Obituaries
NORMAN GOREN
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Goren on March 5th, 2021, at the age of 93.
Norman Goren was predeceased by his devoted wife Tillie Goren, his parents, Max and Fanny Goren, his five brothers and sisters, Ted Goren, Al Goren, Rebecca Hollander, Goldie Skidmore and Abe Goren. He is survived by his sons Monty Goren, Steve Goren (Donna Chudnow), Brent (Julie) Goren: grandchildren Rachel, Dayna, Jennifer and Cierra Goren; brothers and sister in law, Joe Elfenbaum, Sylvia Segal and Louis Elfenbaum.
Norman was a wonderful man, loved and admired for his kindness, generosity, and humility by everyone who knew him. Norman was truly one of a kind and there are very few people who were as nice and genuine as he was. The world was a better place with him and there is now a void in the world without him.
He was born in 1927 in a small homestead community around Estevan, Saskatchewan. Around the age of 23 years old, he was introduced to a young beautiful woman, Tillie Elfenbaum from Lipton, Saskatchewan. She thought he looked like Paul Newman and it was love at first sight. They were married on a rainy day in Saskatchewan on July 30th, 1950. Throughout their marriage, they were inseparable.
Norm was a creative, inventive and resourceful man, using these skills and talents to enhance all aspects of his business and family life. He was a proud entrepreneur, owning shoe stores in St. James, East Kildonan and St. Vital. Eventually, he concentrated on “Shoe Fair” in St. Vital and it became the go-to place for family fittings. He was honoured and humbled that people would come to see him from across the city because he fitted them with personalized care that kept multi-generations of families coming back year after year. Shoe Fair, St. Vital was an institution in the community until he retired from the shoe business in the 80’s.
Norm was an avid reader, reading almost all hours of the day and night until his last day on this earth. There wasn’t an espionage book that didn’t make it onto his list. He would read almost 90 books a year for almost 25 years and in his 93rd year, he read over 40 books on his computer. Reading was truly his passion.
In his early retirement, he loved to play golf with his buddies and celebrated his first hole in one at the age of 75. Norm was also a skilled card player, amassing quite the collection of quarters that he always joked would be a substantial inheritance for his kids.
Norm was a strong advocate of education and was proud that all of his children graduated from professional schools and were successful in their own right.
Norm loved his grandchildren more than life itself and even though he spent most of his life separated from them in different cities, he was intimately involved in their lives with extended trips and visits to celebrate their birthdays, Bat Mitzvahs, and graduations. The family celebrations and mitzvahs were the most important parts of his life. His grandchildren, over the years, have had a special bond with their Zaidy. He could not be prouder of them and was grateful to be able to watch them grow and become the beautiful women that they are today.
Despite the limitations and restrictions of the pandemic, Norm, his children, grandchildren and extended family found ways to continually connect. They would Facetime often during the day and even more so during the lockdown period. This intimate connection is what kept his spirits high during this most difficult period.
The Goren family would like to extend their gratitude to everyone at the Simkin Centre, especially the staff on Weinberg 2. They provided him with a wonderful home for his last few years.
Norm lived his almost 94 years of life surrounded by a love of family, leaving a memory that will be sustained within them eternally.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a direct online donation to The Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre Foundation Inc., click on or call (204) 589-9027.
Obituaries
BERNARR IVAN KLAPMAN
Passed away November 12 in his home in Tampa.
Barry (as he was known) Klapman was a business leader in Winnipeg. After law school he went to work for his father, Meyer, who started Peerless Garments manufacturing company and grew the family business into one of the largest employers in Winnipeg. Barry loved boating and trips to Las Vegas with his family.
He is survived by his: wife Monique Landry; two children, Arla Klapman Green and Jason Klapman; daughter-in-law Sarah Klapman, and son-in law Stephen Green; sister Maxine Brownstone; niece and nephew, Lorrie and Danny Brownstone; as well as his four grandchildren, Charli, Myles, Miller, and Gabrielle. .
He lived his life to its fullest. Donations in Barry’s memory can be made to Brothers For Life https://www.brothersforlife.com/donate/
Obituaries
BARRY POSNER
It is with deep sorrow that he family of Barry Posner announces his passing after a lengthy illness at the age of 75 on Monday, October 9, 2023.
Barry leaves behind his wife, Sharon; children, Adam (Christiane) and Daniel (Victoria); grandchildren, Jordan, Jade, Ari, and Zoey; brother, Murray; and nephew, Cort. Barry was predeceased by his parents, Alec and Claire, and his in-laws, Harry and Rose Borodkin.
Thank you to all the staff at St. Boniface E2 Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit, especially Dr. Denira Govender and nurse Kaitlin for all of their kindness during this difficult time.
Funeral service was held graveside at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Thursday, October 12, 2023. Our thanks to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his beautiful eulogy and to the pallbearers: Cort Posner, Zeev Rafaeli, Joseph Gillies, Aaron Migie, Rod Gordon, and Stephen Dubienski.
Barry loved his family and friends. He had a great sense of humour and always made people laugh. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, son-in-law, brother, and uncle. Barry was so brave and courageous during the years of his illness. He will be forever missed and never forgotten.
Obituaries
JOEL COOPERBAND

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Joel David Cooperband on Friday, October 6, 2023. Joel leaves behind his loving wife of 35 years, Cheryl, his gorgeous daughter Adeena, and his beautiful son Joshua. He also leaves behind his sister Reesa (Marty), brother Benjie (Adrienne), brother-in-law Monte (Stephanie), mother-in-law Shirley, along with nieces, nephews, and his uncle David Weinberg.
Additionally, he leaves behind his favourite fur babies, Jersey and Milo. Joel joins his dad Mickey, who passed February 1983, his mom Sandra – March 2018, and his father-in-law Phillip – December 2022.
Joel grew up in Garden City on Woodcrest and loved going to the family cottage at Winnipeg Beach. He worked at Silverman Jewellers and started Executive Jewels with his wife. They travelled across Western Canada setting up their wares but more importantly, enjoyed daily adventures together. Their children both worked with them. And they loved their lives. Family was his greatest passion. Josh chose a different path to take and Joel was so very proud of him. He would talk about him at every opportunity. Adeena was his sidekick, his buddy, his best friend. A huge hole in our hearts is felt by everyone who knew him. Funeral services took place at the Chesed Shel Emes with interment at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on October 10, 2023. Shiva was private.
Joel was so appreciative of a second chance at life. Unfortunately, it didn’t last as long as we hoped. Until we meet again – beautiful soul.
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