Obituaries
MILTON LECKER
It is with great sadness that the family of Milton Lecker announces his passing on Saturday, November 19th, 2022 in Toronto. He was born in Winnipeg, February 13th, 1945…. Andrea Bocelli, Danny Kaye and Dick Van Dyke must have been conspiring with the stork that day. A soulfully, wide eyed, sensitive child, made way for a charming older self in a world then surrounded by a close-knit large family. Of the five Lecker kids, Milton was number two, first son, born to an English war bride, Molly, and a Winnipeg born father, Izzy. Talented, clever and disarmingly handsome – Milton captivated one and all. He sang and starred in many musicals in his hometown. He was a serious athlete. He was a math whiz. He grew up in West Kildonan, attended the University of Manitoba and was an active member of both the YMHA and his neighbourhood community. His friends remained friends, throughout childhood, high school, university, and business – in both Winnipeg and Toronto to this very day.
Milton was a successful and innovative restauranteur, an innovator of food creations – his Chocoholics shop was famed for its original creations. His Smokin’ Bones Ribs travelling food venture, preceded by years the current trend of food trucks. But business, social life and all other focus, paled in comparison to his greatest pride and joy, his son, Adam, and his successes. So too, Milton’s caring deeply for his other family members was genuine. His conversations with his siblings and cousins began and ended with “How are the kids?”, “What are they up to?” “That’s so great !!!”. His loss of a dad at an early age was profound. He revered his mom. His loyalty to his friends and family was unshakable.
It was not allowed in Milton’s conversations to say a bad word about anyone – ever. Though he famously gave advice to many, he also liked to give praise. He was, in his own way, a philosopher, puzzling out possibilities and ideas. Milton’s kindness and optimism was legendary. Not one comment following his passing hesitated to mention his thoughtfulness for others in spite of his later day health challenges. Perhaps his greatest legacy was the choice for a glass much more full than empty.
Milton’s funeral took place in Toronto at Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel, and he was laid to rest at the Pardes Chaim Cemetery in Richmond Hill. Left to mourn Milton are his partner in later years, Dorothy Melnick; his son, Adam Lecker (and wife Barbie); his brother, Brian Lecker, his sisters, Barbara Gabriel, Rivka Har El, Carolyn Lecker (and husband Mark Guslits). He will be sadly missed by his many cousins, his new grandson, Alex, niece and nephews, Paul, David, Asher, Danielle and Izzy (his godson). His very dear friends also share this loss. Let us all celebrate his memory.
Obituaries
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).
Obituaries
EDWARD (BARNEY) SEGAL
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward “Barney” Segal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Barney will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Elaine (Paul) Olin; his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephew: Jason Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Jessica and Shirley Ransby; Brenlee, David, Hayley, and Leah Selchen; and Daniel, Jordi, Poppy, and Skylar Olin; Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sam Segal (1998) and Louise Segal (2006), and by his sister, Dolly Chisick (December 2025).
Barney was born on April 27, 1955, in Winnipeg, where he lived his entire life. He spent his formative years on Lansdowne Avenue, a place that remained close to his heart and was filled with many fond memories throughout his life. Barney was the youngest of four children, and from an early age, he was a spirited and energetic presence, full of personality and spark.
Barney carried that same determination and energy into his adult life. With an unwavering work ethic, he pursued a career in education while working full-time, earning his degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to dedicate many years to teaching and supporting schools throughout Winnipeg. Barney took great pride in helping students grow, always striving to make a lasting impression on the young people whose lives he touched.
He was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, and the communities he served. Barney found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: cheering on the Chicago Bears, sharing vivid stories about his parents and days gone by, riding his motorcycle, and heading out on long road trips in his beloved Jeep, “Sparky,” always in search of the next good story.
Barney will be remembered for his strong spirit, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to those around him. His presence filled a room, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Olin, Jason Olin, Laurie Gorenstein, Jeff Brown, Gavin Rich, and Mark Lomow. Honorary pallbearers were Brenlee Selchen, David Selchen, Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman, Jordi Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Rick Lousier, Ben Szymkow, Ron Nelson, Leroy Fox, Robert Marvin, and Gerry Dudley.
In memory of Barney, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.