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
NELLIE (NELL) LABOVITCH
Nellie (Nell) Labovitch passed away peacefully in her home on December 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Our hearts are grateful for the 103 years she blessed our lives.
Nell was predeceased by her beloved husband Morris of 56 years (2000), her eldest daughter Shelley Nimchonok (2019) and son-in-law Robert (Bob) Walker (2015). Nell will forever be missed by her children Connie (Darrel) Donen, Joy Walker (Bob), Sharon Elston, and son-in-law Meyer Nimchonok (Shelley) and her grandchildren Kevin (Mony) Nimchonok, Shauna (Aaron) Lindzon, Maury Donen (Jennifer Luong), Jason Donen (Kristin Macaraeg), Erin Walker, Adam (Samantha) Walker, Sean Walker (Lindsey Markusson), Chad (Sawako) Elston, Cori (Tonio) Ettienne and her great-grandchildren Jay, Eli, Jordan, Emily, Max, Carmen, Matteo, Logan, Dylan, Caleb, Hana, Jun, Prism and Onyx and her brothers, Sam (predeceased Rita) Bebchuk, Dr. William (Elaine) Bebchuk and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Nell was predeceased by her parents, Ettie and Joseph Bebchuk, her sisters, Marian Margolis (Joe Berz), Bessie (Mitchell) Schachter and parents- in-law, Rachel, and Hymie Labovitch; brothers and sisters inlaw, Sam Labovitch, Dr. Bill Lyons, Jack Lyons; Brina Bressler, Lil Seigel, Rose Weiner, and Sylvia Fritz.
Nell and Morris were married within a short courtship of only three weeks as they knew immediately that they were for each other. The connection that they had was undeniable. They were renowned for their shared love of dancing and moving together with extraordinary elegance and effortless skill. They met life’s challenges with a united front, setting a beautiful example of their lifelong commitment.
Nell took pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always made each one of them feel special. She enjoyed pampering everyone with their favourite dishes. Her life was filled with an abundance of family, laughter, love, and optimism.
Even in her later years Nell remained vigorous and active, powerwalking at her gym into her late 90’s. One had to stand in line for a chance to be one of her walking partners, even when she was walking with a walker. Her nightly ritual was to say special prayers not only for everyone who needed praying for, but also for those who were close to her. On special occasions it was a treat to receive her amazing poetry. Nell retained a remarkably keen mind and enjoyed tackling word games well into her 90’s.
In her later years, she was surrounded by a phenomenal team of caregivers who considered her as close as a grandmother. With special gratitude to Ruth, and Amandeep who were by her side until the end. With thanks also to Jenna and The Right At Home staff. She was truly an extraordinary soul, matriarch, and an inspiration to us all.
Nell’s joyful spirit is heartfelt and will forever be with us. We will all live by three words that she recited endlessly to everyone that she met – “Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy.”
Funeral Services were held on December 3, 2025, at a private graveside ceremony for immediate family members. Thank you to the Pallbearers: Maury Donen, Jason Donen, Adam Walker, Erin Walker, Chad Elston, and Tonio Ettienne.
If desired, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or plant a tree in Nell’s memory.
Obituaries
FAYE VICKAR LAZER November 18, 1950 – December 3, 2025
It is with deep sadness we announce Faye Vickar Lazer passed away on December 3, 2025 at the age of 75. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, patience, and quiet strength.
She will be greatly missed by her husband Joel Lazer; son Lawrence Cohen and daughter-in-law Szandra Temesvari; daughter Jilda Lazer, son-in-law Cameron Quinn and grandchildren, Noa and Eli; daughter Sara Lazer, son-in-law Christopher Maissan and grandchildren, Elliot, Simone and Lila; twin sister Reva Micflicker and brother-in-law Allan; brother Larry Vickar and sister-in-law Tova; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Norman and Florence Vickar.
Faye grew up in Melfort, SK and lived there until she moved to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba. First studying nursing, she quickly changed her focus to education. She taught for 34 years in the Winnipeg School Division, teaching nursery and kindergarten at Victoria-Albert, River Elm, King Edward, and Glenelm. She was her students’ first, and often favourite, teacher and over the years, fostered a love of learning and reading in hundreds of kids.
Faye and Joel were married in 1987 at Birch Island Resort in Minaki, Ontario, where family and friends were invited to celebrate their love and share in their love of fishing. Since then, they have spent their summers in the area fishing for pickerel, enjoying shore lunches of fish and fries, and in more recent years, spending time on the lake with their grandchildren.
Faye spent the last part of her life living at the Simkin Centre. When asked about it she would tell people happily “if you have to be in a place like this, this is the best place to be!” The family would like to thank the administration and management at the Simkin Centre and especially the team in Simkin 2 for their attentive care. The family is also grateful to the team of caregivers – Lovely, Luisa and Maria – who helped keep Faye happy and healthy for so long.
Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on December 5, 2025. Pallbearers were Elliot Lazer-Maissan, Noa Lazer Quinn, Sam Vickar, Stephen Vickar, Heather Micflikier and Liam Gutkin. Donations can be made to the Simkin Centre Foundation in Faye’s memory at https://www.simkincentre.ca/giving/.
Obituaries
KEVIN PAUL STEINBERG June 1, 1967 – October 29, 2025
It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Kevin Steinberg (O’Neil) on October 29, 2025 at the age of 58 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He will be forever remembered by his mom Donna, sister Debbie (Marc), brother Jeff (Jocelyn), nieces and nephews, Josh (Dena), Zach, Samantha (Sean), Jaidyn, Jordyn, Jilliyn, Jayson and great-nephew Benny, his aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends across Winnipeg, Toronto, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Palm Springs and beyond. Kevin was predeceased by his dad Eddie and stepdad Ernest.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Kevin moved to Toronto at 19 years of age. He attended Ryerson Theatre School and quickly earned his Equity and ACTRA cards. After winning the U.S. Green Card Lottery he moved to Los Angeles. Within a couple of years he appeared on Seinfeld, Frasier, Married with Children and more. He later worked behind the scenes in TV and film. Kevin also had a great job in catering and told fun stories of the famous people he worked for in L.A.
In 2006 Kevin returned home to Winnipeg, where he continued acting and design. He later moved back to Toronto to join a design firm. It was there he was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a rare head and neck cancer. Despite his diagnosis, Kevin lived fully – auditioning, writing and travelling. During COVID he launched a podcast – Everyday Heroes. He also shared cooking videos, learned to sketch and kept creating. Kevin thrived, inspiring everyone around him with his resilience, humour and zest for life. Kevin always lived “in the moment”, he embraced life as it came. He will be remembered for his creativity, humour, courage and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Hochman, CancerCare Manitoba, Lisa and the whole team at Palliative Care, Rabbi Matthew Leibl, Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and MAID.
Kevin requested that donations be made to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation www.accrf.org