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
ABBOT KARASICK
1930 – 2025
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Abbot Karasick on December 29, 2025, at the age of 95. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and outgoing personality, always willing to lend a hand or an ear to others in need.
Abbot leaves behind Ruth, his wife of 72 years; son Brian and daughter-in-law Cheryl Shinfield; daughter Brenlee and son-in-law Matthew Posner; grandchildren Caleb, Sarah and Glen Boden, and Alex; great-grandson Eli, and many nieces and nephews.
The youngest of five children, he was predeceased by his brother Ben, and sisters, Eva (Bermack), Rebecca (Dobbs) and Ann (Yutman).
Abbot was born in 1930, at the beginning of the Great Depression. While that may have made for a difficult early childhood, another historic event provided a fortuitous opportunity; while sandbagging during the 1950 Red River flood, he met Ruth, the love of his life. They were married soon after, in 1953.
Never one to remain idle, Abbot had three careers over his lifetime: the first in the fashion industry, the second in the life insurance industry, and the third, following his retirement, setting up and managing Ruth’s fashion business. He thrived on being with people and nurturing relationships and brought his warm personality with him everywhere he went. He was athletic in his youth and remained an avid golfer until well into his later years.
Abbot and Ruth travelled extensively, taking cruises around the world, from the Caribbean to Europe, and with their last cruise being a long-awaited one to Israel. They spent many winters in Hawaii and Las Vegas. After their children moved from Winnipeg, they added trips to see them regularly in Montreal, Ottawa, Boston and Grand Rapids, along with trips to visit family in Toronto and Los Angeles. They also enjoyed spending weekends at their cottage in Winnipeg Beach.
Abbot spent his last six months at the Clara and Saul Simkin Centre. The family would like to thank the administration and management at the Centre, the caregivers at Blossom for their compassionate support, and especially the team in Simkin 1 for their attentive care and support.
Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on December 31, 2025. Donations in Abbot’s memory can be made to the Simkin Centre Foundation, at https://www.simkincentre.ca/giving
Obituaries
NORMAN IRWIN SHORE
Norman Irwin Shore was born in Winnipeg on January 15, 1929 and passed away in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on December 27, 2025.
He was predeceased by his father, David Shore and his mother, Bertha Shore (Cossoy). Norm grew up in Winnipeg’s North End, a place that featured prominently in his many stories, along with his years at St. John’s High School.
Norm worked alongside his mother and father at the Shore Brothers family jewelry business on Portage Avenue. He later owned a collection agency, worked in property management, and ultimately spent the remainder of his working life as a manufacturer’s agent representing several well-known watch brands.
Norm married Beth (Slotin) in 1960, and together they raised two children, their daughter Sydney Shore and son Philip Shore.
Sports were a lifelong passion for Norm. He was an avid curler and loved baseball, but nothing rivalled his enduring loyalty to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, a team he first watched in the 1930s when they were known as the Winnipeg Rugby Football Club. Norm loved to tell the story of how he and his gang of friends would sneak into the old Osborne Stadium in his youth to watch their team play. Norm remained a steadfast Bomber fan throughout his life, holding seats on the East (Wild) side of Winnipeg Stadium, then later the West side. He attended games at Princess Auto Stadium, extending his diehard support for the Bombers until he passed away.
Norm’s lifelong friendships were a source of joy for him, and, as he survived one childhood friend after another in his later years, he made a point of remembering each one of them fondly to friends and family.
Norm’s interests were wide-ranging. He enjoyed reading historical fiction, listening to jazz from his extensive music collection, and spending time in the kitchen. He traveled the world into his late 80s, partly because his wife Beth owned and operated a travel agency, and partly because he was determined to spend time with his children and grandchild who spent extended periods of time living in countries as far away as Japan.
Generous with his time, Norm volunteered often. He assisted with his children’s softball and ice hockey teams and later volunteered at the Winnipeg Jazz Festival. He also volunteered as a driver for meals on wheels.
Norm is survived by his wife, Beth Shore; his daughter, Sydney Shore (Wayne Sharpe); his son, Philip Shore; and his grandson, Sam Sharpe.
Donations in Norm’s memory may be made to the Manitoba Jewish Foundation (Winnipeg).
Obituaries
ARTHUR WORTZMAN
Surrounded by his family Arthur Wortzman, lovingly known as Art, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025.
He is survived by his wife Adele Wortzman; his three children, Anita Wortzman (Ron Yurman), Susan Wortzman (Glenn Smith), Jason Wortzman (Teresa Rogers); his grandchildren, Lexie (Jacob), Haley, Liam, Hannah and Jack and his great-grandchildren, Shiloh and River.
Born in Winnipeg in 1929, Art grew up in the vibrant West End of Winnipeg as the youngest of three children. His upbringing was unique for the time, with his parents, Harry and Tillie, working together in their ladies’ clothing stores in Winnipeg and Vancouver. This partnership allowed for a bustling household, filled with the laughter of friends and family.
Art shared a close bond with his siblings, George and Eleanor, and their respective spouses Glory and Howie(Silver), as well as with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Allan and Marsha Maslove. Art inherited many wonderful traits from his parents: from his father, he learned the importance of love and devotion to one’s spouse, and from his mother, he gained a sense of humor, fun, and adventure.
Art’s love for his wife was evident throughout their 66 years of marriage. Adele reciprocated his love and care, looking after him at home and then ensuring he was never alone during his stays at Shaftesbury and Victoria Hospital.
Art’s legacy extends beyond his family. He was a talented athlete, playing football for Gordon Bell High School and U of M Law. Art pursued law at the University of Manitoba and practiced law for over 50 years, known for his ethics, practicality, and dedication. Art’s sense of humor, wisdom, and kindness were well-known. He was a mentor and friend to many, offering wise counsel and support to many clients, friends and other lawyers.
Art’s adventurous spirit was evident throughout his life in Winnipeg, at Falcon Lake and travels to Mexico and Israel. He introduced his family to many activities, from snowmobiling to cross-country skiing, and completed a marathon at 52 years old. He was always game for fun, whether it was Lake Olympics or a historic bike ride on Pipeline Road. In his later years, Art continued to embrace new experiences, from ziplining across the Jordan River to making bread with his grandchildren. He was a talented craftsman, creating Adirondack chairs and vegetable gardens at the lake. Art’s love for learning inspired his family. His grandchildren, Lexie, Haley, Liam, Hannah, and Jack, shared countless adventures and cherished moments with their Zaida.
He was a talented card player, a voracious reader, and a lover of family dinners and games. Art’s legacy lives on in his children, Anita, Susan and Jason who have followed in his footsteps in various ways.
A special thank you to Juhn and Gerlie and several other dedicated caregivers who supported him like a family member. Thank you also to the wonderful staff at the Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence and the Victoria Hospital.
Services were held on December 23, 2025, at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Please consider a donation to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Art and Adele Wortzman Fund.
Art’s life was a testament to the values of love, family, friendship, and adventure. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Art, Dad and Zaida – you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on in each of us.