 55 years to Vicky Reiss (Shumsky), who predeceased
him, as did his parents, Ira and Raizel Reiss. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey, wife Marlis,
grandchildren Sheena, Anita, and Leanna; Alan; and Ken, wife Sonya, grandchildren
Chloe, Noah, and Charlie; younger siblings, Sam Reiss, Edward Reiss, and Ida Alpern; and his partner Honey Kowall.
Harry was born in Dunajow, Poland and escaped at age nine with his immediate family due to the growing threat of war and the Holocaust. They left Poland on the “Alaunia” of the Cunard White Star Line, eventually arriving in Halifax on April 16, 1939, then arriving by train to Winnipeg on April 19th, proceeding to Brooksby, Saskatchewan, before eventually settling on a farmstead in Edenbridge, SK, where Harry went to school and helped out on the farm. At age seventeen, due to financial reasons, Harry needed to leave school to find work and arrived in Winnipeg, working 70-hour weeks in a fur coat factory. In 1951, he went to New York City where he stayed with relatives to attend a 6-month course in Fur Designing & Fur Cutting at the Sol Vogel School of Designing. Upon his return to Winnipeg, Harry started his own business in the basement of his parents’ house (who had moved to Wpg. with his siblings earlier that year), sewing patterns and selling fur coats to department stores, in addition to bringing his father, uncle Joe, and brother Sam into the venture. Later, the business expanded first to James St. and later to the Bedford Building on McDermot & King, where it remained thereafter and known as Reiss Furs, engaged in both wholesale and retail sales. Over the years, Harry and his partner Sam, developed an extremely successful enterprise, becoming the largest furrier business in Western Canada, renowned for their high-end garments, with international celebrities and royalty amoungst their clientele. Indeed, they were the last independent furrier in Winnipeg, as eventually the marketplace was changing with less demand for fur coats. Ever the astute businessman, Harry had evolved the business into additionally involving retail sales of high-quality non-fur winter wear, as well as men’s and women’s fashion for some time. In the latter half of his career, Harry successfully expanded into the area of property management, acquiring a number of downtown Winnipeg buildings and parking lots. He continued with property management after the closing of his retail operations in 2008 and “semi-retiring” at nearly eighty years of age.
Harry started to date Vicky in 1956, with them marrying the following year. They enjoyed many happy years together, socializing with family and friends, and in later years looking forward to their winter vacations in Florida. Tragically, Vicky passed away after a brief illness in 2012, at the age of only 73. Fortunately for Harry, over the passage of years he developed a close relationship with Honey Kowall, leading to the two of them ultimately living together, and with him being warmly accepted into the Kowall family.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the compassionate care given to Harry by the healthcare-aides who assisted him in his later days, as well as the longstanding service of Judy Hansen.
Funeral services, officiated by Rabbi Kliel Rose, were held at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
Obituaries
MOLLY ROSENBLAT
Peacefully, on October 4, 2023, Molly Rosenblat passed away in Winnipeg at the age of 96, just shy of her 97th birthday.Molly was predeceased by her husband, Ernie, and her brother, Syd Glow. Molly will be lovingly remembered by her two sons, Rob (Sue) and Ed (Bev); her grandchildren: Sarah (Zach), William, Alex (Adam), Carly, Randy (Kate); her six great-grandchildren: Raphael, Aron, Artemis, Isadore, Benjamin and Emma; and her many good friends.
The family would like to give special thanks to Drs. Sean Armstrong and Sarah Dunsmore and to all of the very caring staff in the Dialysis Wards at Seven Oaks Hospital. We would also like to thank Maria Szymanska, Molly’s case co-ordinator for over 12 years, her excellent neighbours from 2000 Sinclair Avenue: Carolyn and Earl Standil, Pearl Rosenberg, and Gus and Grace Kokoschke; as well as Molly’s sister-in-law, Freda Glow and her family, and Molly’s friends, just to name a few, that always looked in on her and cared deeply for her wellbeing.
We would also like to offer a very special thank you to nurse Jane Jaculak and the great and very caring staff at The Simkin Centre, where Molly resided for the past few years. A very special thank you also to Molly’s private caregivers, Liza Monton and Gloria Navarro, and many others that provided additional care, companionship, and wonderful support to Molly for many years.
A funeral service was held on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Congregation Etz Chayim followed by interment at Bnay Abraham Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make donations in Molly’s honour to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre, or to any charity of their choice.
Obituaries
GORDON CHARLES POLLOCK
Gordon Pollock, at the age 94, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on the morning of Sunday, September 17, at Grace Hospital. Funeral services took place at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Wednesday, September 20, Pallbearers were grandsons, Jeremy Lee and Samuel Pollock, granddaughters Samantha Pollock and Marni Weiss and nephews Joey Katz and Paul Kowall.
Gordon had 5 children: Marshall (Judy), Michael (Ronni), Raymie, who passed away in 2008 (Maureen), Joey (Laura) and Avrum (Tracy); 12 grandchildren: Marni (Jason), Lea (Ari), Jeremy (Stacey), Jonas (who passed away in 2020), Richard (Sarah), Adam (Samantha), Samantha (Ben), Danielle (Jonathan), Liam, Samuel, Benjamin and Alyssa; and 14 great-grandchildren: Sarah, Sammi, Sophie, Julia, Bridget, Mason, Max, Mia, Aiden, Benny Ray, Goldie, Raya, Max and Sydney.
Gordon was predeceased by his loving wife of almost 67 years, Mimi (Bursten), his parents, Sam and Sluva Pollock, mother-in-law Chana and father-in-law Joseph Bursten, sister Myra and husband Chiam, brother Mischa, brother Harvey and wife Sylvia, sister-in law Sookie and husband Zenith, and brothers-in-law Leslie and Raymie Bursten. In addition to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his sister Cecile and husband Monte Kowall, sister-in-law Lynn Pollock, as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families. He had the unenviable status of outliving many of his life-long friends and would talk about them very fondly. He remained, well into his 90s, very sharp and loved to go out for meals, play bridge, do puzzles, play Rummikub, tell jokes, and was an avid follower of politics and current events.
Gordon was one of the longest practicing members of the Manitoba Law Society and prided himself on being a lawyer for clients of all walks of life, races and religions, many of whom were welcomed to his house on evenings and weekends to sign documents, as they were working people who couldn’t get off work during the day. He was a man with great patience and put the welfare of others above himself. He gave unconditionally to his family and friends, many times at his own expense. His and Mimi’s house always had an open door policy to which many of his family will attest. He loved to cook and barbeque and many times for 20 plus at a time. He and Mimi enjoyed traveling and especially to Palm Springs for many years. They will be missed by all that knew them.
We would like to thank Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his kind words and wonderful service and the many home care workers for their wonderful assistance over the last year. Donations can be made to the Gordon and Miriam Pollock Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to the charity of your choice.
