Obituaries
MARTIN BRICKER August 12, 1953 – June 26, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father Martin on June 26, 2022.
Martin was born in Winnipeg, a son to Lucille (Binder) and Irving Bricker.
Martin attended Talmud Torah and Joseph Wolinsky schools. He studied sociology at the University of Manitoba, followed by a special education degree in Toronto, and a diploma in Interior Design. He worked in Toronto for a year before returning to Winnipeg to join his father and sister in the operation of the family business, Winnipeg Drapery.
In 1980 Martin met his lifelong love and soulmate Debby (Roitman). They were married on August 16, 1981 and created a loving, warm and haymishe home. Martin was an avid reader and excellent cook and baker, and the Bricker household always had the scent of fresh cooking or baking. He loved to share recipes with his sister, sisters-in-law, and daughter. A lifetime of beautiful memories, of the most loving and devoted husband and father, will be cherished forever by Martin’s beloved wife, Debby; his children, David Bricker and Ivy Bricker-Ford; and son-in-law, Nicholas Ford. Martin is also survived by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lesley and Laurie Goldberg, and Harriet and Martin Glazer; brother-in-law Michael Perl; nieces and nephews, Rachel Goldberg, Mikaela Goldberg, Matthew Goldberg, Ryan Glazer, Tali Glazer, Eytan Perl, Aviya Perl, Sheila Novek, and great-nephew Jacob Perl. Martin is also missed by cherished friends Howard, Hope, Josh and Samantha Morry, and machatunim Diane and John Ford. He was predeceased by his Babee Teibel Binder, his parents Lucille and Irving Bricker, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Boomy and Sam Roitman, and sister Marilyn (Bricker) Perl.
Martin and his sister Marilyn enjoyed many years working side by side and took over the family business in the fall of 1984 following the death of their father. Martin and his sister sold their company in February 2020 and cherished the many years of working with wonderful customers, suppliers, and installers. Martin’s devotion to his community was evident in his charity work and his involvement in the Jewish Board of Education, Winnipeg Chapter of the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University and Holocaust Education. He was a Parent Advisory Council Chairperson and the President of the Board of Jewish Education. He co-chaired several events for Holocaust Education. Martin was very involved in the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University where he was the chairman of “The World Film Premiere of Einstein Tonight” and was the Chairperson of the Professional and Business Division from 1992-1993. Martin was the recipient of the “Harry Silverberg Leadership Development Award” from the Winnipeg Jewish Community Council’s Combined Jewish Appeal on December 7th, 1993, for his valuable contribution to his work in the Jewish Community.
His wife and children gave him deep fulfillment and joy until the day he passed. He enjoyed the planning and the celebration of Ivy and Nick’s wedding on May 1st, 2022. Martin fulfilled his greatest dream when he walked Ivy down the aisle and danced with her at the wedding. Martin passed after a long and courageous battle with cancer, eight weeks after Ivy and Nick’s wedding, and six months after the death of his beloved schvester Marilyn.
Thank you to Dr. Mayba for his excellent care over many years. A special thank you to Dr. Kidane, Dr. Gingerich, Nurse Cheryl, Dr. Bieko and the Gamma Knife nurses. Rabbi Matthew Leibl conducted a graveside ceremony at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on June 28, 2022. A private shiva was held at Lesley and Laurie Goldberg’s home. Pallbearers were: Eytan Perl, Laurie Goldberg, Matthew Goldberg, Evan Bloomfield, Josh Vickar and Lorne Stoller. Donations in Martin’s memory can be made to Cancercare Manitoba, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue or charity of your choice.
Obituaries
LAWRENCE WERIER
Lawrence Werier passed away at home in Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 6 at the age of 98.
We thought he might live to 100, but it was not to be. Even though he was diminished by dementia in recent years, he still sparkled with an indomitable spirit that could not be missed, whether he was dancing with his many beloved caregivers or sitting quietly with his wife or children. He brought an intense energy to everything he accomplished, such as building a business, making a sale, playing tennis or scuba diving in some remote location.
His work at Goldin and Company was both challenging and joyful, and his entrepreneurial creativity brought him to Asia regularly, where he had close friends in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He married Eddy in 1949, and she remained the love of his life. They traveled the world together on many exotic trips, and in each place he would seek out adventure and fun. He was a force of life and an energetic presence who kept working and living and devouring experiences, always insisting that “the cup is half full.”
Many remember Lawrence as a great storyteller because he could never resist the impulse to share his exciting escapades with others. He didn’t retire until the age of 83, and even after formally ending his business, he continued to wheel and deal from home. In all of these passionate endeavors, he always had time for his children and grandchildren when they came to visit. His love of family was profound, and he demonstrated this love by generously bringing everyone together—children, spouses, grandchildren and Eddy—at treasured family gatherings in Costa Rica, St. Lucia and Mexico.
In recent days, people have reacted almost with astonishment that Lawrence has passed away, as if such a powerful energy might continue. We feel his loss deeply, along with his many friends in Winnipeg and beyond.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Eddy, and his children, Kerry, Cliff and Jodie, and their spouses, Suzanne, Sabrina, and Michael. He is missed by his two granddaughters, Cynthia (her partner, Matt) and Alex. Lawrence was predeceased by his beloved grandson Koby. Lawrence had many wonderful caregivers at “the Shafts,” too numerous to mention, but Tess Braun was his special friend and honorary daughter, to whom the family is grateful beyond words. Tess, Chris, Mavis, Jonathon and Jules made him comfortable in his final days, and we extend thanks to them all.
Donations in his memory can be made to Shalom Residences (shalomresidences.com).
Obituaries
BETTY JOAN KATZ
Betty Katz passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024, at the age of 94.
She was predeceased by her husband, Melvyn (Mel) and her daughter, Michelle.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Alana (Ted) and Bonnie (Howard); her son, Andy; grandchildren, Jonathan (Leiba) and Jeremy; and great-grandchildren, Louis and Ada.
Betty and Mel were high school sweethearts and married in 1953. Shortly thereafter, they purchased their cherished home on Lanark Street where they lived until after their 60th wedding anniversary. As the children grew older, Betty began a career in property management.
Betty is fondly remembered for her outgoing nature, wit, tenacity, and her great cooking, notably – her signature dish – Spaghetti a la Betty Katz.
Thank you to the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre where Betty received excellent care for the last eight years. Betty enjoyed the recreational activities and every opportunity to sit outdoors and at the sunny windows. Despite living with dementia, she was heard singing the words to “oldies” whenever there was an opportunity.
Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for leading a beautiful funeral service in Betty’s honour at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on October 28, 2024.
Obituaries
MARJORIE BAKALINSKY
It is with heavy hearts and deepest sadness that our family announce the peaceful passing of our dear sweet mother Marjorie Bakalinsky.
Mom passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Simkin Centre.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Rose and Joseph Weinstein; her sister Shirley; her in-laws, Dora and Beryl Bakalinsky; her sister-in-law Rosalie; and most recently, her dearest brother in-law Shia. Mom is survived by her loving and dedicated life long partner Leonard; her children Rachelle (Bob), Marty (Theresa), Cheryl (Avrum) and Gayle (Frank); her loving grandchildren, Jennifer, David (Andrea), Daniel, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Carllen, and Jerrett; her sister Kayla (Saul), sister-in-law Miriam (Jerry), and many nieces and nephews.
Mom was born in Winnipeg on March 7, 1935. She was raised as a youngster in the north end on Burrows Ave, then moved to Ferry Rd in St. James where her parents owned a grocery store. After graduating high school in 1953, she enrolled in nursing school in Chicago. She spent one year studying in Chicago, came home for summer break, met our dad, fell in love and didn’t go back. On June 5, 1955, Mom and Dad exchanged their wedding vows and were able to celebrate 69 years of marital bliss.
Mom always put others in front of herself, especially our dad, her children and grandchildren. She was the most unselfish woman we have ever known and loved. The matriarch of our family. Our home on Coralberry Ave. was always an open door to our many childhood friends.
Mom loved our cottage at Falcon Lake where many wonderful memories were made over the years, with her grandchildren always by her side. That gave her the greatest joy.
For over 25 years Mom and Dad’s second home was in Margate, Florida. Every year Mom would welcome her children and grandchildren to their Florida home, where there was always a home cooked meal on the dinner table.
There were many things Mom loved to do. One was playing mahjong with her weekly groups in Winnipeg and in Florida. Mom was an active member of Hadassah and was very involved in the Bnay Abraham Synagogue sisterhood. All of these were secondary to her love for her husband, children and grandchildren.
When it came to the point where her family felt Mom was no longer safe in her own home, Dad made the very difficult decision to make the Simkin Centre her new home. All the staff at Simkin who cared for Mom treated her with respect and dignity. Mom’s family will forever be grateful to the wonderful people at the Simkin Centre.
To Rabbi Matthew Leibl, thank you for being a source of support for our family. Your presence helped guide us through mom’s stay in Simkin.
Mom, we love you to the moon and back and beyond.
Forever remembered, forever loved!
In loving memory of our mom, Marjorie, donations can be made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, or to the charity of your choice.
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