Obituaries
HAROLD RUBIN December 2, 1932 – March 21, 2024
It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Harold (Hal) Rubin peacefully with family at his side at age 91.
Harold was predeceased by his parents, Israel and Tillie Rubin, sister Eva Reidberg and brother David Rubin. He is survived by Sandra Rubin, his wife of 64 years; sons Charles (Janice) and Evan (Susie), daughter Lisa (Emanuel); grandchildren Tyler, Erin, Jacob, Zachary, and Daniella, and by his sister Lily Cohen and sister-in-law Clara Bernstein.
Harold was a loving, caring son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. After losing his father at a young age, Harold was utterly devoted to caring for his mother and later his brother.
Harold married Sandra in 1959. According to her, both her and her mother knew they would marry after their first date. Together they raised three children.
Harold worked for CN Rail for 43 years. Upon retirement he continued to work for the Winnipeg Free Press, getting his morning walk delivering the newspaper well into his 80s. Harold always worked a second job while he was with CN as providing a private school education and recreational activities for his children was his utmost priority.
Harold had a strong sense of social justice, always advocating for those he saw in need and always looking to help. Countless neighbours and even strangers were the beneficiaries of his kindness and generosity. One example in particular was his annual tradition of having his children make a pile of their Halloween treats for him to take to Children’s Hospital the next day to be distributed to the children in the hospital.
Harold was very intelligent and well-read. He had strong opinions on everything from politics to sports and was more than happy to share them. He ensured that his children read often and were well informed. In his later years Harold was struck with dementia and spent his final years at The Simkin Centre. The family is grateful to the incredible staff at The Simkin Centre for their dedication and compassion, especially during the pandemic.
Harold was laid to rest on March 25, 2024, at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his warmth and compassion. Pallbearers were Tyler, Erin, Jacob and Zachary Rubin, David Nelson, and David Goldenberg.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or to any charity of choice.
Obituaries
JO ANN GREISMAN Yocheved Yael March 19, 1947 – August 27, 2024
I died today, August 27, 2024.
Viewed as a whole my life was quite ordinary, and yet I was blessed. I was born, educated, did a variety of things – some successful, some not so, some crazy, some tedious; travelled some, worked lots; married; embraced Reform Judaism; had children; divorced; faced my own mortality, continued to learn and to strive to make my life a blessing.
Born Jo Ann Van Buren to Bluebell Charlesworth and Joseph Van Buren, I was the last of six children (Hugh, Carl, George, Beryl and Brian). Memories of my childhood, first in Norwood and in Fort Garry remain vivid. Van Buren’s Snack Bar/Restaurant was the backdrop of my early life, and there, under my mother’s tutelage, I learned: to work; to value every human being; to develop an open mind; to vote, as it is a responsibility and a privilege; to take enjoyment from simple things; to love; to revel in the miracle of life.
The business and joy of life and love is now left to my children, Amanda (Blair), Jennie (Shabi), and David; my granddaughters, Naomi, Ofri, Ma’ayan, Amelia, and Kenna; as well my long time chaver in life and business, Len Greisman; and friends who inspired and lifted me up along the way …. David T, David V, Kenny, Linda, Lisa, Michele, Sandy and so many others.
I don’t believe in a traditional god, yet I write….
May El Shaddai, the god who is enough, grant you peace. Amen
Service at Temple Shalom October 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
By the time you read this, I will have walked through the gateway of the grave, perhaps to a chance at another life, or wandering the Kotel at 2:00 in the morning, or exploring the astounding Korea. All unlikely scenarios, but for certain I will have returned to The One.
Thank you all!
Toda raba (Hebrew)
Gam-sa-ham-ni-da (Korean)
Life goes on! Grab it wholeheartedly.
Obituaries
SIDNEY BURSTEN
For Sidney Bursten, 83, the adventure that was his life ended suddenly when he died, Friday, August 9, 2024. It is perhaps noteworthy that Sid died in the same city he was born in, Winnipeg, because the odds might have been against it. It is only one of many cities Sid had lived in during his several careers, beginning with Red Deer, Alberta before he married. Then there were the cities he and his wife, Brenda Barrie Bursten, who survives him, lived in together, a life they both saw as an adventure. They began in Calgary, Alberta, then Edmonton, moved briefly to Indianapolis, Indiana; then spent a decade in Madison, Wisconsin; returned to Winnipeg for a decade long stay, then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota; Orange County, California; Baltimore, Maryland; returned to Orange County once again, and finally to Winnipeg (a final trip Brenda and Sid described as being ‘kid’napped by their kids, and ‘a darn good thing’).
Sid began his career as a journalist in Winnipeg with Rupert Shrier and continued with a brief stay at The Jewish Post and News but he could see computers were the coming thing so he took The Downtowner, a newspaper he created, into computer typesetting. In Madison, Wisconsin he made himself familiar with the earliest of computing, with punch cards. Later he taught himself early computer programming languages, which eventually led him to high level work in the American healthcare industry and a job with IBM.
In addition to his wife Brenda Barrie Bursten, Sid is survived by two daughters Renata Bursten and Aviva Cohen (Joseph) and nine grandchildren: Simon Bursten, Maks and Ben Doerksen, Aliza Hornstein (Amichai), Elli, Arie, Shuli, Yaakov and Ezra Cohen and seven great grandchildren, all resident in Israel: Mia, Ori, Asher, Akiva and Laya Hornstein and Roni and Lia Bursten. He is further survived by his sister Roberta Bursten (Darren) and nephews Mark Eberstein (Margot and grand niece Miley) Scott Eberstein, and Michael and Matthew Bursten. His parents Shelagh and Morris Bursten and brother Leslie Bursten, all of California, predeceased him.
Sid ended his days as a resident in the Simkin Centre and his family in Winnipeg would like to thank the staff of the Centre for making the last year and a half of his life so pleasant and comfortable, despite the difficulties of Parkinsons. Sid enjoyed the care he received, the food, the activities, the music. In fact for him Simkin was like Cheers – “everyone knew his name.” Sid’s family would also like the Centre to know they could not have asked for better. Right from the beginning he was open to the idea. When he was told he was going to go to Simkin he said, “that sounds like a good idea.” And it was.
Obituaries
MORLEY SLONIM, DDS March 30, 1931 – July 7, 2024
Peacefully on July 7, 2024, at the age of 93.
He will be forever missed by his wife of almost 66 years, Lil. Loving father and father-in-law to Shari (Jeff Shulman) and Marni (Gavin Rich). Adored Zaida Moe to his grandchildren, Dylan, Cory, Samantha (Jake), Seth, Justin (Katie), Jordan, Jamie, Jadon, Asher, and Lily. Devoted uncle, great-uncle, great-great-uncle and great-great-great uncle to his nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his parents, Henry and Anne, and brothers, Sidney and Aubrey.
Born in Winnipeg’s North End in 1931, Morley attended Peretz School, Machray and St. John’s Tech. After attending the University of Manitoba for his undergraduate degree, he spent four years in Toronto, graduating from the Faculty of Dentistry in 1958. He practiced for many years in Fort Garry and retired in 1992. He was able to enjoy more than 30 years of retirement, working out religiously and spending invaluable time with friends and family.
A man of many interests, he prided himself on being able to fix everything he could, cared for his yard and garden, had a keen interest in sports and was a loyal fan of the Winnipeg Jets for many years. He also followed politics and world events, was fascinated by the construction of buildings and loved music.
He was known for his quick wit and sense of humour and tried not to miss an opportunity to make a joke or pun or pull a prank.
The funeral was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on July 10, 2024. The family wishes to thank the pallbearers, Abe Borzykowski, Justin Gertenstein, Dylan Huber, Jordan Gertenstein, Jeff Shulman and Gavin Rich as well as the honorary pallbearers, Bryan Borzykowski, David Borzykowski and Josh Chisick.
The family would also like to thank Dr. Hayward and Dr. Vidal for their dedicated care over the years.
Donations can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Morley and Lil Slonim Fund at
www.jewishfoundation.org or 204-477-7520
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