Obituaries
MATTHEW GLASS
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Matthew Glass, a beloved husband, father, grandfather (Zaida), and community pillar on Friday June 28, 2024. Matthew passed away at the age of 92, having lived a long and wonderful life alongside his devoted wife, Dianne. This August, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring love and commitment.
Matthew was born in 1932 in Winnipeg to immigrant parents, and he was the third of four sons and grew up in an entrepreneurial household where his parents owned a corner grocery store in the North End of Winnipeg. Matthew was the only one of his siblings to pursue higher education, earning a professional degree in pharmacy. At the age of 18, he began an apprenticeship as a pharmacist and shortly after entered the faculty, graduating in 1954. This marked the beginning of a long and esteemed career as a community pharmacist.
Once he purchased his first pharmacy, Talbot Pharmacy in 1962, located at the corner of Talbot and Grey, and got married, Matthew began his long career serving generations of families in the community. He and Dianne spent the first ten years of their marriage without children, working hard at the pharmacy while traveling the world and sharing his love for the game of golf. In 1980 Matthew had the opportunity to open a second pharmacy in the same community, Munroe Pharmacy, located at the corner of Munroe and London. Later he would amalgamate both pharmacies at the one location. Matthew worked long hours and loved his profession, dedicating almost 60 years to pharmacy, with 50 of those years as a pharmacy owner in the Elmwood/East Kildonan community. He was deeply respected for his expertise, empathy, and respect.
As a pharmacist and pharmacy owner, Matthew had the privilege of not only managing people’s health and medication but also acting as their advocate, in many aspects of their life. He truly cared for his clients and their families, with generations seeking his services and guidance. Even though he retired over 10 years ago, he remained a cherished figure in the community, with many still asking about him and sharing kind words. At work he led by example with his strong work ethic, compassion and heart. He created a legacy at the pharmacy, one that his daughter Michelle, who followed in his footsteps, continues to uphold with pride.
Matthew was a role model and mentor for his family. He excelled in many activities, from winning bowling championships to curling and playing golf. He was very active throughout his life, achieving a hole-in-one in his 70s—a modest yet proud accomplishment. He supported the Arts with his wife with season tickets to the RWB, MTC, and Virtuosi to name a few.
Despite his busy career, Matthew made time for his family, especially as a Zaida to his three grandchildren, Miri, Gabi and Saully. Matthew was predeceased by his parents Fanny and Joseph Glass, siblings Ervin, David and Alfred Glass, son Frederick Glass.
Matthew is remembered as a kind, gentle, and generous man by all who knew him. He lived a full life, achieving everything he wanted to while being surrounded by his loving wife Dianne, daughter Michelle (Roni Estein) and his entire family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and community service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice, in memory of Matthew Glass.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday July 2, 2024 at Chesed Shelemes and may be viewed at chesedshelemes.org
May his memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
LOUIS COLISH FEBRUARY 15, 1945 – APRIL 23, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Louis Colish at the Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by friends. He was predeceased by his parents, William (Bill) and Bessie, whom he deeply cherished. Loui considered his father to be his best friend and he was a devoted caregiver to his mother in her later years.
Born in Winnipeg on February 15, 1945, Louis grew up in Garden City. He had a long and fulfilling career as a Reference Librarian at the West Kildonan Library, where he assisted countless patrons with their questions. Even in retirement, people he would meet often recognized him as “the librarian”.
Louis cherished his relationships with his family and friends. Those who had the privilege of knowing him described him as incredibly friendly, one of their favourite people, and simply the nicest guy.
A lifelong learner, Louis treasured his extensive book collection, with a particular love for astronomy and the works of Carl Sagan. He delighted in sharing stories of his travels to Europe, Hawaii, Arizona, Disney World, and his most cherished destination, Israel. He also enjoyed attending his bowling league, the Rady JCC’s senior program, and the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre. He loved music from the 1940s and 50s and delighted in performing his favourite tunes in talent shows at the Rady JCC and Gwen Secter programs.
Louis was a devoted member of the Rosh Pina and Etz Chayim synagogues. Fellow congregants fondly remember his passionate and dramatic chanting of the Prayer for Peace from the bimah—a heartfelt expression of his deep hope for a peaceful world.
A graveside service was held on April 25, 2025, at Rosh Pina Memorial Park.
Louis was a kind and generous soul who will be missed but never forgotten.
Obituaries
HERB SINGER
Peacefully, with his family by his side, Herb Singer passed away on April 3, 2025.
He is survived by his daughters, Leslie (Sheppy Coodin), Marnie and Sheryl (Kevin Segall). He is also survived by grandchildren, Josh Glow (Leah), Sari Glow, Justin Segall and Hayden Segall, his brother Earl (Mimi), and sisters-in-law, Maureen Steinfeld (Leo) and Bonnie Dressler (Kenny). He was predeceased by his wife Myrna, his parents, Anne and Dave Singer and in-laws, Irma and Harry Nepon.
Herb was born on February 26, 1944, in Winnipeg and spent his early years on the family farm in Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan before the family moved into the city, eventually settling on Smithfield in the North End.
Herb attended West Kildonan Collegiate, excelling in both academics and sports. Herb and Myrna grew up between Salter and Aikins but did not attend the same high school because the back lane between Smithfield (where Herb lived) and McAdam (where Myrna lived) was the dividing marker for St. John’s and West Kildonan. They met in 1960, having been introduced by a neighbour of Myrna’s who was friends with Herb. It was love at first sight; they married in 1966 after graduating from the University of Manitoba.
Herb received his CA designation in 1972. He began his career in public practice but then switched to working as the controller of GIII Limited, which he said allowed him to spend more time with his family.
Herb and Myrna loved spending summers with their girls travelling to Detroit Lakes with other Winnipeggers. Later years found the family travelling campgrounds in Canada and the US in the trailer and finally settling in for summers at Gimli, where the family has happy memories of days at the beach and nights by the campfire.
Herb was an athlete all his life; he played basketball and football as a teenager and then played squash, tennis, racquetball and golf as an adult. Herb spent much of his retirement on the golf courses with friends and grandchildren and also loved his bowling league.
Herb and Myrna loved travelling and together explored China, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, England and Israel just to mention a few places.
Herb was an extremely social person and connected with many people over the years through golf, bowling, bridge and through winters in Palm Springs.
Herb was a supporter of community organizations over his years. He helped organize fundraising dinners for Talmud Torah when his children were students, he was umpire at his girls’ baseball games and in later years, he helped with fundraising at Congregation Etz Chayim, particularly with the yearly Golf tournament as well as the Lottery Brunch. He also donated blood well over 100 times.
His most rewarding role was that of Zaida. He loved spending time with his grandchildren whether it was attending concerts, games or marking a special occasion. He would always make sure his freezer was full of meatballs and ice cream and his cupboard was full of treats for their visits.
Herb loved watching sports on TV and rarely missed a Bomber or Jets game. He particularly enjoyed watching with his family and friends and thought himself an excellent armchair coach!
A funeral service was held at Chesed Shel Emes with burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park on April 4, 2025.
Those who are wishing to honour Herb are encouraged to make a donation in his memory to Congregation Etz Chayim or to the charity of their choice.
Obituaries
YHETTA MIRIAM GOLDCM, OM, BA
September 3, 1929 – April 25, 2025
Yhetta passed away at home on her own terms.
As per her wishes, there will be no service.
The family would like to thank Realcare Inc, particularly Kristina, Ana, Agrima and Chantal for their compassion and expertise.
For those that would like to make a donation in her memory, please consider a gift to the Yhetta Gold Campership Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3N 2B4, jewishfoundation.org, or to a charity of your choice.