Obituaries
LEO SHEARER
It is with profound sadness that the family of Leo Shearer announces his passing, at the Simkin Centre on November 1, 2019 . Leo lived a long and full life, achieving great success while overcoming many challenges. Words do not do justice to the man Leo was and what he meant to many people. He was larger than life and a true force of nature.
He is survived by his daughters Shelley Shearer-Nelko (Dana), Dr. Ronna Sherman (Joel) and Dr. Brenna Shearer (Stephen). He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Lindsay (David), Riley, Lana, Remy, Hayden, Joshua, Mara, Amy and Sam, as well as his sister Shirley Wasserman, nieces, nephew, great-nephews and nieces and cousins. Leo was predeceased by his parents Sam and Faye Schicher, his infant brother Pesachia and the love of his life, Selma Shearer (Levin) to whom he had been married for 66 years before her passing October 24, 2018.
Leo was born in Mezhirech, Poland on December 12, 1928. His father Sam had to come to Winnipeg alone in 1929, to establish a better life for his infant son Leo and his wife Faye. It was not possible because of Canada’s immigration laws at the time, to bring them to Winnipeg. By the time he found a way to bring them here, Leo was already 6 years old. Growing up in the north end of the city, Leo was determined to make the most of the opportunities his father worked so hard to provide for him in Canada.
A brilliant and hard working student, Leo was one of 3 students at St. John’s Tech to have a grade A average all the way through high school. Although accepted to the prestigious MIT School of Engineering in Boston, he elected to stay in Winnipeg for University in order to help his family, when his father had his first heart attack. Leo graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree, where he excelled and was awarded the Eaton Scholarship. Those who witnessed it, described Leo as a mathematical and analytical genius, who could do extremely complex calculations in his head with speed and precision.
After graduation, Leo continued to work with his father at his grain mill, Economy Grain & Feed on McPhillips & Pacific. Although he was accepted to Harvard Business School for post graduate studies, tragedy struck the family. Just as Leo and Selma were expecting their first child, his father had a fatal heart attack at the age of 54. Once again Leo took charge and took care of his family. Eleven years later in 1967, Leo’s world was again changed dramatically by a terrible fire that burned down the Grain Mill. With a wife and three young daughters at home, Leo took this misfortune as an opportunity to redefine himself.
Applying his boundless energy, drive and outstanding business acumen, particularly in the area of finance and real estate development, Leo established his own Mortgage and Development companies. He built numerous projects including nursing homes, apartment complexes and hotels across North America. He was very proud to have been the first to obtain zoning to construct an apartment building on Grant avenue in Winnipeg, called the Americana. Leo alongside his partners, were also ahead of their time when developing the Nursing home called Oakview Place on Ness in St. James, which introduced innovative amenities and features not seen before in senior living facilities.
Time with Leo was memorable for his family and friends. With a terrific sense of humour, Leo truly enjoyed life. A passionate bridge player, he took it seriously achieving Gold Life Master status. He loved golf for many years and long walks outside, as keeping fit was very important him. He travelled around the world with his wife Selma and their many friends. They also loved dancing together, whenever they had the chance. Leo took advantage of the time he had with all of his grandchildren and children, genuinely listening and giving his best guidance and advice. He was there for hockey games, dance recitals and in any other way he could, as he truly loved and felt grateful for the time he had. His father’s untimely death made a huge impact on him. Leo presumed he would die young like his father.
Surviving both prostate cancer and open heart surgery, his strong will, love of life and family was unwavering. Everything he did was to ensure that his family would never have to struggle and worry as he did. His generosity and support was life changing for family members, as he believed in helping whenever he could. After he had surgery for prostate cancer at Johns Hopkins and more recently open heart surgery at St. Boniface Hospital, Leo showed his gratitude with sizeable donations.
Leo’s incredibly sharp mind, fastidious attention to detail and big heart served him well until the end. Diagnosed with vascular dementia in his later years, it became evident that he had a remarkable ability to compensate with his strengths, for a long time as the disease progressed. Through it all, he would say “it’s good to be alive!”. That optimistic bright disposition and perseverance helped him. His physical and mental strength defined him, as he fought and never gave up, when faced with challenges from the beginning of his life until the end.
Leo always made us feel loved and supported. We will miss him greatly and love him forever.
A special thank you to Doris Boutillier his executive assistant for over 20 years, Anastasia, Jessica, Folarian and all of the caring staff at Comforts of Home Care and the Simkin Centre. The love and support from friends and family has been greatly appreciated.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday November 5 at 12:30 pm, at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl and the staff at the Synagogue.
For those who wish to remember Leo, donations can be made to: The Selma and Leo Shearer G.R.O.W. Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520. www.jewishfoundation.org
Obituaries
JENNIE GOLDSTINE
September 25, 1929 – March 6, 2026
Surrounded by loved ones Mom passed away on March 6th at the age of 96.
Mom is survived by her three sons, Marc (Robyn), Ian (Elaine) and Lawrence. She was also blessed with five grandchildren, Jacque (Tyler), Steven (Jani), Daniel (Lainie), Jason (Gen) and Kyle as well as five great-grandchildren, Asher, Beckham, Jakob, Quinn and Abby. She is also survived by her sister Phyllis (Alvin).
She was predeceased by her husband Allan; her brothers, Boris and David; and her parents, Aaron and Manya Margolis.
Mom’s journey began in Kremenets, Poland on September 25, 1929. Mom came to Canada with her parents and brother Boris in the summer of 1930 and her story was in many ways the classic immigrant story. Raised in the North End, first on Euclid and Barber and then the big move in 1938 to Atlantic and Aikins, her parents ran a grocery store and times were not easy. However, the way out was education and in 1946, Mom graduated from St. John’s high school. Her high school was a point of pride for her throughout her life and when the 75th anniversary festivities took place in 1985, she had the time of her life. Mom’s education continued after high school and she attended United College (University of Winnipeg today) where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was one of the few women of her generation to graduate from university and she took great pride in that fact. That push came from her own mother who had attended Gymnasia (secondary school) in Poland, a rarity for women.
Mom and Dad met in 1949 and were married on May 17, 1950. They were supposed to get married at the new Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on the corner of Wellington Crescent and Academy Road, but the first flood of the century intervened and they took refuge in Regina where my Dad had an aunt. They were married in aunt Eleanor’s living room. The family grew in the 50s and 60s with Marc arriving in 1952, Ian in 1955 and Lawrence in 1962.
In 1963 Dad graduated with his CA and as a celebration the family went out to Gimli and stayed at the Shoreliner Motel. While visiting Gimli, Mom and Dad made one of the great decisions of their lives when they purchased 25 2nd Avenue. The family shared so many fantastic experiences and has so many memories throughout the 50 years in Gimli.
Mom’s education continued in 1967 when she returned to school to obtain her teaching certificate. She taught for a year at Shaughnessy Park and spent a year on supply for Winnipeg School Division. Mom took a break from teaching in 1970 but returned in 1976 in a new role that would define her teaching. Mom became a substitute teacher for Winnipeg School Division and would continue in this role until she retired in 1992. Although she had no specialized training in early years education, Mom substituted primarily in JK K and Grade 1. She spent the majority of her time substituting in North End schools such as David Livingston, Victoria Albert and Norquay to name only a few. You could take the girl out of the North End but you could never take the North End out of the girl.
After Mom and dad retired in 1992, they moved out to Gimli to live full-time. Mom had one condition for moving out to Gimli, there had to be cable TV. Dad made sure there was cable TV. Mom and dad had a magical 20 years in Gimli. They met some terrific people who would become very close friends and they loved life in the Interlake. In late January each year they would drive down to Palm Springs and spend wonderful winters in the Coachella Valley.
It was the best of both worlds.
In 2013 they made the necessary decision to move back to Winnipeg in order to be closer to family. Mom and Dad were married for 63 years when dad passed away in 2014. Fortunately for mom, she was always a people person and she stayed busy by meeting new people and staying active. She was a voracious reader and there was always a newspaper or book in her hands. She also loved TV and enjoyed watching her favourite shows such as Murdoch Mysteries, Hudson and Rex and Blue Bloods.
Mom’s last journey began in June 2023 when she moved into the Simkin Centre. She adjusted well to her new surroundings and was well liked by staff and residents. She looked forward to Friday afternoon bingo on Weinberg 2 and especially winning at bingo which she often did. The family is grateful for the wonderful care Mom received from all the staff on Weinberg 2. There is one person who deserves special recognition and that is Mom’s companion and loving friend Mary Ann. The family is forever grateful for the care, respect and love she showed towards mom. It added a special quality of life to Mom’s final years. We were blessed to have Mom in our lives for an incredible 96 years. When Mom was 93, I asked her what it felt like to be 93. Her reply, 19!!
Mom’s funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on March 9th officiated by Rabbi Carnie Rose. Beautiful words of tribute were given by Mom’s grandson Steven Goldstine. Pallbearers were Jacque Edwards, Daniel Goldstine, Steven Goldstine, Jason Goldstine, Kyle Goldstine and Honourary Pallbearer Alvin Slayen.
Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Mom we will miss your smile, warmth and sense of humour. “You are my sunshine my only sunshine.”
Obituaries
WALTER (VEV) GANETSKY
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father Walter (Vev) Ganetsky on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the age of 85.
He will be lovingly remembered by his son David, his son and daughter-in-law, Morgan and Tracie, grandchildren, Braden (Maya), Jori (Justin), Alix and pup Enzo. Vev is also survived by Penny Ganetsky, sister-in-law Sharon Ganetsky, nephew Leonard (Lynn), niece Michele (Myles), great-nephews, numerous cousins, life long friends and special friend Fay Reich.
Graveside service was held at B’nay Abraham Cemetery on April 6. Pallbearers were David Ganetsky, Morgan Ganetsky, Braden Ganetsky, Myles Levin, Howard Jesierski, Laurie Etkin and Mitchell Rosenberg. We would like to thank Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his kindness. A heartfelt thank you to Ashley Miller of WFPS and the other first responders for their care and compassion.
If desired, donations can be made to Jewish Child and Family Service, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ESTHER MINUK Dec. 27, 1932 – April 3, 2026
Esther Bat Hershel Ve Devorah
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Esther Minuk, beloved matriarch of our family. She was predeceased by her bashert, her beloved husband, Julius; her parents, Doris and Harry Golub; and her sister, Evelyn (Herbie).
Esther was a loving and proud mother, Baba, and Great-Baba to her children Yale, Rhonda (Tom), Perry (Abby), Jody, and Marla (Franklin); her grandchildren Jordan (Amy), Daniel (Allie), Allie (Jordan), Hannah, and Lily; and her great-grandchildren Julian, Aidan, and Eddie.
Known to many as `Queen Esther’, she led with kindness and integrity, always seeing the good in others. Her home was open and welcoming, filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She was sharp, compassionate, and deeply devoted to her family. We are heartbroken and forever grateful for the love and legacy she leaves behind. She will be eternally missed by her family.
Memorial donations may be made to B’nai Brith of Canada Foundation, 416-633-6224, https://bit.ly/4bRsabI or Sunnybrook Foundation, 416-480-4483, www.sunnybrook.ca/foundation