Obituaries
GEORGE KEIVES
George Keives, born October 1, 1923 in Constantinople, Turkey passed away peacefully at age 95 on March 25, 2019 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
His parents made the choice to immigrate to Canada to become farmers when our father was age three. He travelled from Turkey across Europe to Amsterdam, by ship to Montreal and then by train to the Jewish Colony of Sonnenfeld (Hoffer/Oungre) in southern Saskatchewan.
Father loved school and was a good student. He always enjoyed softball and was a very good pitcher. After high school, he briefly attended the University of Saskatchewan with dreams of becoming an engineer. Due to family needs, he left university to return to the family farm to help his parents.
On October 20, 1946 he married Anita Feuer and they had four children. In 1948 they purchased their own farm. The work was hard and the hours were long but father had a good feel for the land and a determination to succeed. That combination made him a good farmer and that farm is still within family ownership.
Father and mother were married for 57 years before Mother’s passing in 2004. They both had a love for travelling and had the opportunity to visit Mexico, Israel and Hawaii. When they retired they purchased a motor home so they could see the landscape by ground. Travelling coast to coast throughout Canada and the US, along the way they created memories and stories that they enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Whether it was the Alaska Highway or their favourite winter spot in Palm Springs, they packed up and off they went.
After watching a “How to” picture painting show on TV in the late 1970s, father found out he had a natural ability for painting. He created some beautiful works of art that he was very proud of. As his eyesight began to fail he was forced to give up his painting, but he loved to show and talk about his work.
A very proud and independent man, he continued to live in his own home in Garden City until shortly before his passing. He was a lifetime member at the Gwen Sector and made many friends. Our father prided himself in accomplishing something every day. In his own words, he had no regrets for what he had done in his life but rather for things he had not done.
Predeceased by his parents, Kiva and Laka, wife Anita, son Lorne, sister Sophie Elfenbien, and brothers, Phillip and Ted.
Survived by his sons, Garry (Kim), Rick (Cyndy) and daughter Norma; grandchildren, Nico, Nina, Andrew and Jeremy, and great-grandchildren, Alex, Konner and Charlotte; a sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Services were held on March 27 at the Chesed Shel Emes with interment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.
Special thanks to friends and family for sharing their time with him.
You will be greatly missed.
May you rest in peace.
Obituaries
ISADORE (IZZY)MINUK (Z”L) JULY 5, 1927 – DECEMBER 30, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Isadore (Izzy) Minuk, on December
30, 2025, at the age of 98.
Izzy was born on July 5, 1927, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the third of five boys born to Tibel and Ben Minuk. Izzy was predeceased by his beloved wife Merle Minuk and his
cherished son Morley Minuk.
Izzy leaves to mourn his children Martin Minuk (Stephanie), Linda Rabkin (Jack), Jeffrey Minuk (Lora) and Cheryl Bokhaut (Bradley), thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Our father was a man of great wisdom, kindness, strength and resilience. He was
fiercely devoted to his family. He was committed to his health and well-being and a longtime member of the Rady JCC.
Izzy spent his last years at the Simkin Centre. Our family would like to express its appreciation and thanks to the Staff and Administration of the Simkin Centre for their attentive care.
Donations in Izzy’s honour may be made to the Merle and Isadore (Izzy) Memorial Fund
at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Simkin Centre or the Rady JCC.
Daddy will always be our sweetheart
Obituaries
GERTRUDE “GERTIE”NEPON (NEE PIERCE) JUNE 1, 1926 – DECEMBER 26, 2025
Gertrude “Gertie” Nepon (née Pierce), aged 99, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, Baba, sister, and friend, whose love, warmth, and strength touched all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving children Allan (Reeva), Mark (Leslie), and Jack (Carla) and her cherished grandchildren Jordan, Hillary (Ariel), Joshua, Hayley (Richard), Taryn and David. Born on June 1, 1926, in Winnipeg, Gertie was the daughter of Esther and Benjamin Pierce. She was predeceased by the love of her life, David Harry Nepon, with whom she shared nearly 40 years of marriage. Their enduring bond was an inspiration to family and friends alike. David passed away in 1988 and losing him left a void in her heart that never truly healed. They are now reunited in peace.
Gertie was also predeceased by her beloved siblings – brothers Moe, Max, Fred, and Jack Pierce, and by her sister Patty. She is survived by her sister Brownie Fleishman, and by many loving nieces and nephews.
Gertie was known for her ever-present smile—even during life’s most difficult moments. Her family and friends were always her greatest priority. She was a homemaker, often volunteering in schools where she tested the hearing of nursery and kindergarten children. She was known for her organization and meticulous nature, keeping her home in perfect order, with everything in its place. She enjoyed playing bridge and mahjong and sharing lunches with her many friends, well into her 90’s. Even in her final year at the Simkin Centre Nursing Home, at age 99, she retained that magical smile—a smile that could light up any room and stood as a testament to her resilience, positivity, and love of life.
Gertie’s funeral was held on Monday, December 29, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, with Cantor Leslie Emery officiating. Pallbearers were Allan, Mark, Jack, Jordan, David Nepon, and Ellen Fleishman. The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Weinberg 2 at the Simkin Centre for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
SONYA KAMINSKY MAY 24, 1925 – JUNE 12, 2025
Beloved mother and Bubbi passed away peacefully at 100 years old.
Sonya is survived by her children Brenda (Marvin) Kass and Sheldon Kaminsky, her grandchildren Josh (Samantha) Hartley (Erin), Jordan (Jenn), Nikki (Patrick) as well as eight great-grandchildren and cherished nieces and nephews.
Sonya was predeceased by her parents, sister and beloved husband Bill.
Sonya married the love of her life Bill and they spent 53 wonderful years together, Theirs was a true love story filled with laughter and many wondrous moments and grounded by devotion, respect and unconditional love for each other, Their home was always open to family and friends and at the center of it all was Sunny ( lovingly named for her for her sunny disposition). Sunny loved entertaining. She was a great hostess and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family whether it was Friday night dinners -holiday gatherings or birthday celebrations.
Sunny enjoyed 10 pin bowling and volunteer work with Bnai Brith Women.
However at the centre of her life was always her Family and her role as BUBBI filled her heart and kept her strong.
She was the best – MOM- Bubbi – Aunt – always there for everyone to listen , guide, advise, and support and always with unconditional Love. She adored each of her great grandchildren and imply could not get enough of them….they were her pride and joy!
We all feel so blessed to have her share our lives.
MOM you were our Rock and you will always be our “Sunshine.”
SUNNY will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her family as well as all those whose lives she touched.
Our gratitude to Simkin center and especially to Moms caregivers Marianne, Odette, Marinel and Mina.
Special thanks to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his ongoing support.
Our Heartfelt thanks for the donations, meals, love and support extended to our family.