Obituaries
GERSHON DAVID SUCHAROV September 6, 1942 – July 17, 2019
Gently, surrounded by his family, Gersh left this world in St. Boniface Hospital ICU due to systemic infection. His body and spirit fought hard but this time there was no reprieve.
He was born and raised partly in the fabled North End of the city of Winnipeg, and partly in West Kildonan and went to Talmuh Torah School for his first six years then transferring to West Kildonan Collegiate Institute for junior high until Graduation. He held a special fondness for his classmates from Talmuh Torah maintaining lifelong friendships with some. Gersh started work in the historic Exchange District after high school, first in the grain and then garment industry at Silpit before joining his father in the Insurance business at his firm Robins and Sucharov. That was followed by some years in retail management ending his career with Revenue Canada Taxation, called CRA today.
Gersh married the late Molly Vinsky in 1964. Although the union did not last, he was beyond grateful for the daughters it produced and was proud of their accomplishments. But he was lucky in love the second time round, determined to avoid the mistakes he made in the past. They met through his volunteer work. Margaret, his “bashert” (destiny) and he built a life together.
In retirement he looked forward to the days we would pick up our oldest granddaughters – Amber and Simone from school. After lunch on those days, he would stand at the kitchen counter measuring out gummi bears and wagon wheels for their after school snack. He missed those days after they started driving and no longer needed our pickups.
While not able to be physically active with the youngest granddaughters, he sat in his recliner giggling as the twins, Macey and Miley, gleefully covered his entire body with stickers or tissues. We found manageable activities that allowed him to engage with them.
Gersh was renowned for his sense of humour, always ready with a joke or a quip. He loved golf, and the Blue Bombers. How he would have loved to watch them win The Grey Cup last fall!! After Grey Cup he turned his attention to NFL and Superbowl. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Mafia and particularly Myer Lansky and the history of Las Vegas. He was always on the lookout for any movies or documentaries on the topic. He looked forward to phone calls from Max; discussing the latest people news with Bev. And lunches with the Sucharov cousins!
But what he looked forward to the most were visits with his family; catching up on family news with Brenlee;, community news with Al; Betty’s newest endeavors; and watching his grandchildren grow, whether 27, 26 or 7. He tried to be there when they needed him. At the end of his life he needed them.
Gersh was a grateful member of the Winnipeg Group and had 36 years of continuous sobriety in A.A. when he died. He valued the friendships he formed there, too many to mention. His last years he became active in JACS, particularly with Scott and Riva, and Rick.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Margaret, daughter, Brenlee, son-in-law, Al Benarroch, daughter Betty (who passed away six weeks after his death), and granddaughters, Amber, Simone, Macey and Miley; brother Max Sucharov, sister-in-law Rebecca Toolan, her children Michael and Sarah, niece Mira Sucharov (Stephen Gluck), Rory and Lev; the Sucharov cousins; and the Kay cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Myer (Moe) and Rose Sucharov (nee Bershadsky).
He was grateful for the attentive care he received at the HSC Pain Clinic from Dr. Howard Intrater and the nurses there – Sharon, Jackie, Judy, Donna and Marcie. Also he was indebted to his neurosurgeon, Dr. Neil Barrington at HSC.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at St. Boniface ICU, his long time cardiologist Dr. Phil Garber, Dr. Claudio Rigatto , Dr. Assad Junaid and especially for his exceptional care, his family physician, Dr. Grant Goldberg; additionally, Anat of Homecare who went above and beyond in her assistance to Gersh and the family.
Funeral service was held July 19, 2019 at Chesed Shel Emes. Interment followed at Shaarey Zedek Cemetary. Pallbearers were Al Benarroch, Joel Kay, Jeff Morris, Marvin Garfinkel, Scott McWilliam, and Rick Green
Honourary Pallbearers were Myrna Charach, Miriam Segal, Bernie Sucharov, Bev Goulding, Laurie Foster, Garth Darraugh, Mira Sucharov, Sadira Garfinkel, Ara Morris, Merle Garfinkel, and Jeffery Garfinkel.
The reason for this obituary’s appearing at this time is that the author was hospitalized for several months around the time of Gersh’s death.
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.