Obituaries
LESLIE S. LITMAN 1936 – 2023

eacefully, at the Simkin Centre, Leslie Litman passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023, with his family nearby. Burial was at the B’nay Abraham Cemetery where he was laid to rest next to his mother and father, Gertie and Peter Litman. Pallbearers at his funeral were Lorry Litman, James Litman, Ethan Morantz, Sean Morantz, Jeremy Morantz, and Michael Litman. Honorary pallbearers were Richard Morantz, Marty Morantz, and Harvey Turbovsky.
Leslie had a long and successful career as a Chartered Accountant. He was highly respected by his clients and his colleagues at KPMG, where he was a partner for many years.
A kind, gentle, and charming man, Leslie was a good neighbor and friend. He was always dependable and ready to help others. He believed in the importance of volunteering and doing good in the community. He was a member of the board of the B’nay Abraham Synagogue, and served as its president. He was a longtime member of the Masons, serving as the Treasurer for several years. He was also a founding member of the FortWhyte Centre. Leslie was like a country doctor. He made house calls to his elderly clients to do their taxes and was available to them as needed. They showed their appreciation by sending him home with home-baked pastries.
Leslie and his wife, Carol, enjoyed travelling in their RV around Canada and the United States. They later spent their summers in their RV at the campground in Gimli, Manitoba, where many longtime friends also had trailers and where Leslie’s two favorite pastimes were fishing and socializing. Ardent fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, he and Carol had season tickets for a number of years. Leslie loved Tai Chi and was dedicated to its practice for many years. In his 70s Leslie learned how to play the flute. He loved playing the flute; he enjoyed his weekly flute lessons with his teacher, Monica, and looked forward to participating in the annual recital she held for her students. Most of all, Leslie adored his forever furry friends, first Charlie and then Tao. Three times a day, every day, he took his dog out for a walk. He would encounter neighbors and stop and chat. He and Charlie and Tao were well loved in the neighborhood.
Leslie was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Gertie Litman; his in-laws, Lorry and Shirley Turbovsky; his daughter, Kathy Robin Litman; his son, Michael Richard Seth Litman; and his sister, Pearl Morantz; as well as his dogs, Charlie and Tao. Left to mourn him are Carol Litman, his wife of 52 years; his children Lorry Litman, James Litman, Nancy Litman, and Maureen Litman; his grandson Michael Litman; his sister Judy Diamond, and his many friends and relatives.
The family would like to thank Dr. Phil Garber, Leslie’s cardiologist, for his many years of caring for Leslie. They would also like to thank all the staff of the Palliative Care ward at the St. Boniface Hospital for their exceptional care during the two and a half months Leslie was there as well as the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Team and the staff of Weinberg 2 at the Simkin Centre for their care in Leslie’s final days.
May his name be a blessing and the memory of his life remain a cherished legacy to all who knew him.
Contributions in Leslie’s memory can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, the MS Society of Canada, or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
DR. ARTHUR G. HERSCOVITCH

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur Herscovitch on February 3, 2025, at the age of 77.
Arthur will be remembered by his wife Linda, daughter Rennie (Mark), granddaughters, Anna and Miriam, sister Judy (Mel), brother Robert (Lynda), brother Martin (Rose), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arthur started his long career as a clinical psychologist in Winkler, Manitoba. A year later he moved back to Winnipeg, where he spent 36 years working at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, where he helped thousands of patients through very difficult times.
Arthur and Linda loved to travel and visited places such as China, Turkey, Morocco and many countries in Europe, and they went on road trips all over North America. Arthur was a very creative man who enjoyed woodworking and sketching, and he loved to engage in physical activities such as jogging and weightlifting. Above all else, Arthur cherished his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Simkin Centre for your care of Arthur. Your patience, compassion and understanding are greatly appreciated.
A funeral service was held in Arthur’s honour at the Chesed Shel Emes on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
RHONDA MATIAS

Rhonda Matias (nee Rykiss) passed away peacefully December 31, 2024, in Toronto, surrounded by her children.
Daughter of the late Belle and the late Max Rykiss of Winnipeg. Rhonda was born in Winnipeg on May 3, 1944, and raised in both the North End on Inkster Boulevard and later Cordova Street in Winnipeg’s South End. Her family nickname was Cookie as her father said she had a round face. She moved to Montreal when she was 18, only to be called back to Winnipeg to take care of her ailing mother.
Growing up in an entrepreneurial household, Rhonda was an independent and successful businesswoman. She worked in retail sales for her parents and from her basement, and later was a successful sales rep. Rhonda was a well-known and beloved figure at her own enterprise, A Store is Born, at the Winnipeg International Airport.
She loved fashion and art and followed in her mother and sister’s footsteps of cooking and baking. She read newspapers, kept in close contact with friends and family, stayed in shape and liked to spend time in the sun.
Rhonda relocated to Toronto in 2000 to be closer to family. She made many new friends and nurtured her love for dogs.
She is survived by her children, Debbi-Jo Matias (Kevin Filkow), Marshall Matias (Merav Barr). Bubbi Cookie adored her grandchildren, Mikaela Matias, Jack Matias, Jesse Filkow and Ari Filkow. She is also survived by her brother Bruce M. Rykiss and aunt Fay Rykiss, nieces and nephews, Jodi Sprackman (Paul), Steven Gilletz (Cheryl Lis), Douglas Gilletz (Ariane Cohen). She was predeceased by her son Jeffrey Matias in June 1973.
Funeral services were held at Chesed Shel Emes and Shaarey Zedek Cemetery in Winnipeg on January 2, 2025, Rabbi Kliel Rose presiding, and Shiva was observed in Toronto.
Pallbearers were Kevin Filkow, Jesse Filkow, Jack Matias, Ari Filkow, Bryan Borzykowski and Steven London.
The family wishes to thank her devoted caregivers, especially Michelle Ciego.
Donations may be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – Rhonda Matias Memorial Fund in support of BB Camp, or charity of your choice.
Obituaries
SYBIL RUBIN MARCH 18 1931 – SEPTEMBER 4 2024

Sybil passed on to her next adventure on September 4, 2024 at age 93 1/2.
She was a bright light in many people’s lives, most especially her loving family’s. Sybil lived her values with joy, energy, and purpose. She was always welcoming and inclusive, unwaveringly supportive, loving and optimistic. She volunteered extensively her time and skills with countless community organizations. She thrived on both teaching and learning, presenting celebrated book reviews, as a community presenter on the subjects of Israel and Hanukkah, and developing iconic programs like the Beth El Art Auctions.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Sybil was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba, and was elected to lead her college as Lady Stick of Arts in her senior year. Sybil met Manly Rubin – the love of her life – while in their teens in Winnipeg; they married in 1953. They immediately ventured off to Dublin, Ireland where Sybil earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Trinity College while Manly earned his medical degree. She loved their time in Dublin, which provided opportunities to explore various European countries.
They then moved to a small town in Saskatchewan where they welcomed their three children: Harry, Caron and Rochelle. With relocation to Minneapolis a few years later, Sybil threw her energy into her new community’s programs, her children’s activities, and volunteer opportunities. She remained a voracious reader (participating in three book clubs) and enthusiastic traveler into her 80’s, bringing her family on exotic foreign adventures after Manly passed away in 2010. She always delighted in attending plays, concerts and other performances. Hers was a life well lived.
Sybil is survived by her adoring children, Harry, Caron (Marc Meirovitz) and Rochelle Rubin (Scott Rutzick); sister, Rochelle Pincovich; grandchildren, Colin and Ethan Meirovitz, Shelby Rutzick and Boaz, Amalya and Gilad Rubin, as well as loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by husband, Manly Rubin; parents, Sam and Minnie Heft; sister, Connie Robinson; brothers and sister-in-law, Myles Robinson, Leon & Lainy and Jack Rubin and Aurel Pincovic
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