Obituaries
JACK SHINDLEMAN (September 30, 1923 – October 28, 2020)
Young at 97 years and 4 weeks. Yes, Jack Shindleman was young. He lived independently, cooked, cleaned and drove himself. His joy of life included being a loyal minyannaire at Shaarey Zedek for 22 years. Jack deserved to be fearless of age, and proud of it too. How young he seemed, was and looked.
Jack Shindleman was the second youngest of seven children, and grew up knowing the challenges of being a member of an immigrant family, particularly when others were not always friendly. His parents, Harry and Shprintza came to Canada from Zhitomer, Russia with their first two children, Clara and Max. His siblings, all of blessed memory, were Clara Greenberg, Max Shindelman, Sophie Goldstein, Elsie Yuffe, Eddie Shindleman and Gladys Kushner. Jack was also predeceased by his loving companion, Doris Bordian.
Jack learnt to become a watch repairman, but ultimately left his hometown of Winnipeg to join his sister Clara and his brother Eddie in Portage la Prairie. Jack and Eddie became a team at work in a grocery store, as livestock buyers, and as dealers in scrap metals and furs. He was also a founder of Prairie Abattoir in Portage la Prairie. Over the years, they were the true welcoming team to many a Portage family. With humour and a large dose of generosity, bonds of trust and loyalty were developed with customers. Many adults today will remember the joking and teasing, as well as the genuine interest in and care for their welfare that came along with a visit to the grocery store. Jack was an integral part of this. Jack always had a story to share, always made people welcome.
Elected and re-elected several times as city councillor in Portage la Prairie, Jack’s approach was summed up in one sentence: “My name is Jack Shindleman and I will work for Portagers to make Portage a better place.” Simple. To the point. And, indeed, that is just what he did. Jack also served as Deputy Mayor.
He had an expansive knowledge of world affairs, but he also had an encyclopedic mind of every corner and highway in the province of Manitoba. In his early years, Jack drove a horse and buggy to travel rural Manitoba along with his father in the livestock trade. A trade he continued throughout his life. And, those roads were indelibly written in his mind. Imagine the winter storms he prevailed through. It showed, because no matter how challenging the weather or road conditions, Jack was the driver (by horse and later by car) who remained calm and always got to the destination. It did not hurt, as well, that the horses knew the way home!
In 1967, baseball matches of the Pan Am Games were held in Portage la Prairie. Jack was there to help and support the teams. He took a continuing interest in the sport throughout the decades that followed. One of his last conversations with his great nephew Edward, who recalls that Jack’s mind remained sharp, was about the upcoming World Series. Jack’s passing was hours after the completion of this year’s World Series. How timely for a man passionate about the sport.
His regular visits with his nephews and nieces were Jack’s truest pride. His advice was sought on innumerable topics. His visits with family were much awaited. Jack never missed a birthday of a nephew or niece. He was always there with a hug, stories to share, and loving kindness.
Few people actually capture the essence of a place. Manitoba is “Friendly Manitoba”. Jack took this to become his mantra. He took a genuine interest in those he met. He had a view on how others could be helped, or indeed how they could help themselves. His experiences of people from all across society fostered wisdom that he shared eagerly.
After his sister Clara became a widow, Jack took it upon himself to attend to Clara’s wellbeing and was very dedicated to her. Jack was mechanically-inclined and well organized. He could fix everything and anything. Just give him a task and he did it. Somehow he always figured it out.
Going to an appointment meant that Jack first stopped to buy Morden’s chocolates to give as a gift to whomever he met, and their assistants. It was an act of kindness without any expectation. True kindness. Jack came from most humble beginnings, experienced the Great Depression and the war years, and lived a modest lifestyle.
He became a fixture on the local casino circuit, as well as taking casino tours to the United States with friends.
After returning to Winnipeg for retirement, he soon found that retirement could be as busy as work. With brother Eddie, he travelled around always busy with too many tasks to complete in a day. The loss of Eddie in 1998 lead to an ever-increasing bond with Eddie’s sons, Robert and Sandy. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners together. Baseball and hockey games too, always together. Caring for the family pets, always together. Shabbos and holidays spent together with family were a longstanding tradition not to be missed.
Jack’s siblings predeceased him. He is survived by many nephews and nieces, including great and great great nephews and nieces, and their families. We wish to express our appreciation for the care and comfort Jack received at the St. Boniface Hospital, by Dr. Kevin Coates, and a very special note of appreciation to Marlene who became Jack’s faithful aid, driver and companion. We also thank the pallbearers, Howard Yuffe, Stephen Yuffe, Michael Kushner, Jared Kushner, Stephen Rosenfield, and Howie Raber.
Doing the right thing came naturally to Jack. Donations of food, clothing, his time, as well as financial support were all part of his way. Should anyone wish to make a donation, please contribute to the Gray Academy of Jewish Education, the Canadian Institute for the Study of Antisemitism (“CISA”), or a charity of your choice.
Jack is missed, but not forgotten. His humour and humility, his friendship and fellowship, his wisdom and wishes for others, will always be remembered to bring light to future days. May Jack’s memory forever be a blessing.
Obituaries
MICKEY HOCH
April 3, 1930 – March 23, 2025
It is with profound sadness that the family of Mickey Hoch announces his passing.
Mickey leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, survived by his children from his first marriage: Irv (Michele Rose), Jeff (Janet), and Michele (Gerry Faintuch); grandchildren, Ashley, Stephanie, and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Moshe, Emelia, and Yehoshua. He is also survived by his stepson Marc (Debbie) Meyers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Rita; his parents, Simcha and Fanny; and his four siblings, David, Miriam, Yosi, and Avrum.
Born in Gurahontz, Romania, Mickey’s childhood was marked by adventure and exploration. He spent his early years fishing, hiking, and horseback riding, with Shabbat being a cherished time in his home. Despite the challenges of growing up during difficult times, Mickey’s resilience and determination shone through. He was entrepreneurial from a young age, learning the ropes of business from his parents and starting work in their store. When the Second World War forced his family to relocate to Arad, Mickey started his first business at the age of nine, selling snacks near a concert hall. He also delivered newspapers and worked in a candy factory. During the war, his family was moved to a ghetto, and Mickey bravely aided Polish refugees and supported people in labour camps by delivering food, money, and mail.
In 1948, Mickey immigrated to Winnipeg, while his family moved to Israel. He began his new life working at Crown Cap and soon launched his own hat factory in the basement of the Mazo home, his adopted family. From these humble beginnings, he expanded the business into a large garment company that produced hats, parkas, and pants, eventually employing over 400 people at Century 21 Apparels. Mickey was known as a respected and fair employer, regarded as one of Winnipeg’s leading apparel manufacturers.
A pioneer in workforce development, Mickey traveled to the Philippines in the 1960s through the Manitoba Fashion Institute, where he recruited garment workers. He helped bring the first group of Filipino workers to Winnipeg, providing them opportunities and a new life. Decades later, those same workers held a banquet in his honour to thank him for his profound impact on their lives.
In the late 1970s, Mickey joined sons, Jeff and Irv to start Century 21 Promotions in Seattle. After returning to Winnipeg in 1987, he co-founded Marathon Threads Canada with his daughter Michele, working there well into his 90s. Mickey remained an active and respected figure in both the garment and promotional product industries.
Outside of work, Mickey was deeply involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He spent countless weekends enjoying outdoor activities such as boating, skiing, snowmobiling, golfing, and racquet sports. In his later years, he took joy in cycling, poker, and bridge with friends.
Mickey travelled extensively, exploring destinations in Asia, South America, the U.S., Israel, and more. He especially cherished travelling with his granddaughters, with memorable trips to Alaska, Europe, Israel, and beyond.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Lisa for the love and care she gave Mickey, calling her his best friend.
Though his journey has come to an end, Mickey’s love, legacy, and remarkable story will live on in all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Mickey and Rita Hoch Fund” supporting the Holocaust Education Centre at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520.
Obituaries
FREYA WASEL JANUARY 21, 1948 – APRIL 5, 2025
With great sadness and broken hearts the family of Freya Wasel announces that she passed away peacefully in her home in Edmonton on April 5, 2025. Freya was born in St. Boniface Hospital on January, 21, 1948 and grew up on Inkster Blvd. in the north end of Winnipeg. She attended Inkster, Luxton, and St. John’s schools and received awards for academic achievement. She also attended Peretz Yiddish night school.
Freya continued her studies at the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and majoring in physics. She married Lewis during her final year of university. After graduation she was employed by the Manitoba Telephone System for two years in the traffic and engineering departments. She then left the work force to bear and raise her children, Norman and Rebecca.
Ten years after her first university graduation, Freya returned to the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Education. She earned a Bachelor of Education degree and then began a new career as a teacher. Freya taught at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Fort Garry for 21 years. Her primary subject was physics, but she is also remembered for an extra-curricular activity. She coordinated and chaperoned student tours to foreign countries during spring break periods. Those tours enabled her to travel to every continent except Antarctica. Freya retired prematurely
and moved to Edmonton to take care of her grandchildren.
Freya was predeceased by her parents, Alvin and Anne Gardner and her brother Norman Gardner. She is survived by Lewis, her husband of 57 years, her son Norman (Leanne) Wasel, daughter Rebecca (Shane) Asbell, grandchildren Aliza (Eitan), Daniella, Asher, Hila, Zev, Yaffa, Caleb, Koby and Yoni. Freya is also survived by her brother Arnold Gardner, sister Rhoda (Sid) Greenstone, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ellen and Ron Dlin, uncle and aunt Hy and Donna Dubo, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Freya was known for her friendly nature and smile. She made everyone with whom she interacted feel important. She was very caring for her students who in return treated her with respect and affection. Freya was community minded and participated in many charitable organizations. She is dearly missed but leaves us with fond memories and her spirit will remain with us.
Obituaries
ROSE SLUTSKY DECEMBER 2, 1937 – MAY 26, 2025
With great sorrow but deep gratitude for the time we shared, we announce the passing of Rose Slutsky (née Zipper), who left this world on May 26, 2025, in Vancouver, BC. She is survived by her beloved children—Sam, David, Judy, and Morley—her seven treasured grandchildren— Melanie, Tamara, Joshua, Brett, Jesse, Daliah, and Tevi—and two great-grandchildren, Isaac and Lewis.
Born in Galicia, Poland, to devoted parents Samuel and Manya Goldhirsch, Rose’s early years were filled with the richness of language, learning to speak German, Russian, Polish, French, and Hebrew before later teaching herself English and Yiddish. She endured unimaginable loss as a Holocaust survivor, losing nearly all her family except for her mother and cousins who escaped to another country before the war began. Yet, even in the face of profound grief, she chose a life of resilience, generosity, and love.
Family was everything to Rose. Knowing firsthand the irreplaceable value of loved ones, she built a home filled with laughter, warmth, food and unwavering support. After immigrating to Canada in 1950, she married Paul Slutsky,
and together they raised four children. Her devotion extended beyond her family to her community, where she proudly supported her children and grandchildren in their academic pursuits, cheering them on as they followed paths in law, medicine, physiotherapy, and international relations and data programming. We can all hear still her saying to us “believe in yourself always”.
Rose had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. She would brighten a stranger’s day with a compliment, welcome anyone who needed comfort into her home, and forge friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her vibrant circle of friends in Winnipeg and Richmond became her extended family, offering companionship and joy throughout the years.
A woman of extraordinary talent, Rose carved her own path as a salesperson for People’s Jewelers, becoming the company’s top seller in Western Canada for many years running. Her eye for beauty, paired with her personable nature, made her exceptional at what she did. She was a proud member of the Pioneer Women organization and Beth Tikvah Synagogue, tirelessly working to support Israel and the local Jewish community. Most profoundly, she dedicated herself to sharing her story of survival, ensuring that future generations would never forget the atrocities of war. Her courage and unwavering spirit inspired her family to pursue lives of service and generosity. “What life gives you, you must give back,” she often said—a philosophy she embodied every day. Rose’s artistic spirit was deeply ingrained in her. The daughter of a Paris-trained couturier and a talented shoe designer, she inherited a keen eye for color and form. From sketching designs as a child to creating stunning oil paintings later in life, she found solace and expression through art. Her work was proudly exhibited at the Richmond Art Gallery, a testament to her creativity and passion.
In keeping with her name, Rose nurtured life with tenderness and care. Her garden was a sanctuary—filled with fruit trees, vegetables, and grapevines. Each spring, she delighted in planting flowers, braving mischievous squirrels just to see her blooms flourish. But nothing brought her more joy than cooking for her family. Passover was her cherished holiday, her heart swelling with pride as her loved ones gathered around the table to savor her homemade delicacies. From knishes and kugel to chocolate cake and pickles, her culinary creations were a labor of love that filled every celebration with warmth.
Though Rose has now reunited with her mother, father, and husband, her love remains woven into the fabric of her family, her friendships, and the lives she touched. Her story—a testament to perseverance, kindness, and devotion—will live on, carried forward by those who werefortunate enough to know her.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login