Obituaries
GARY BRIAN JACOB
(February 3, 1956 – June 20, 2018)
Gary Brian Jacob was born in Winnipeg, Canada, the third child, and first son of his parents, Joy Shibou and Ted Jacob.
His birth brought great joy to the extended family, as he was the first male in his generation capable of carrying on the Jacob name.
Gary’s early formative years were spent in Winnipeg, where he attended and graduated from Ravenscourt. Gary excelled in almost any physical activity he performed. He smiled wryly whenever he recounted the story of being forced to play goalie in a hockey game and admitted freely that he shut his eyes every time the puck approached. During at least one break in his studies, Gary apprenticed as an electrician in Los Angeles, an experience that gave him the confidence and the knowledge to take on almost any do-it-yourself project, which during his life time included building a telescope, a plane, a house, all sorts of machines, and countless renovations. Gary graduated from the University of Manitoba, became a chartered accountant, and took a job with Hobart Industries in Belgium in the early 80s.
Gary (affectionately known as “Gersh” by his immediate family) was as independent as he was adventurous and he had a way of popping in and out of our lives, but seldom forgot a birthday. When he tired of accounting and travelling throughout Europe, he returned to Canada and eventually settled down again in Winnipeg to learn the furrier/tanning business from his cousin Marty Cohn. Gary was not an employee, he was a sole proprietor, and in the early 90s he branched out first to set up a tannery in Greenville, South Carolina, then moved on to Nova Scotia, and eventually ended up in Anchorage, Alaska where he opened up Alpha Fur Dressers (because “A” being the first letter in the alphabet meant that Alpha Fur would likely be listed as the first business in a phone directory).
Gary loved the outdoors, he loved his business, he loved all physical activities, he loved his friends, he loved good food, and he loved life. He skied, swam, fished, jogged, went boating, loved camping, biked, hiked and did yoga. The long cold winter nights led Gary to take up the piano and painting. He became one of the “frozen chosen”, actively participating in many Chabad activities and mitzvot, including the purchase of a torah for the community in memory of his father.
About ten years ago, he met Melanie Duchin at a Passover seder and eventually they were married. Melanie and Gary were able to spend several wonderful years together traveling to Hawaii, Vietnam, Indonesia, Argentina, Chile and Spain. After receiving the unimaginable and grim diagnosis of a glioblastoma two years ago, Gary devoted much of his life to putting his affairs in order for Melanie. He sold his business, renovated and rented out the house, and moved to Los Angeles to be closer to the world class neuro-oncology center that treated him at UCLA.
He was content to hike when he could, and remained the same quiet, unassuming, understated man that he always was. He was a private person, who held his emotions close to his heart. He was courteous and respectful. He retained his intellectual curiosity and dry wit to the bitter end. He said his biggest problem was that like all other recently retired men, he had far too much time on his hands, and he didn’t know how to fill the hours of his days. He was a good listener, not a big talker, and he chose his words with great care and deliberation. One of the last things he said to us was “I want to thank my family for being there for me during this difficult time”.
Special thanks go out to the extraordinary medical team headed by Dr. Tim Cloughesy at UCLA, and to Rabbi Zushi Cunin (Chabad Pacific Palisades), Rabbi Yosef Greenberg (Chabad Anchorage), and Rabbi Mendel Lipskier (Chabad Sherman Oaks) for uplifting all of our hearts with their spiritual guidance and wisdom in Gary’s final weeks and hours. We also want to acknowledge the beautiful memorial that Yhetta Gold hosted for Gary in her home in Winnipeg and the videos that she sent us from that event and thank all the friends and relatives for their notes and thoughts about Gary.
Gary is survived by his wife Melanie; his mother Joy Sures; his step mother Rita Shapera Jacob (who embraced Gary as one of her own); his brothers and sisters (and their spouses) including Lisa Gabay, Jennifer (Reinhard) Volz, Sari (Simon) Dickenson, Ron Sures, Elyanne Sures, Jay Sures, Nolan (Lori) Shapera, Caryn (Paul) Martin and Blair (Lois) Shapera; Melanie’s parents Richard and Irma Duchin; Melanie’s brother Michael and his partner John Perfumo; Gary’s aunt Carla Shibou and aunt and uncle Simmie and Keith Shibou; numerous nieces and nephews, countless cousins, and friends galore.
Gersh was laid to rest on a quiet hillside in the garden of eden section of Eden Memorial Park in Mission Hills, California, surrounded by mountains reminiscent of the majestic Alaskan peaks through which he once roamed.
Obituaries
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).
Obituaries
EDWARD (BARNEY) SEGAL
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward “Barney” Segal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Barney will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Elaine (Paul) Olin; his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephew: Jason Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Jessica and Shirley Ransby; Brenlee, David, Hayley, and Leah Selchen; and Daniel, Jordi, Poppy, and Skylar Olin; Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sam Segal (1998) and Louise Segal (2006), and by his sister, Dolly Chisick (December 2025).
Barney was born on April 27, 1955, in Winnipeg, where he lived his entire life. He spent his formative years on Lansdowne Avenue, a place that remained close to his heart and was filled with many fond memories throughout his life. Barney was the youngest of four children, and from an early age, he was a spirited and energetic presence, full of personality and spark.
Barney carried that same determination and energy into his adult life. With an unwavering work ethic, he pursued a career in education while working full-time, earning his degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to dedicate many years to teaching and supporting schools throughout Winnipeg. Barney took great pride in helping students grow, always striving to make a lasting impression on the young people whose lives he touched.
He was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, and the communities he served. Barney found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: cheering on the Chicago Bears, sharing vivid stories about his parents and days gone by, riding his motorcycle, and heading out on long road trips in his beloved Jeep, “Sparky,” always in search of the next good story.
Barney will be remembered for his strong spirit, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to those around him. His presence filled a room, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Olin, Jason Olin, Laurie Gorenstein, Jeff Brown, Gavin Rich, and Mark Lomow. Honorary pallbearers were Brenlee Selchen, David Selchen, Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman, Jordi Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Rick Lousier, Ben Szymkow, Ron Nelson, Leroy Fox, Robert Marvin, and Gerry Dudley.
In memory of Barney, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.