Obituaries
LEO PANITCH 1945 – 2020
Leo Panitch died on December 19, 2020 from pneumonia brought on by Covid – 19, contracted while in hospital being treated for cancer.
The ensuing outpouring of expressions of loss and tribute from socialist intellectuals and activists from around the world, from former students, as well as from many mainstream institutions, was testimony to his international reputation as a leading socialist scholar and public intellectual, as well as to the compelling nature of his character. He was a person of uncommon warmth and generosity.
Leo’s working – class origins were an important part of his intellectual formation. As he often said, his family’s experiences gave him a real sense of class inequities inherent in capitalism as well as a socialist sensibility. This empathy for working class people, and identification with their struggles to build a better life for themselves shaped his scholarship and indeed his life.
While he enjoyed a distinguished academic career, he was far from being ‘ivory tower’ academic. He sought a broad audience for his ideas and rarely turned down the opportunity to be seen or heard in the mass media, in the process becoming Canada’s foremost public socialist intellectual.
Beyond all of this, Leo was a charismatic individual with an unbridled passion for life. His interests ranged well beyond the scholarly and political spheres from the arts (especially jazz), to sports (notably football and the Bombers), to Jewish history and culture.
His family has been overwhelmed and moved by the outpouring of tributes to Leo and expressions of love. In response to the many inquiries as to where donations in his honour may be made we are excited to announce the Leo Panitch Scholarship at Merchants Corner. On Selkirk Avenue in Winnipeg’s North End where Leo grew up, there is a vibrant centre of community life called Merchants Corner. It is the site of the University of Winnipeg’s Department of Urban and Inner-city Studies. The relocation of this University program to the heart of North End Winnipeg to address many challenges facing the predominantly Indigenous people now living in the North End, is an innovative example of university- community engagement. It is here that the Leo Panitch Scholarship will be situated.
Leo himself had benefitted enormously from the educational opportunities made available in the North End, including the afterschool I.L. Peretz Folk School where instruction was in both Yiddish and English. Today, what is unique about Merchants Corner is the distinct Indigenous curriculum and its success in attracting students who traditionally would not have pursued higher education. This Scholarship at Merchants Corner will support students in the Department of Urban and Inner-City Studies at Merchants Corner who have academic ability, financial need and who have experiential knowledge of the North End. The Scholarship will also enable senior students to gain work experience as community outreach workers. They will be paid to go to North End high schools and junior high schools to make students aware of the opportunity to attend university right in their neighbourhood.
This scholarship resonates with Leo’s Winnipeg roots, his academic orientation, and his commitment to education and social justice. We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to invite your support for this remarkable project in the memory of this great and creative socialist thinker and activist, who never forgot his origins in Winnipeg’s North End.
Please forward charitable donations by cheque to The Winnipeg Foundation
For the Leo Panitch Scholarship at Merchants Corner 1350 – One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0X3, Canada
Or by credit card at: https://www.wpgfdn.org/LeoPanitch
Obituaries
JOEL SHEFRIN
After a courageous battle with cancer, Joel passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre on April 4, 2025 at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife Penny; sons, Mark (Laurie), Allan (Stephanie); step-sons, James (Jess), Jason (Christina); grandchildren, Abby, Seth, Livia, Frankie, Taylor, Maddox, Mya and Memphis, and great-grandchildren, Alessia and Leo, as well as siblings, Shelley (Bill), Shaun (Vicky), Bruce (Rene) and Morley. He was predeceased by his parents, Connie and Mickey, and sister Claretta. Joel wanted to be remembered as a fighter. He struggled with Crohn’s disease most of his life, but fought to remain active. He loved his family and took pride in all their accomplishments. Joel worked in the family steel business after University, and later in the promotional product industry. He was a dedicated volunteer, becoming the 1st national President of the Canadian Foundation for Ileitis and Colitis (now Crohn’s and Colitis Canada), President of Garden City Community Centre, President of Hockey Winnipeg, and Board member of Hockey Manitoba. Funeral services were held at the Rosh Pina Cemetery on April 6, 2025. The family would like to thank the staff on 3E at Riverview Health Centre, as well as all the homecare staff who allowed Joel to stay at home as long as possible. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in Joel’s memory.
Obituaries
IAN DUDECK November 20, 1950 – March 17, 2025
A golden heart has stopped beating. We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Ian – beloved husband of Marilyn, father of Michael (Patrizio), siblings, Lynne Spigelman, Fraydel Yamron, Joel Dudeck (Sharron), sister-in-law Barbara Kravetsky, uncle to many special nieces and nephews and friend to all he met. He was predeceased by his parents, Morris and Sarah Dudeck, his brother-in-law Ian Yamron and his father and mother in-law Bob and Connie Lenoff. Ian faced many health obstacles this past year and faced them all with great strength and courage, never once complaining and never once giving up. As an accountant, Ian had a tremendous work ethic and was well liked and admired by all he encountered. Special thanks to Dr. Krista Ryz, the staff of St. Boniface Hospital Renal Health Clinic, the doctors and staff of St. Boniface Hospital Dialysis Unit, St. Boniface Emergency physician Dr. Al Bucel and Ji Yung, Spiritual Care, the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Services, Rabbi Kliel Rose and our neighbour Marilyn B for her assistance and kindness. Thank you to all our family and friends for your continuing support. Donations may be made to The Manitoba Kidney Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba, or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BILL WORB
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Zaida, brother, and uncle, Bill Worb.
Bill passed surrounded by family on September 14, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Abraham and Sonia, his in-laws Abe and Sarah Helman, his wife, Paula, his siblings Esther, Joe, and Benni, and by his son-in-law, Bryan.
He leaves behind his children Marla and Ron (Gail); his grandchildren, Sari, Alexi, Andrew, and Samantha; his brother-in-law Ruben (Rita), as well as his nieces and nephews.
Bill was one of the most hardworking men anyone could have known, with a brilliant business mind that seemed to have no limits.
As a teenager, he began working as a fur auctioneer and grader for Dominion/Soudack Fur Auction, before founding and operating Winnipeg Fur Exchange from 1970 to 1994. He then established Bill Worb Furs, which he ran into his eighties, retiring only due to health issues.
Beyond Bill’s success, it was his warmth, generosity, and character that truly defined him.
He had a way of connecting with people—he was personable, distinguished, and treated everyone with kindness and respect. Whether supporting his family or giving back to the community, his generosity knew no bounds. Family dinners were some of the best memories shared, filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of simply being together. He made those gatherings special, and they will always hold a treasured place in our hearts.
Bill was known for sharing captivating stories, from his childhood in rural Manitoba with his giant German Shepherd, Jiggs, to his travels around the world in the fur trade. He was an accomplished and remarkable man, and on top of that, he did a spot-on Johnny Cash impression.
Bill cherished his grandchildren and created unforgettable memories with them. Whether sharing a meal or passing on life lessons, he always made those moments special and meaningful, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
As a husband, Bill was deeply devoted to his wife, Paula, always caring for her and demonstrating what true love looked like to everyone around them.
Bill was, in every sense, a “prince of a man”—someone everyone looked up to, learned from, and loved dearly. His warmth, generosity, and wisdom will be remembered by all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his impact and the love he shared will always remain with us.
Bill’s family wishes to thank his dedicated team of caregivers, as well as the doctors and nurses who provided compassionate and wonderful care to him at Grace Hospital.
Funeral services and interment were at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on September 16, 2024, with Rabbi Mass officiating. Pallbearers were Sari Daien, Alexi Daien, Dr. Andrew Worb, Dr. Eric Vicker, Ivan Master, and Lyle Silverstein.
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