Obituaries
EASTON LEXIER
Easton Irving Lexier was born May 8, 1926, the first child for Jack and Lena Lexier of Winnipeg. Born sickly, baby Lexier received a blood transfusion – a radical treatment at the time – that saved his young life and allowed him to thrive for a full 93 years.
Easton grew up along with his younger sister, Helen May, in the north end of Winnipeg where Easton would meet his life-long friends, as well as his wife Debby (Deborah). He had many fond memories of his childhood, even though he grew up during the Depression.
He started elementary school at Isbister School, before moving over to Champlain School in Grade 4. It was there that he eventually became Crossing Patrol Captain at Champlain, one of the first schools in Winnipeg to adopt the patrol program.
Easton moved to Machray School for Junior High School before moving onto the famed St. Johns Tech for high school where he fondly remembered great teachers and lots of good times. During this time, The Triple E club was formed at the YMHA of which Easton was a founding member. The Entirely Eminent Esquires chummed around and produced dinners and dances; along with help from some of the girls’ clubs at the time. These members became and remained life-long friends.
With the end of the Second World War in June 1945, Easton’s May call-up on his 19th birthday was no longer required. In the fall of 1945 Easton pursued an Engineering degree at the University of Manitoba at the old Osborne Street Campus, graduating in May 1948 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree.
Easton joined his cousin Cecil Blankstein at one of the only Jewish architectural firms in Winnipeg, Green Blankstein Russell Architects (GBR), as one of their first full-time Structural Engineers. Easton would spend 50 continuous years in service to GBR Architects and Engineers spending the last 20 plus as managing partner. While at GBR he would be involved in scores of projects around the country and outside, including many of Winnipeg’s iconic structures, such as City Hall, the old Airport, and the Asper Jewish Community Campus. He took great pride in his professional achievements and his long-standing commitment to Manitoba’s architectural legacy.
Easton became politically active in the 1960s when he became involved in the campaigns of Mailtan B. Steinkopf, a man of substance and integrity, and someone Easton greatly admired. He went on to actively campaign for other Conservative Party candidates, Bud Sherman and Sidney Spivack.
Firmly committed to public safety in the design and construction of public and private buildings, Easton contributed his expertise to the Winnipeg Building Commission, first serving as a member and then as Chair. At the national level, he went on to serve for over two decades on the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes in various capacities, including as Chair.
Easton was a strong contributor to the Jewish community as well.
Easton enjoyed the camaraderie at the old All-Jewish Maple Leaf Curling Club, ultimately acting as President until the club closed their building in the early 1970s.
The Lexiers were a founding family of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Easton served in numerous capacities, including President of the congregation in the late 1980s. He remained a member of the Building Committee for many years.
He invested a lot of his time and efforts into the community. This sense of duty, and model behaviour, greatly inspired his children to make volunteerism, advocacy, and political action part of their ethos. It was partly as a result of this, that in 1997 a scholarship was created in his name at the University of Manitoba to financially support Engineering students who demonstrate these traits.
He was a great support to his wife of 68 years, Debby. Together they raised three children, travelled, entertained, enjoyed their grandchildren, and produced their multi award-winning garden at 690 Lanark, at the home they built together and treasured for over 60 years.
Predeceased by his parents, Jack and Lena, as well as his dear sister Helen May, Easton leaves his wife Debby, daughter Jill Lexier (Neil Samuels), sons, Jonathan (Paula) Lexier and Micah Lexier (Guy Anderson), grandchildren, Josh Lexier, Suzanne Lexier and Lex Samuels, as well as some 50 nieces and nephews.
He led a full and productive life to be celebrated, and he will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, tributes can be made to the Easton I. Lexier Award for Community Leadership at the University of Manitoba.
Obituaries
CHERYL SAPER
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cheryl Zina Saper, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Winnipeg community. Cheryl passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on June 2, 2024, surrounded by her family and loved ones, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Cheryl was born on February 18, 1954, in Winnipeg to her loving parents, Jack and Betty Saper.
Cheryl is survived by her three devoted sons, Daniel (Nena), Steven (Maryam), and Abram (Maddie), and her precious grandchildren, Jacob, Maya, Lyla, and Adam, who were the light of her life. Her unwavering love and support for her family will be deeply missed.
A woman of great intellect and warmth, Cheryl had a passion for reading and cherished her time spent chatting with friends. Her ability to learn your life story in a phone call was one of her greatest talents. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to build a successful business from the ground up, providing a comfortable life for herself and her sons. She was not only a successful businesswoman but also a constant presence in her children’s lives, particularly in their sporting activities. Cheryl loved to travel, and when on vacation could often be found poolside with a book in hand or making connections with the locals.
Cheryl had a deep love for dogs, and there was always one in the house, bringing joy and companionship to her and her family. She would often include the dog in the list of names when calling for her children, Daniel, Steven, Abram, Dawson!
Cheryl was an active member of the Jewish community in Winnipeg, contributing her time and energy to various community activities and events. Her dedication and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
Cheryl was laid to rest at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
ARIEL GLINTER
Ariel Glinter, beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend, died in Winnipeg on June 11, 2024. He was 36 years old. Ariel was born in Winnipeg, MB, where he attended the Talmud Torah I. L. Peretz Folk School, the Gray Academy of Jewish Education, and the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. He graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and from the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba with a Juris Doctor degree. In law school he received numerous awards for academic excellence, including Dean’s Honour List in 2010 – 2011 and 2011 – 2012. After practicing law for three years at Aikins, MacAulay & Thorvaldson LLP, Ariel joined Maqabim Distributors as director of business development and regulatory compliance. In his role at Maqabim he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues throughout the industry for his knowledge, passion, acumen, and good humour. Ariel was a generous, kind, passionate, and insightful person who had a profound impact on those who knew him. He is survived by his parents, Nancy and Harry; his siblings, Ruthie (Daniel), Ezra, Hannah (Koby), and Leah; and by many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be mourned and missed by his family and by the many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Obituaries
SHEILA ESTELLE LINDER May 27, 1934 – June 14, 2024
The family of Sheila Linder announces her passing after a long life well lived. Sheila was the beloved wife of Elvin (Al), cherished mother to Faith (Hart) Kaplan, Nadine Linder and Marshall Linder, adored Baba to Adam (Michaela) Kaplan, Yael Kaplan, Hadera Short, and Jeremy (CC) Short. She will be lovingly remembered by her siblings Rita Shapera Jacob and Gerald (Pauline) Silverman, 38 nieces and nephews, six cousins and many dear friends.
Sheila grew up in Winnipeg’s north end as the middle child of Dolly Rossen and Isadore Silverman, surrounded by three generations of the extended Silverman, Levitan and Rossen families, whose stories of mischief and daring, poverty and prosperity, sorrow and joy were shared with her children to reinforce the importance of family.
Al met Sheila at a dance when she was 17, confided to a friend that she was the girl he would marry, and began courting her. They were married on December 26, 1953. Sheila enjoyed her career as a Kelly Girl office temp and Al joined his father-in-law at Western Scrap Metals.
Sheila and Al created a wonderful life during their 72 years together. As a young married woman, she played Mahjong, bowled in a 10-pin league, and volunteered with women’s service groups including Hadassah WIZO and Pioneer Women. When she and Al were ready to start a family, they adopted three children into a home filled with love and Jewish values.
She learned to speak Yiddish growing up and took Hebrew lessons as an adult to help her children with their homework. Her volunteerism expanded to included school PTAs and the Manitoba Association for Children with Learning Disabilities. When a newly formed couples’ group was created in the ’70s, Sheila became involved in its programming and was co-chair for a period of time. Sheila and Al recently attended a Yachad program, still going strong after 50 years, where they were proudly among the oldest members.
Sheila and Al travelled to Israel, Europe, Mexico, Jamaica and enjoyed family trips to Detroit Lakes, Miami Beach, Disney Land, and Disney World. In their later years they wintered in Palm Springs and Florida.
Sheila loved people and their life stories. She was an avid reader, and encouraged her children’s reading by filling the family home with books, comics, and magazine subscriptions, including the complete World Book encyclopedia. Her standard response to any question: “Look it up”. She was always well informed and ready to discuss current affairs.
She enjoyed shopping, and every life-cycle event was celebrated with a card, a gift, and often, a new outfit. The Linder home was filled with beautiful furniture, paintings, fabrics, and collectibles. A consummate hostess, her parties were always tailored to the occasion with special foods and serving pieces reserved for that particular event. Her daily essentials included flowers and plants, classic films, autobiographies and novels, the newspaper and TV news, crossword puzzles, bread, sweets, and her iPad.
Sheila Linder was a generous soul whose love for family and friends was boundless. She and Al lived independently in their condo with devoted assistance provided by her dear friend Maria. The family is indebted to the medical professionals who provided care over the years.
Sheila attended summer camp when she was 15 and it changed her life. Donations in her memory may be made to the Sunshine Fund for Campers or a charity of your choice.