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Lillian Neaman (nee Cantor), beloved life partner, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and the best friend anyone could ever ask for passed away on August 21st at the age of 92, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving life partner of 44 years, Doug Skoog; her four children, Dale Marcus , Barbara Neaman, (Allan Finkel) Francie Neaman and Larry Neaman (Karine Liswood); five granddaughters, Blaire Malkin (Rob Bastress), Lexi Malkin (Mark Newberg) Gabrielle Chartrand, (John Chartrand) Jillian Swan (Alain Clement) and Alix (Trevor Boryskavich); and three great-grandchildren, Arlo and Della Anne Bastress and Julian Newberg. She was predeceased by her former husband Jack Neaman, her parents, Alex and Anne Cantor; her sister Phyllis; and brother-in-law Marshall Wilder.
Lillian was born in Winnipeg on February 16th, 1934. She grew up in the North End where she attended Machray Elementary and St John’s High School. She formed lifelong friendships during those early years, many of which remained important to her throughout her life.
Lillian was a lifelong learner and believed deeply in the importance of education. She encouraged all her children to pursue their education and modeled that philosophy herself, by enrolling at the University of Winnipeg to obtain her Bachelor’s degree at the age of 47.
Lillian will be fondly remembered for her love of family and friends, and for the respect and affection she earned from all who knew her. She was a dedicated volunteer and gave generously of her time to many non-profit organizations, including the National Council for Jewish Women, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Gwen Secter Creative Living Center, and CancerCare, Manitoba.
She was also an astute and successful businesswoman. In 1996 she was named Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. For many Winnipeggers, however, she will always be remembered as the owner of the Paper Gallery, which she owned and operated from 1976 to 1996.
Never one to sit still, Lillian was a consummate hostess. She and Doug loved entertaining and hosted countless elegant dinners for family and friends. She was also a talented gardener, and many people walking along the Crescent would stop to admire their lush and lovingly tended yard and garden. Lillian was an accomplished knitter who made beautiful afghans for family and friends, and especially for those who were struggling with illness. She often made them with the hope that they would bring comfort- and they became, in many ways, her own special kind of healing blankets.
Lillian’s funeral was held at Chesed Shel Emes on August 24th 2026. Honorary pallbearers were Fred and Charlie Finlayson, Dennis and Jean Giguere, Audrey Weidman and David and Leslie Wilder. Pallbearers were: Blaire and Lexi Malkin, Gabrielle and Jillian Swan, Alix Neaman and John Chartrand.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Lillian’s memory, may make donations to these charities that she was instrumental in founding: Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Lillian Neaman Women’s Endowment Fund. 123 Doncaster Winnipeg Manitoba R3N2B2 (204-477-7520) The fund was established to generate financial resources for organizations supporting Manitoba women – a cause that was especially meaningful to Lillian. Donations may also be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Guardian Angel Caring Room. 675 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg Manitoba R3E OV9 (204-787-4180). The Caring Room provides free support and items to help patients manage appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dick Daniel Bell on July 19, 2026, at the age of 98. Although our hearts are filled with sadness, we find comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved wife of nearly seventy years, Minnie Bell (née Bay), who predeceased him on June 8, 2025. Their love story was one of unwavering devotion, quiet partnership, and unconditional love—a love that shaped generations of their family.
Dick’s greatest joy was always his family. He leaves behind his loving children: Joady Bell (Larry Bloom); David Bell; Karyn Burleigh (Paul); and Debby Brown (Bobby). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Cory; Breanne; Jenna (Adam); Jordan (Kady); Jason; Jonah (Danielle); and Justin. In addition he leaves his precious great-grandchildren: Charlize; Zack; Mimi and Eva. Each carries forward the love, kindness, and values he instilled in them throughout his life.
He was predeceased by his parents, Helen and David Bell, and his siblings, Morley and Lucille. He was affectionately known as “Zadie” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—a title he wore with immense pride. He is also lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Tannis Mindell (Sheldon); Glenda Segal (David); Les Silver (Andi); Fern Goldman; Narvey Goldman (Mara); and Andi Bell.
Born in Winnipeg on December 28, 1927, Dick attended Luxton School and St. John’s Tech, graduating in 1945. He celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at the Jewish Orphanage Synagogue in 1941. Dick developed a passion for music at the age of nine when he first sat down at a piano. Music became the soundtrack of his life. By seventeen he was performing professionally, and while attending the University of Manitoba he formed his own orchestra, entertaining audiences throughout Winnipeg and beyond. Even in his later years, the familiar sound of his beloved Chickering Louis XV baby grand piano, one of his most treasured possessions, filled his home with warmth, laughter, and memories. Family members could always count on hearing a few favourite tunes, especially the Bugs Bunny melodies, which always brought smiles.
Dick’s professional life reflected the same qualities that defined him personally—hard work, integrity, and kindness. In 1948, Dick joined the family business, Western Smallware and Stationery Co. Ltd. After joining Western Smallware, he met the woman who would forever change his life. Minnie became not only his wife, but his partner in every sense of the word. Together they created a home filled with warmth, generosity, and unconditional love. In 1979, Dick founded Dick Bell Agencies and began representing toy manufacturers throughout Canada. Years later, with great pleasure, he welcomed his youngest daughter, Debby, into the business and proudly shared that chapter of his life with her.
Above all else, Dick was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, a proud father, an adoring grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loyal friend. His gentle spirit, generous heart, quiet wisdom, and wonderful sense of humour made everyone around him feel welcome and loved. He delighted in telling corny jokes that, invariably, brought much laughter to family gatherings.
Dick and Minnie embraced life together. They traveled the world on more than thirty cruises, creating adventures and memories that they treasured. Yet for Dick, no trip ever compared to the joy he derived from simply being surrounded by his family. Whether celebrating holidays, birthdays, or ordinary Sunday afternoons, he was happiest when with those he loved. Camera in hand, he faithfully preserved countless family moments – not because they were extraordinary, but because he believed every moment together was worth remembering.

Dick and Minnie were devoted members of Shaarey Zedek Synagogue throughout their married life and generously supported many causes close to their hearts, including the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. Their faith was reflected not only in what they believed, but in how they lived—with generosity, humility, compassion, and gratitude.
At the age of 58, Dick underwent quintuple bypass surgery—a life-changing event for both him and Minnie. From that day forward, Minnie devoted herself to his health and well-being, carefully managing his heart-healthy lifestyle and encouraging his daily walks. Her unwavering love and care, combined with Dick’s determination, helped him enjoy many more years of good health and precious time with his family.
One of Dick’s final gifts to his family was the autobiography he wrote, preserving the remarkable story of his life for generations to come. But those who knew him understand that his true legacy cannot be contained within the pages of a book. It lives in every lesson he quietly taught, every family tradition he helped create, every melody played on the piano, every photograph he carefully took, every joke lovingly repeated, and every life he touched with his kindness.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dick’s compassionate caregivers, Mae, Emmanda, Tammy, Sandra , Estela and Nette for the loving care they provided both at home and when Minnie and Dick transitioned to the Simkin Centre.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary care and devotion to Dick – Dr.John Rabson, Dr. Grant Goldberg ,Dr. Marni Wiseman and Dr. Wayne Manishen. We are also deeply grateful to the dedicated staff of the Simkin Centre.
Dick lived a remarkable life, but those who loved him will remember something even more remarkable: the way he made each person feel valued, welcomed, and loved. His gentle presence was a blessing to all who knew him, and his love will continue to live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all whose lives he enriched.
We will miss him beyond words, love him always, and carry his memory with us forever.
For those who wish, donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or the Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Choir and Music Fund.