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Obituaries

LEO SHEARER

leo shearerIt 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

 

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Obituaries

Recent funerals – as posted on the Chesed Shel Emes website

Cecil Phillip BreslauerZelig Feivel ben Chaim Yosef v’Bluma07/06/192930/10/202619 Cheshvan 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Murray KravetskyMichael Moonie ben Zeesel v’Bluma24/01/194626/10/202615 Cheshvan 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Ruben HelmanRuben ben Aba v’Sarah06/06/193222/10/202612 Cheshvan 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Bert MinukDov Ber ben Mendel haKohen v’Chaya Leah03/02/192819/10/20268 Cheshvan 5787Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Patricia CharadRut bat Avraham v’Sarah19/03/192715/10/20265 Cheshvan 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Debra Lynn HirschDevorah Leah bat Tuvyah v’ Chaya Mindel10/09/195308/10/202627 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Harry KaplanTzvi ben Gershon Yosef v’Dina16/03/193129/09/202619 Tishrei 5787Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Maurice AzuelosMoshe ben Yehuda15/08/194329/09/202618 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Lillian BurkeLeah Dvorah bat Shmuel v’Basia31/05/192828/09/202617 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Zinaida PinskiZinaida bat Michael v’Rachel22/12/194627/09/202616 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Aarona PerlovAharona bat Eliyahu v’Liba Freida11/05/195025/09/202614 Tishrei 5787Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Beth ShoreBat Sheva bat Susman v’ Craindel30/12/193923/09/202612 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Sydney Herbert WeidmanShimshon ben Moshe Leib v’Shoshana24/01/196218/09/20267 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Danny RichDan ben Sender v’Mindel30/04/193817/09/20266 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
June Marie BlackZahava bat Avraham v’Sarah30/06/193116/09/20265 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Ruth BillinkoffRachel bat Moshe v’Shaindel25/04/192815/09/20264 Tishrei 5787Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Adele HeidingerOdela bat Avraham V’Freida14/05/192411/09/202629 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Fred Arnold RosenblattEphraim ( Freidel Chuna) ben Zvi haKohen v’Gusta10/12/194710/09/202628 Elul 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Jack ShromYaacov ben Aryeh Leib v’Rachel02/03/193108/09/202626 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Raymond Richard GreenReuben Rafael ben Leib Natan v’Yetta04/02/195131/08/202618 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Rhoda KravetskyTziril Tovah bat Mendel v’Doba21/05/194829/08/202616 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Brent Drew CohenBinyamin ben Zvi ha’Kohen v’Esther02/10/195828/08/202615 Elul 5786Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Liza LyuberLaya bat Lazer v’Malka05/12/192628/08/202615 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Michael TennenhouseMelech Shimon ben Hersh Tzvi v’Gileh22/04/194928/08/202615 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Inf
Lillian NeamanLeah Rivka bat Eliyahu v’Chana16/02/193421/08/20268 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Malik JuravskyMelech ben Levi Yitzchak v’Luba24/03/193119/08/20266 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Harvey AppelleChaim Tzvi ben Yehoshua v’Bayla08/05/194015/08/20262 Elul 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Mordy “Buddy” BrownstoneMordechai Leib ben Yishia v’Machla28/07/192611/08/202628 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Karen Leslie GomoriGayla bat Shlomo haLevi V’Chaya Sarah15/02/195010/08/202627 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Rhona ShnierRachel bat Shaul v’Chana04/07/192709/08/202626 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Belle BurkeBluma bat Zalman v’ Sara Elka12/05/192606/08/202623 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Reesa Gail LanghansReesa bat Yishayahu haKohen v’Faigel Tzipora17/09/194806/08/202623 Av 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Gerald KalefGershon ben Yitzchak v’Chana24/06/192801/08/202619 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Arthur Joseph NitikmanAharon Yosef ben Yisrael v’Devorah17/05/194029/07/202615 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Sheldon Berney–06/10/193628/07/202614 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Arthur ArkinAvraham ben Yitzchak haLevi v’Sarah22/05/192724/07/202610 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Dick BellDaniel ben David v’Chana28/12/192719/07/20265 Av 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Reesa NermanRivka bat Shlomo v’ Shaindel Leah30/05/195418/07/20264 Av 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Garry Israel FrankelGershon Israel ben Shlomo Moshe v’Miriam14/08/195313/07/202628 Tamuz 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Caroline Shelley RaberTzipi bat Yisrael v’Ita30/01/195511/07/202626 Tamuz 5786Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Estelle MeyersEsther Tzivia26/10/194110/07/202625 Tamuz 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Alice Grace LazarSarah bat Avraham v’Sarah27/12/192608/07/202623 Tamuz 5786Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Paula WolfmanPiya bat Mordechai v’Esther15/09/195308/07/202623 Tamuz 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Sharon Ricki FeuerSharona Rivka bat Avraham v’Sarah14/05/194008/07/202623 Tamuz 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Neil MargolisNissan ben Chaim Nechemia v’Deveorah29/07/193601/07/202616 Tamuz 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Sheldon Paul NemySolomon ben Moshe haKohen v’Rachel01/04/194723/06/20268 Tamuz 5786Hebrew Sick CemeteryMore Info
Murray KadysMoshe ben Shmuel v’Bayla12/01/194519/06/20264 Tamuz 5786Beit Chayim Mikdash Shalom, Chapel Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Portage AveMore Info
Richard GordonYitzchak ben Yaakov v’Dina06/11/194314/06/202629 Sivan 5786Grays’ Ridge Cemetery, Alonsa MBMore Info
David Harold DiamondDavid ben Avraham Yehoshua haLevi08/04/192909/06/202624 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Sidney GreenSimcha ben Aharon v’Rosa01/08/192907/06/202622 Sivan 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Cecile KowallTzivia bat Shlomo David v’ Sluva Mata24/05/193503/06/202618 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Joan HargraveChana Henya bat Binyamin Mayer haLevi v’ Miriam Dina14/07/195301/06/202616 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Irwin Barry StrongerYitzchak Dov ben Matityahu v’Baila16/09/194131/05/202615 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
David Ivan CohenDavid Yitzchak ben Yaakov Moshe v’Sara Liba06/06/195630/05/202614 Sivan 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Phyllis Maxine HochmanTziporah bat Shmuel v’Esther31/12/194030/05/202614 Sivan 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Alvin Murray ZivotAvraham Moshe ben Yaakov v’Leah Miriam03/08/193127/05/202611 Sivan 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Tova VickarTova bat Nachum v’Yenta24/08/194922/05/20266 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Karen LeipsicChaya Tova bat Kalman v’Raizel03/04/194421/05/20265 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Phyllis Lee DanaFayge-Leah bat Moshe BenZion v’Chaya05/10/193617/05/20261 Sivan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Betty Brina SimonBayla bat Yitzchak v’Miriam27/07/193515/05/202628 Iyar 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Basia Bayla FliegelBayla bat Leib31/05/193013/05/202626 Iyar 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Harold DiamondTzvi ben Yaacov v’Chana04/12/193512/05/202625 Iyar 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Gary RayburnGershon Aaron ben Hersh Ber v’Masha21/09/196509/05/202622 Iyar 5786Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Ray SchnoorRaizel bat Ephraim v’Rachel13/06/192705/05/202619 Iyar 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Gila Ruth FainsteinRachel bat Kiva v’Leah25/06/193504/05/202614 Iyar 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Toby SchwartzChaya Tovah bat Moshe v’Chana16/07/193201/05/202614 Iyar 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Rachel WolmanRachel Bayla bat Moshe v’Malka03/02/196224/04/20267 Iyar 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Leah GitlinLaya bat Yosef v’Frayda04/09/192608/04/202621 Nisan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Lin Joseph RosenbaumYosef Levi ben Hershel Zvi v’Dvorah17/10/195206/04/202619 Nisan 5786Hebrew Sick Benefit CemeteryMore Info
Norman SteinNachum ben Avraham v’Chaya10/06/193206/04/202619 Nisan 5786Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Marvin Saul SilverMenachem Shaul ben Avraham v’Chana Gitel20/11/194105/04/202618 Nisan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info
Kimberley Dawn KirshenbaumIsabella bat Avraham v’Sarah09/12/196903/04/202617 Nisan 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Walter GanetskyZev ben Yosef haLevi v’Tziporah23/09/194002/04/202615 Nisan 5786Bnay Abraham CemeteryMore Info
Lorelei Camille LavittRachel bat Yaakov v’Raisa11/04/193626/03/20268 Nisan 5786Rosh Pina Memorial ParkMore Info
Melvin MyersMoshe ben Chaim v’Rachel24/04/193624/03/20267 Nisan 5786Shaarey Zedek CemeteryMore Info

To see more funerals go to https://chesedshelemes.org/records-of-the-deceased/

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Obituaries

DR. BARRY RAYTER

June 12, 1941 – November 4, 2026

Peacefully at age 85.

Predeceased by Maggie in 2014, his wife of over 50 years, his parents, Bobby and Tubby Rayter, sister-in-law Dale Rayter and brother-in-law Mel Frasier.

Barry leaves to mourn his children, Jason, Kelly and Scott; sister Sharon (Benson) Labinsky; brothers, Bailey (Karen), Mark, and Ian (Lynnie) Rayter; brother-in-law David (Marilyn) Coubrough; nephews and nieces, Jordan (Shari), Brent (Tammy), and Ellen (Simon) Labinsky; Lindsay (Tyler) and Mika (Keith) Rayter; Jared and Aaron (Wendy) Rayter; Bill (Susan) and Joy Coubrough; and many more great and great-great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

Barry also leaves behind dear friends Winnie and Jim McPhee and their children, Terry Lynn (Dave), Michelle (Rob), Jim, Colleen, and Lisa (Dwaine) and their children. He was predeceased by his close colleagues Tom Dobbs and Ross McIntyre and dear friends Keith and Joan Thompson, who are survived by their surviving children Rob, Margot and Chris.

The help, support and friendship from many people have meant a great deal to both Barry and his family, including Beddie Nagle, Imelda Horbas, Julie Clark, Pam Swystun, Ryan Cormack, Neil Wilson, Laurie Lebel, Pat Karpasho, Kelly Wiebe and Mike Loyd.

The family would especially like to thank Dr. Joel Gingerich and the staff at both CancerCare Manitoba and Park Manor Care Home.

Barry grew up surrounded by a large and close family, first on Aberdeen, then on Mountain and Inkster, attending Peretz School, St. John’s, and then on to University of Manitoba where he studied Dentistry before opening a practice of over 45 years in East Kildonan, first on Watt Steet and then on Henderson Highway.

Barry was committed to the care and well-being of his patients, their families and to the profession, assuming the presidency of the Manitoba Dental Association in 1996 and serving as chair of the economics committee for over 30 years, he was recognized for his service including the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Density’s Alumni of Distinction Award in 2013 and he was the first inductee into the Manitoba Dental Association’s Hall of Fame in 2001.

After his years as a general practitioner, Barry joined the academic staff at the Faculty of Dentistry, assisting and teaching in several areas including the Emergency Clinic, making a lasting impression on the many students he taught and mentored – work he found richly rewarding and forming ongoing friendships with students who went on to work in the field, always available for guidance, offering advice, a caring ear, a free lunch, and a good joke.

Barry had both a keen aesthetic sense and skill as a visual artist, and the family home was filled with his many drawings, paintings and sketches. He also had a strong musical ear and could sit down at the piano and play a tune he had only just heard. He loved all kinds of music, including opera (which he attended with Winnie and Jim McPhee), classical, but also pop and rock and took his kids to concerts such as Supertramp, The Police, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, David Bowie, Styx and many more. He read widely, including fiction, history, travel literature, nature, and art.

Anyone who knew Barry can attest to his ability to tell and appreciate a good joke – all of which reflected his affable nature and his optimistic outlook on life.

Barry carried on the values his parents instilled in their children, including their generosity and kindness to those in need. He was caring and attentive to his patients and devoted to the learning experience of his students, who in turn would become excellent care providers. His presence in his family, community and profession were profound and we will all miss him dearly.

Service at Chesed Shel Emes (1023 Main St.), 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2026 followed by burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park (2795 Main St.). Shiva at 59 Vanier Drive following burial, and Sunday, November 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Monday, November 9, 2026 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Pallbearers: Bailey, Mark, Ian, Jared, and Aaron Rayter and Simon Flesischer.

Donations can be made to https://www.hscfoundation.mb.ca/donate/ (Dale Rayter GD6 Nursing Education Fund) at the Health Sciences Centre, CancerCare Manitoba, or charity of your choice.

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Obituaries

PATRICIA (PAT) CHARAD

Patricia (Pat) Charad passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, friendship, and community service.

Born in Detroit, Pat arrived in Winnipeg as a baby and grew up in the city’s West End. After graduating from Daniel McIntyre High School, Pat began her working life as a clerk at Great-West Life before moving on to various administrative positions. In the early 1950s, she and a friend ventured overseas, found work in London, and hitchhiked through the south of France. Pat was very much ahead of her time!

Pat met Issie Charad at a mutual friend’s party and they married in 1963, following Pat’s conversion to Judaism. Issie’s calm and steady presence was the perfect balance to Pat’s fiery spirit. They globe trotted and raised their two daughters, Judi and Reegan.

Their home was always warm and welcoming. Gatherings and celebrations were constant, as were teen drop-ins. Oak Street was a hive of activity, driven by Pat.

Pat devoted decades to volunteering with the Manitoba Children’s Hospital Foundation, contributing to fundraising efforts and serving as a board member. Her extraordinary commitment was recognized this past year when she was honoured for more than 60 years of volunteer service. She was equally dedicated to the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, where she served as Vice-President, Co-President of the Sisterhood and served on the board of the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre.

Although Pat began life as an only child, she certainly did not end it that way. Along the journey, she gathered an enormous circle of family and friends, comprised of adopted family, chosen family, honorary cousins, and nieces and nephews by the droves. To so many, she was simply and affectionately, Aunt Pat.

Pat will be remembered for her cracking bridge hand, her open door and her extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome.

Pat is survived by her daughters, Reegan Charad and Judi Charad, and her cherished grandson, Isaac, along with the many family members and friends whose lives she enriched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

If you wish, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba.

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