Obituaries
LOUIS COGAN
On Monday, July 16, 2018, Louis Cogan passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 83 surrounded by his family.
Predeceased by his parents David and Bertha Cogan, he is survived by his wife of 57 years Marcia (nee Katz), his children Susan (Yair Shachar-Hill), Karen (Neil Grahn), Joel (Jessica Cogan) and his grandchildren, David, Essie, Sydney, Becca, Rachel, Lauren, and Benjamin; brother Harvey Cogan (Nessie), sister Leya Tapper (Bernie), sister-in-law Adrienne Katz and many nieces and nephews.
Lou was born March 18, 1935 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in what was then Fort William. He worked in a grocery store at the age of 15 and at 17 worked night shift at the Abitibi Paper Mill in Port Arthur. On Saturdays he worked up to 14 hours a day at Safeway as a bagger. As a young man, he worked as a door-to-door salesman with his brother Harvey selling Fuller Brushes to save money for university.
He moved to Toronto to attend Dental School at the University of Toronto where he was an honour student and lived at the Alpha Omega Jewish Fraternity House. After graduating from Dentistry, he moved to Winnipeg in the fall of 1958, practicing for a short time in Emerson Manitoba. He then spent nearly 40 years running highly successful dental practices in Windsor Park and on Marion Street in Winnipeg. Over the years he was actively involved as a member of the Manitoba Dental Society, the Winnipeg Dental Society and the Alpha Omega Fraternity serving as president and as regent. He retired from dental practice in 1996 and focused on real estate and business endeavours.
Lou lived life to the fullest and enjoyed playing tennis and golf with friends at Glendale Country Club and schmoozing at The Asper Campus. He loved travel, fishing trips, spending time in Scottsdale, hockey games, listening to music of all kinds, and spending good times with family and dear friends.
The seeds of Jewish community involvement were planted in Young Judea and later he served as the President of the local chapter of Technion. An active participating member of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, he was a Zionist and a strong supporter of the State of Israel visiting many times with his wife Marcia and taking his beloved father on two special occasions. He was dedicated to canvassing for Jewish causes and Israel and gave generously to both the Jewish community and the community at large. On September 28, 2004 he ensured his legacy would continue in perpetuity becoming a signer in the Endowment Book of Life for the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
Family was everything to Lou and his love was returned in full measure. He was grateful to celebrate all his grandchildren’s B’nai Mitzvot and it was a lifetime highlight for him to celebrate his own second Bar Mitzvah at the age of 83.
The family gratefully appreciates the loving support of Heather Tapper, Hart Poskar, Lara London, and Rhiannon Boyko, and wishes to thank the many professionals who supported Lou through all his medical challenges including Chuck and Glenn from Meyers Drugs, the Heart Failure Clinic, Drs. Marvin Slutchuk, Pamela Katz, Grant Goldberg, Mark Clarke, Paul Komenda, Mel Bottner, and the Palliative Care Team. We are grateful for his kind and dedicated caregivers Rose Ruperto, Lynn Carmichael, Cherry May Pellegrino and Chris Ruedas. Most especially, Lou relied on his nighttime caregiver Elvin Pellegrino, who went above and beyond to support Lou in every way possible.
Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 2 pm. Pallbearers were Joel Cogan, Neil Grahn, Danny Hamburg, Hart Poskar, Yair Shachar-Hill and Norman Shore. Honourary Pallbearers were Zivie Chudnow, Jeff Koplovitch, David Shachar-Hill, Frank Short and Bernie Tapper.
Lou’s life was a life well lived. He will forever be missed and will always be remembered with love.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honour of Lou can be made to the The Louis and Marcia Cogan Family Trust Fund through the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204)477-7520.
Obituaries
SIDNEY RITTER
August 30, 1936 – June 20, 2025
Surrounded by his loved ones, Sidney left this world peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.
He is survived by his children Michael (Flynn Gerb), Beth Goldberg (Bobby), Alan and Andrea, and his sister-in-law Elsa Swedko (the late Norman). His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Zachary Goldberg (Karlene), Jessica Goldberg (Rhys Sharkey) and Stefanie Steigerwald (Alex), Halley Ritter, Brianna and Madeline Ritter, Francie and Sari Goldenberg, and great-grandchildren Brooks Goldberg and Ava Steigerwald.
Sidney was born and grew up in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He moved to Winnipeg following his marriage to the love of his life, Hinda, of blessed memory. Together, they built a beautiful home for their family, filled with love and caring for their community. Sidney’s commitment to making his world a better place is evident in his extensive volunteer work with the Chai Folk Ensemble, his synagogue, Folklorama and the Folk Arts Council, and his exemplary 62 years of perfect attendance at the Rotary Club of Winnipeg.
Funeral services were held on June 23, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Contributions in Sidney’s memory may be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BARBARA KAPLAN (z” l) April 7, 1942 – May 16, 2025
A star back in the sky – the life and story of Barbara Kaplan.
The story of Barbara Kaplan is as unique as the woman herself. On April 7, 1942, a creative and gifted soul was born to Sidney and Rose Rosenblatt. She will be deeply missed by her entire family, including her beloved husband of 55 years, Harry, her two children, Shawn and Carrie, her siblings Shelley Rosenblatt and Robbie Rosenblatt, and sisters-in-law Lorraine Kaplan (David z”l) and Sharon Rosenblatt. Barbara will also be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Barbara lived her life in full colour. This was evident in everything she did, from how she raised her children and nurtured her family through special celebrations, to bringing a canvas to life, playing the piano, and the many creative words she put to paper throughout her life. She lived with a higher purpose; one she often mused about in her writings or through the art she created.
Barbara had a unique talent for both imagining beauty and creating it. She embraced what she was gifted to envision and the beauty she saw before her. She made things beautiful and saw the beauty in everything. Best once described by her son Shawn, “she was like a human paintbrush, touching things and adding vibrant colour and life.” Barbara brought these gifts into her professional life, graduating from Interior Design in 1986, at the age of 44. She mused and collaborated with her dear friend and business partner, Toby Vinsky, to run Interiors by Design for 25 years. She lived and taught by example, passing on her passion for the creative world to her children.
Barbara often said that “there are no mistakes in art,” and if life imitates art, the story of Barbara Kaplan is one of a profound life lived with vibrancy, passion and love. May Barbara’s special way of observing, representing, and living in the world be a blessing to all who knew her.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, where the BABS Scholarship (Better Arts, Better Souls) will be created to support aspiring young artists.
Obituaries
MINNIE BELL
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Minnie Bell on June 8, 2025, at the age of 92. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Dick Bell; her children, Joady Bell (Larry Bloom), David Bell, Karyn Burleigh (Paul), and Debby Brown (Bob); grandchildren Cory, Breanne, Jenna (Adam) Jordan (Kady), Jason, Jonah (Danielle), and Justin; and great grand-children Charlize, Zack, and Mimi.
Minnie was predeceased by her parents Freda and Abraham Bay; sisters and brothers- in-law, Jen and Alec Goldman, and Dorys and Morris Silver. She was Aunty Minnie to nieces and nephews; Tannis and Sheldon Mindell, Glenda and David Segal, Les and Andi Silver, Fern and Narvey Goldman, and Andi Bell.
Minnie was born in Winnipeg on September 11, 1932 and grew up in the city’s North End. She attended William Whyte School for grades 1 through 9 and graduated from St John’s Tech.
Minnie and Dick initially met at a YMHA dance. They were later reacquainted in Winnipeg Beach, which was when their love story began. They were married October 10, 1955 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
The Bell family was a very busy household. Minnie had her hands full with four active children, especially while Dick travelled for business for over half the year. Minnie volunteered for several organizations including Hadassah and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood. She chaired and canvassed for CJA Campaigns and Men’s Youth Aliyah.
Minnie and Dick were always strong supporters of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Holocaust Museum, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. They had a mutual love of music and international travel. They also shared a love of cruising and embarked on over 30 cruises before slowing down and spending their winters in Palm Desert.
Dick had quintuple heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1986 when he was just 58 years old. Minnie made it her life’s mission to advocate for Dick’s every medical and emotional need from that time forward. Thanks to Minnie’s tremendous efforts on Dick’s behalf, and to Dick’s own commitment to daily walks and a heart-healthy diet, he is still alive today at the age of 97.
Minnie always took great pride in her appearance – her hair, makeup, lipstick and perfectly manicured almond shaped nails were all of utmost importance to her. She was also known for her beautiful heels – Naturalizers or Clark’s were never an option! Minnie especially loved her off the shoulder sweaters and blouses. She also loved hats and typically donned a selection from her extensive collection for synagogue services.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary love, care and devotion to Minnie- Dr. Cynthia Sawatzky and Dr. Keevin Bernstein; Dr. Harvey Chochinov; the staff of the outstanding Simkin Centre and, particularly, the staff on Weinberg 1.
Minnie and Dick’s caregivers and companions, namely, Mae, Sandra, Nettie, Estella, Amanda, Cora, and Tammy were all of invaluable assistance in caring for both of them over the past few months. They truly became a part of our family and we thank them all from the bottom of our hearts
For those who wish, donations in Minnie’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir and Music Fund.