Obituaries
Evelyn Gurvey
Peacefully, on May 18th, 2023, Evelyn Gurvey passed away at North York General Hospital in Toronto. She was predeceased by her loving husband Harry, and her beloved parents Hymie and Marion Mozart. Evelyn will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children Martin Gurvey (Brenda), Gayla Schwartz (Ken) and Alan Gurvey (Nancy); grandchildren, Faren Asaria (Roy), Marli Lichtman (Kyle), Harlan Gurvey (Amanda), Rayna Schwartz (Bas), Lisa, Carly, Ali and Lindsey Schwartz, Hudson and Harper Gurvey; great-grandchildren Asher and Maya Asaria, Max Lichtman, Madison Gurvey, and Benson and Oliver de Beer; sister Mindy Cantor, and many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
Evelyn was born in Winnipeg on June 4, 1931. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1952 and enjoyed a fulfilling career in library sciences, first working at the McGill University Library in Montreal. After several years raising her children, she returned to the University of Manitoba Elizabeth Dafoe Library in 1975, and then concluded her career at the University of Manitoba Medical School Library in 1986. She was respected and loved by students and professors alike, dedicated and committed to her supervisory role in the library until her retirement.
After retiring from the University of Manitoba, Evelyn volunteered for many worthy causes, including the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Leisure Group, the Gwen Sector Creative Living Center, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the Women’s Committee of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, for which she was profoundly proud.
Evelyn was thoughtful and caring. She was the soul of wit, the cornerstone of reason, and the picture of love, exhibiting unwavering support and a keen sense of humour. This was superimposed on an adventurous, youthful spirit and infectious personality that was a guiding matriarchal light on her ever-growing family. She had never-ending optimism, always ready with a witty and insightful quip.
She was well-known and well-loved for her cooking and baking, often traveling near and far with an Oreo, strawberry or cherry cheesecake, Tia Maria tort, shortbread cookies or her famous marble cake to share with neighbors, family and friends. She was renowned for her meatballs, which were particularly savoured by her grandchildren.
Evelyn’s interests were widespread, with a profound love of music and musical theatre. She took every opportunity to sing in a choir, whether it was on a cruise ship, at synagogue or in the community. She danced with passion, always with a big smile on her face.
She also loved to travel. Evelyn spent many years traveling with her husband of 49 years, Harry, enjoying many vacations, particularly cruises and road trips with her family. After Harry passed away, she traveled extensively, often by herself, making new friends and relishing new experiences.
Evelyn was a frequent guest on her son Alan’s Los Angeles based radio show, Gurvey’s Law. She often shared the microphone with legal luminaries, actors, athletes and news personalities, holding her own with intelligence and good humour. She was a natural on the radio, adding insightful and meaningful commentary to almost any subject.
Evelyn had a way with words, ushering her way though life with sentiments of encouragement, jokes and philosophical sayings. Her love of art, opera, symphony, philosophy, literature and sports inspired many of these interests in her children and grandchildren. She was a dedicated fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Minnesota Vikings. Evelyn loved summer days at the family cottage at West Hawk Lake, where she enjoyed relaxing and spending time with family.
Funeral services were held at Chesed Shel Emes in Winnipeg on May 22, 2023. Pallbearers were grandchildren Faren Asaria, Marli Lichtman, Harlan Gurvey, Rayna Schwartz, Lisa Schwartz and Carly Schwartz.
If friends and family so desire, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (204-949-3999), or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
LOUIS COLISH FEBRUARY 15, 1945 – APRIL 23, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Louis Colish at the Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by friends. He was predeceased by his parents, William (Bill) and Bessie, whom he deeply cherished. Loui considered his father to be his best friend and he was a devoted caregiver to his mother in her later years.
Born in Winnipeg on February 15, 1945, Louis grew up in Garden City. He had a long and fulfilling career as a Reference Librarian at the West Kildonan Library, where he assisted countless patrons with their questions. Even in retirement, people he would meet often recognized him as “the librarian”.
Louis cherished his relationships with his family and friends. Those who had the privilege of knowing him described him as incredibly friendly, one of their favourite people, and simply the nicest guy.
A lifelong learner, Louis treasured his extensive book collection, with a particular love for astronomy and the works of Carl Sagan. He delighted in sharing stories of his travels to Europe, Hawaii, Arizona, Disney World, and his most cherished destination, Israel. He also enjoyed attending his bowling league, the Rady JCC’s senior program, and the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre. He loved music from the 1940s and 50s and delighted in performing his favourite tunes in talent shows at the Rady JCC and Gwen Secter programs.
Louis was a devoted member of the Rosh Pina and Etz Chayim synagogues. Fellow congregants fondly remember his passionate and dramatic chanting of the Prayer for Peace from the bimah—a heartfelt expression of his deep hope for a peaceful world.
A graveside service was held on April 25, 2025, at Rosh Pina Memorial Park.
Louis was a kind and generous soul who will be missed but never forgotten.
Obituaries
HERB SINGER
Peacefully, with his family by his side, Herb Singer passed away on April 3, 2025.
He is survived by his daughters, Leslie (Sheppy Coodin), Marnie and Sheryl (Kevin Segall). He is also survived by grandchildren, Josh Glow (Leah), Sari Glow, Justin Segall and Hayden Segall, his brother Earl (Mimi), and sisters-in-law, Maureen Steinfeld (Leo) and Bonnie Dressler (Kenny). He was predeceased by his wife Myrna, his parents, Anne and Dave Singer and in-laws, Irma and Harry Nepon.
Herb was born on February 26, 1944, in Winnipeg and spent his early years on the family farm in Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan before the family moved into the city, eventually settling on Smithfield in the North End.
Herb attended West Kildonan Collegiate, excelling in both academics and sports. Herb and Myrna grew up between Salter and Aikins but did not attend the same high school because the back lane between Smithfield (where Herb lived) and McAdam (where Myrna lived) was the dividing marker for St. John’s and West Kildonan. They met in 1960, having been introduced by a neighbour of Myrna’s who was friends with Herb. It was love at first sight; they married in 1966 after graduating from the University of Manitoba.
Herb received his CA designation in 1972. He began his career in public practice but then switched to working as the controller of GIII Limited, which he said allowed him to spend more time with his family.
Herb and Myrna loved spending summers with their girls travelling to Detroit Lakes with other Winnipeggers. Later years found the family travelling campgrounds in Canada and the US in the trailer and finally settling in for summers at Gimli, where the family has happy memories of days at the beach and nights by the campfire.
Herb was an athlete all his life; he played basketball and football as a teenager and then played squash, tennis, racquetball and golf as an adult. Herb spent much of his retirement on the golf courses with friends and grandchildren and also loved his bowling league.
Herb and Myrna loved travelling and together explored China, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, England and Israel just to mention a few places.
Herb was an extremely social person and connected with many people over the years through golf, bowling, bridge and through winters in Palm Springs.
Herb was a supporter of community organizations over his years. He helped organize fundraising dinners for Talmud Torah when his children were students, he was umpire at his girls’ baseball games and in later years, he helped with fundraising at Congregation Etz Chayim, particularly with the yearly Golf tournament as well as the Lottery Brunch. He also donated blood well over 100 times.
His most rewarding role was that of Zaida. He loved spending time with his grandchildren whether it was attending concerts, games or marking a special occasion. He would always make sure his freezer was full of meatballs and ice cream and his cupboard was full of treats for their visits.
Herb loved watching sports on TV and rarely missed a Bomber or Jets game. He particularly enjoyed watching with his family and friends and thought himself an excellent armchair coach!
A funeral service was held at Chesed Shel Emes with burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park on April 4, 2025.
Those who are wishing to honour Herb are encouraged to make a donation in his memory to Congregation Etz Chayim or to the charity of their choice.
Obituaries
YHETTA MIRIAM GOLDCM, OM, BA
September 3, 1929 – April 25, 2025
Yhetta passed away at home on her own terms.
As per her wishes, there will be no service.
The family would like to thank Realcare Inc, particularly Kristina, Ana, Agrima and Chantal for their compassion and expertise.
For those that would like to make a donation in her memory, please consider a gift to the Yhetta Gold Campership Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3N 2B4, jewishfoundation.org, or to a charity of your choice.
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