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
LAWRENCE WERIER
Lawrence Werier passed away at home in Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 6 at the age of 98.
We thought he might live to 100, but it was not to be. Even though he was diminished by dementia in recent years, he still sparkled with an indomitable spirit that could not be missed, whether he was dancing with his many beloved caregivers or sitting quietly with his wife or children. He brought an intense energy to everything he accomplished, such as building a business, making a sale, playing tennis or scuba diving in some remote location.
His work at Goldin and Company was both challenging and joyful, and his entrepreneurial creativity brought him to Asia regularly, where he had close friends in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He married Eddy in 1949, and she remained the love of his life. They traveled the world together on many exotic trips, and in each place he would seek out adventure and fun. He was a force of life and an energetic presence who kept working and living and devouring experiences, always insisting that “the cup is half full.”
Many remember Lawrence as a great storyteller because he could never resist the impulse to share his exciting escapades with others. He didn’t retire until the age of 83, and even after formally ending his business, he continued to wheel and deal from home. In all of these passionate endeavors, he always had time for his children and grandchildren when they came to visit. His love of family was profound, and he demonstrated this love by generously bringing everyone together—children, spouses, grandchildren and Eddy—at treasured family gatherings in Costa Rica, St. Lucia and Mexico.
In recent days, people have reacted almost with astonishment that Lawrence has passed away, as if such a powerful energy might continue. We feel his loss deeply, along with his many friends in Winnipeg and beyond.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Eddy, and his children, Kerry, Cliff and Jodie, and their spouses, Suzanne, Sabrina, and Michael. He is missed by his two granddaughters, Cynthia (her partner, Matt) and Alex. Lawrence was predeceased by his beloved grandson Koby. Lawrence had many wonderful caregivers at “the Shafts,” too numerous to mention, but Tess Braun was his special friend and honorary daughter, to whom the family is grateful beyond words. Tess, Chris, Mavis, Jonathon and Jules made him comfortable in his final days, and we extend thanks to them all.
Donations in his memory can be made to Shalom Residences (shalomresidences.com).
Obituaries
BETTY JOAN KATZ
Betty Katz passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024, at the age of 94.
She was predeceased by her husband, Melvyn (Mel) and her daughter, Michelle.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Alana (Ted) and Bonnie (Howard); her son, Andy; grandchildren, Jonathan (Leiba) and Jeremy; and great-grandchildren, Louis and Ada.
Betty and Mel were high school sweethearts and married in 1953. Shortly thereafter, they purchased their cherished home on Lanark Street where they lived until after their 60th wedding anniversary. As the children grew older, Betty began a career in property management.
Betty is fondly remembered for her outgoing nature, wit, tenacity, and her great cooking, notably – her signature dish – Spaghetti a la Betty Katz.
Thank you to the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre where Betty received excellent care for the last eight years. Betty enjoyed the recreational activities and every opportunity to sit outdoors and at the sunny windows. Despite living with dementia, she was heard singing the words to “oldies” whenever there was an opportunity.
Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for leading a beautiful funeral service in Betty’s honour at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on October 28, 2024.
Obituaries
MARJORIE BAKALINSKY
It is with heavy hearts and deepest sadness that our family announce the peaceful passing of our dear sweet mother Marjorie Bakalinsky.
Mom passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Simkin Centre.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Rose and Joseph Weinstein; her sister Shirley; her in-laws, Dora and Beryl Bakalinsky; her sister-in-law Rosalie; and most recently, her dearest brother in-law Shia. Mom is survived by her loving and dedicated life long partner Leonard; her children Rachelle (Bob), Marty (Theresa), Cheryl (Avrum) and Gayle (Frank); her loving grandchildren, Jennifer, David (Andrea), Daniel, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Carllen, and Jerrett; her sister Kayla (Saul), sister-in-law Miriam (Jerry), and many nieces and nephews.
Mom was born in Winnipeg on March 7, 1935. She was raised as a youngster in the north end on Burrows Ave, then moved to Ferry Rd in St. James where her parents owned a grocery store. After graduating high school in 1953, she enrolled in nursing school in Chicago. She spent one year studying in Chicago, came home for summer break, met our dad, fell in love and didn’t go back. On June 5, 1955, Mom and Dad exchanged their wedding vows and were able to celebrate 69 years of marital bliss.
Mom always put others in front of herself, especially our dad, her children and grandchildren. She was the most unselfish woman we have ever known and loved. The matriarch of our family. Our home on Coralberry Ave. was always an open door to our many childhood friends.
Mom loved our cottage at Falcon Lake where many wonderful memories were made over the years, with her grandchildren always by her side. That gave her the greatest joy.
For over 25 years Mom and Dad’s second home was in Margate, Florida. Every year Mom would welcome her children and grandchildren to their Florida home, where there was always a home cooked meal on the dinner table.
There were many things Mom loved to do. One was playing mahjong with her weekly groups in Winnipeg and in Florida. Mom was an active member of Hadassah and was very involved in the Bnay Abraham Synagogue sisterhood. All of these were secondary to her love for her husband, children and grandchildren.
When it came to the point where her family felt Mom was no longer safe in her own home, Dad made the very difficult decision to make the Simkin Centre her new home. All the staff at Simkin who cared for Mom treated her with respect and dignity. Mom’s family will forever be grateful to the wonderful people at the Simkin Centre.
To Rabbi Matthew Leibl, thank you for being a source of support for our family. Your presence helped guide us through mom’s stay in Simkin.
Mom, we love you to the moon and back and beyond.
Forever remembered, forever loved!
In loving memory of our mom, Marjorie, donations can be made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, or to the charity of your choice.
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