Obituaries
JOE ELFENBAUM
When Joe Elfenbaum (Z”L) passed away on February 28, 2023, the world lost a true gentleman.
His passing has left a void for his children Murray, Mia and Marshall, Deb and Brent; his grandchildren Elana, Peggy, Dena (Josh), Liat, Gilad, Julia and Justin; his siblings Sylvia Segal, Louis Elfenbaum and Elizabeth Lefcourt; and dozens of relatives and friends. Joe was predeceased by his wife Bernice; his parents Abraham and Dora Elfenbaum; and his siblings and siblings-in-laws, Jack and Nellie Elfenbaum, Tillie and Norman Goren, Albert Segal, and May and Sam Kantor.
Joe was born in Lipton, Saskatchewan on January 6, 1930, on the family farm. His early years were shaped by hard work and guided by his parents’ examples of honesty, fairness, and dedication to community. As a young adult, Joe was active in Saskatchewan politics and the farmers’ union. In 1960, while farming in Lipton, Joe visited Winnipeg and met Bernice Garfinkel. After a mostly long-distance courtship, they married in 1963 and began their life together on the farm.
In 1964, Joe and Bernice moved to Winnipeg and Joe farmed on land north of the city. That was short-lived, as he was soon enlisted by his in-laws to manage their apartment buildings, which led to other property owners asking Joe to do the same for them. Joe and Bernice later acquired property of their own. Property management was the perfect career for Joe as it capitalized on his ability to communicate well, to get along with people, and to fix just about anything. He was fair and honest in all his dealings and was well-respected.
Joe and Bernice had a loving and happy home for 51 years until Bernice passed away in 2014. Joe described it as losing his best friend. Family and community were Joe’s passions. He was a fantastic husband, father and grandfather. He was happiest when he was helping other people, whether doing things for his family and friends or contributing on boards and committees. Joe enjoyed a wide network of friends through his many activities – curling, golfing, bowling, and playing cards.
Joe led by example, modelling kindness, humour, compassion, thoughtfulness and generosity. No matter the challenge, he maintained his positive approach to life. He has left his family with an incredible legacy.
The funeral took place on March 7, at Congregation Etz Chayim. They family is grateful to Rabbi Kliel and Cantor Tracy for officiating and to the pallbearers: Charles Kantor, Mark Kantor, Brent Meyers, Justin Meyers, Ray Reider, and Marshall Stitz.
Joe loved well and was well-loved. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider the Joe and Bernice Elfenbaum fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
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.
Obituaries
BARBARA CONSTANCE SLUTCHUK (née Stratton) MAY 9, 1941 – MARCH 3, 2026
Barbara Constance Slutchuk passed away peacefully. She was born on May 9, 1941, in Carmen, Manitoba to Lena Galbraith and Arthur Stratton.
Barbara was the beloved wife of George Slutchuk, whom she married on March 28, 1971. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Rishona Hyman (Hartley Hyman) and Dama Slutchuk (Tom Aldridge), and by her cherished grandchildren, Gregory and Izzie Hyman. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents; her second mother, Lyla “Winnie” Stratton; her sisters Mary Beighton (Ted) and Patricia Morton (Robert); and her brothers Keith Stratton, Grant Stratton, John Stratton, Bryan Smith (Eleanor), Lyle Smith, and David (Gail).
Barbara was a trailblazer in nursing. Over her long and dedicated career she managed an emergency department at St. Boniface Hospital, later oversaw the operating room at Seven Oaks Hospital. Eventually moved into Human Resources at Misericordia Hospital.
She had a deep passion for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and attended many games, events, and Grey Cups over the years. Barbara was an avid reader and bridge player. A proud Canadian, she loved football, hockey, curling, figure skating, the theatre, Rainbow Stage, rural Manitoba, and tending to her flower garden. She loved seeing the first robin and geese of the season.
Barbara had a special love for animals, both her own and those belonging to others. She rescued animals and people alike, always making room in both her home and her heart.
Barbara was a natural leader, a volunteer, and an organizer. Above all, her most important role was as a devoted mother and grandmother.
The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate and loving care provided by
Veronica and Lenora, as well as all of Barbara’s caregivers over the years.
A funeral service was held on March 5, 2026, at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice, Jewish Child and Family Service, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Obituaries
WILLIAM (BILL) MARANTZ SEPTEMBER 14, 1935 – NOVEMBER 15, 2025
Sadly, just after his 90th birthday, celebrated with four generations, Zaida Velvel passed away at Deer Lodge Centre following a brief illness.
He grew up in the storied North End mostly on Scotia Street, and it was there at Luxton School and St. John’s Tech that he made many of his lifelong friends.
But the shining star of his life was his beautiful Brenda, his loving wife and soulmate of over 65 years, who passed away in 2023. He was also pre-deceased by his parents Sophie and Frank, his brothers and sisters-in-law Cyril and Irene, Gary and Shirley-Anne, and his daughters-inlaw Andrea and Ruth.
He is survived by his children Josh, Ari (daughter-in-law Ilana), Allan (Jackie) and David; grandchildren Sarah (Chris), Noah (Nahla), Jesse (Lauren), Evan (Maddy), Dan (Tracy), Lauren (Kyle), Tamara (Robin), Ali (Wyatt), Neil; and great-grandchildren, Jack, Isaac, Sadie, Jack, Brandon and London; and nieces, nephews and cousins..
Bill graduated with his law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1960 and after articling, went into private practice.
Bill was a supportive and loving father who always came to watch the boys’ games and helped coach when needed. He and Brenda never tired of watching their sons play sports.
Bill’s eclectic career included time as a lawyer, part-time provincial court judge, movie critic, screenwriter, autobiographer, actor, Jewish Post columnist and novelist.
His most successful writing efforts were radio or screenplays, several of which were produced by CBC, and his self-published novel Christmas Eve Can Kill You.
After early retirement, he continued to write from home, the cottage and Palm Springs where he and Brenda drove to each winter for about 40 years.
Out of all his writing efforts, Bill was most proud of writing the memoir of a local Holocaust survivor.
He had another accomplishment for which he was also extremely proud. Just over three decades ago, Ari and Bill bought an old cottage at Winnipeg Beach and completely rebuilt it. This would become the new family summer home. He and Brenda lovedspending summers out at the beach with family.
For their 50th anniversary, it meant the world to them that all their sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren came in to celebrate at the cottage.
Winnipeg Beach was enjoyed for many, many summers until Brenda could no longer climb the front steps, shortly before becoming housebound. Bill took outstanding care of her as her health declined.
Bill was able to live independently and was driving until just a couple months before his passing. He loved spending time with family at dinners and Jewish holiday celebrations and adored his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren,especially.
He was buried next to his beloved Brenda at Beit Chayim Mikdash Shalom, the Temple Shalom cemetery, with son Allan officiating and grandchildren Noah, Jesse, Evan, Dan, Tamara and Neil serving as pallbearers.
If so desired, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Camp Massad of Manitoba.
