Obituaries
JOHN STATHAM
Embraced in the love of his partner and children, John Statham passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at the age of 71. He had received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on July 7, 2021 and died naturally of his illness at the home of his partner Richard, where he had lived since beginning treatment in August, 2021. His life ended as he had lived it, with calm and dignity.
John was the cherished partner of Richard Yaffe for over twenty-two years, the much loved father of Anthony Statham (Alaina) and Alexandra Bolton, and the adored and adoring grandpa of Oliver Statham and Theo Statham. He is also survived by his sisters Margaret Stewart, Frances Statham (Esther Phillips) and Claire LeBane (Jeff), his brother Robert Statham, his nieces and nephews, and his children’s mother Anne Bolton. He was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Judith Statham.
John Arthur Michael Statham was born in Longueuil, Quebec on October 14, 1950. Following the untimely death of his father when John was 8 years old, the family moved to Winnipeg in 1959. John graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in 1975. While living in London, England and Pau, France with his wife Anne from 1977 to 1980, he attended the City of London Polytechnic and The City Literary Institute (London) where he studied French language and literature, and then Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour from which he received a diploma following studies in French language and literature, history and translation. After returning to Winnipeg, he served as the Interpretation Section Head of Translation Services for the Province of Manitoba for over 27 years, earning a reputation among the judiciary, lawyers and members of the legislature for his work ethic and for his diligence and precision in French/English interpretation and translation.
It was his art, though, that gave true meaning to John’s life. His remarkable talent in painting and drawing was evident at an early age, and was recognized by mentors who guided him and facilitated his admission to the School of Art at the University of Manitoba and then his life as a visual artist. He maintained studios both in his home and downtown in the Exchange District, and more recently at the Clearwater Bay cottage he shared with Richard. John had the ability to decipher beauty and significance in the ordinary and even the mundane, and with great sensitivity and meticulous technique he created paintings and drawings, often based on the simplest subject matter, that uncovered hidden radiance and revealed concealed harmony. He believed in the purity of art as an expression of beauty.
John had been considering conversion to Judaism for many years. He identified with Jewish values and the Jewish approach to ethics. It was the concept of tikkun olam in particular that resonated, and its goal of repairing the world through the pursuit of social justice with acts of kindness, particularly for the benefit of those without a voice. Under the guidance of Rabbi Anibal Mass, John completed his conversion to Judaism eight weeks before his death. He had the privilege of choosing his Jewish name and decided on the name Yochanan Uri, which connotes grace and light – both integral to the man he was. John and Richard had planned to be married following his conversion to Judaism, but sadly the progression of his illness precluded that.
John’s life was defined by kindness, generosity and authenticity. He was a quiet, keen listener and when he spoke he did so with measured and thoughtful consideration. Although introspective and a deep thinker, he was possessed of a lovable, dry wit. He was an avid reader in both English and French, and a perceptive observer of people and the human condition. While self-promotion was abhorrent to him, he was an ardent supporter of those he loved and in whom he believed. He was a loyal friend, and those in John’s inner circle were the fortunate recipients not only of his wise counsel but also of his masterful baking.
John’s funeral service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue at 12:00 noon on Friday, February 4, 2022, officiated by Rabbi Anibal Mass. Eulogies were delivered by John’s children, his partner, and his friend Tom Lovatt. Pallbearers were Clifford Yaffe, Mariam Bernstein, Sarah Kredentser, Saul Simmonds, Eric Vickar and Shawn Yaffe. Honorary pallbearers were James Anning, Donald Pearen, Tom Lovatt and Bette Woodland. John was laid to rest at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. The funeral service may be viewed on YouTube (SZ Winnipeg).
We wish to express our gratitude to Drs. Benjamin Goldenberg and Paul Daeninck and their nurses Cindy and Melanie, and to the chemotherapy nurses at CancerCare (MacCharles), all of whom treated John with the kindness and respect he deserved.
We are deeply grateful for the many cards and donations already received in tribute to John. Those still desiring to honour John’s memory may wish to consider a donation to a fund being established in John’s and Richard’s names at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or a charity of choice.
Obituaries
SOL SHLOMO TODRES
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Sol (Shlomo) Todres on October 27, 2024 in Israel. Sol was born in Winnipeg in 1934 to Sam and Bessie Todres. He was a proud North Ender who graduated from St. John’s High School and received his BA and Masters in Social Work from the University of Manitoba. He was a strong believer in the power of group work and translated those beliefs in his role as the first full-time Director of Bnai Brith Camp in Kenora. Of his many innovations, his most beloved and enduring was the development of Advanced Camp for the older campers- a source of meaningful and enduring memories for many.
In 1968 he made Aliyah and settled in Kfar Saba. He earned his doctorate in Social Work from Yeshiva University. His work career included contributions to the Ministry of Welfare and Bar Ilan University.
He is survived by his loving wife Varda, his son Allon (Ortal), his daughter Naomi of Ibiza, Spain. He leaves behind his brother Rubin (Elaine), his nephews, Jesse of Toronto, Howard of Saskatoon, his nieces Lindsay of New York, and Susan of Winnipeg, and three grandchildren.
Donations in his honour can be made to Bnai Brith Camp of Winnipeg
Obituaries
BARBARA GOSZER April 15, 1930 – October 6, 2024
It is with profound sadness along with gratitude for her long and purposeful life that we announce the passing of Barbara Goszer. Left with cherished recollections are her children Sharon (Steven Tritt), Elliott (Jennifer Schulz), her grandchildren Sam (Justine), Joseph (Shaun), Nicholas, Sarah, Jack and Max, and her great-grandchildren Carson and Callie. She also leaves to mourn her passing nieces Hilda (Len), Debbie (Jack), Libby (Doug) and their families who loved their “Aunty” dearly. She was predeceased by “the love of her life”, Adam, to whom she was married for almost 60 years and by a daughter, Yonah.
Barbara was born in Lwow, Poland where she often said she had an idyllic childhood until 9 years of age, when the Second World War and the Holocaust started. She was the sole survivor of her family, having been hidden by a courageous woman whom she had honoured as The Righteous Among the Nations and whose descendants sought her out in 2013, forming a warm connection over the past decade.
Barbara was a petite but strong, opinionated, principled woman with an extraordinary sense of social justice, a remarkable work ethic, and the deepest of loyalty. She lived with intention. As a living witness to a time in history when inhumanity was at its height, she spent decades dedicated to educating school aged children and their teachers throughout Manitoba and other parts of Canada about the dangers of discrimination and intolerance of diversity. She advocated standing up for others and taking action despite fear. She also encouraged appreciation for freedom and having a roof over one’s head. Her legacy will inspire her family members as well as generations of children to make a difference in bettering the world we live in. She dreamed of a world free of hatred and of a bright future.
Thank you to Dr. Sheila Domke, her primary care physician, to the entire health care team on 4 North at Grace Hospital, and to her many caregivers in the past couple of years who treated her with the utmost of dignity and respect.
Funeral services were held graveside at Rosh Pina Memorial Park on October 8, 2024. Those wishing to honour her memory can do so by making a donation to the “Barbara and Adam Goszer Holocaust Education Centre Endowment Fund” at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
Obituaries
BARBARA RUTH HOCHMAN June 7, 1952 – September 16, 2024
t is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Hochman on Monday, September 16, 2024. Barbara was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the first child born to Clarice and Jack Rubin. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Danny, mother Clarice, sister Jackie (Akman), brother Ron (Rubin), brother-in-law Mickey Hochman (Dorine), nephew Jared Akman (Leanne), niece Jamie Berman (Skyler) and great-nieces and nephew, Lowan, Julie, Shea and Hannah. Barb was predeceased by her father Jack Rubin and brother-in-law Richard Akman. Barbara grew up in River Heights, attending Grant Park High School, then continued her studies at the University of Manitoba. On her first day of university she met Danny and they were married two years later. Barbara began working as a secretary at the law firm Aikins, MacAulay and Thorvaldson, and then advanced to become a corporate and commercial paralegal. She returned to law school while working at AM&T, and eventually became a partner at the firm. Barbara excelled at everything she put her mind to. She was beautiful, stylish and fiercely intelligent. Barb courageously fought her first battle with cancer over 30 years ago. Since then she enjoyed life to the fullest. Barb was a loving and devoted wife, an amazing sister and an extremely generous aunt and great-aunt. She and Danny moved from Winnipeg to Kelowna 15 years ago where they escaped Winnipeg winters and saw their golf games flourish. Barbara will be greatly missed. Funeral services were held to celebrate Barbara’s life on September 20, at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jared Akman, Jamie Berman, Skyler Berman, Brent Knazan, David Rubin and Danny Rubin.
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