Obituaries
PAUL (FEIVEL) GRANOVSKY May 19, 1931 – December 26, 2023
Paul, of blessed memory, passed away the 15th of Tevet, 5784.
Paul is survived by his wife of 25 years, Claire Breslaw, his daughter Sharon, son Stephen (Ferne), grandchildren Kevin (Anna), Allison (Rob), Ben, Ava, and Sadie, great-grandson Maxwell, and his brother Bernie, as well by his stepchildren Susan (Tom) and Curtis (Sara), and step grandchildren, Sophie, Ethan, Malcolm, and Sam. He loved all deeply, without condition.
Paul was pre-deceased by his first wife of 32 years, Barbara, his sister Tybie, and his stepdaughter Shelley (Kevin).
Paul was proudly a life-long resident of Winnipeg. He was an icon on the Manitoba sports scene. Paul was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the infamous Stellars who won Canadian Championships in basketball in 1950 and 1951. He was also one of the best tennis players in the province, earning an athletic scholarship to Bemidji State for both tennis and basketball. At a time when few left Winnipeg for school, Paul went on to the University of Illinois to earn his Masters in Education and as a PhD candidate in Colorado.
Paul left Colorado before completing his PhD to tend to his first wife Barbara who had fallen ill. Barbara would recover. Paul fell in love with teaching and remained in Winnipeg as a high school teacher and coach for more than 30 years. “Mr. G”, as he was affectionately known by his students, was beloved for his totally approachable demeanour, quick wit, and his complete dedication to each student individually. He always was one who volunteered to staff student trips abroad and, while his focus was basketball, Paul also coached many sports teams over the years, mentoring athletes who would go on to represent Canada and participate in the Olympics.
Paul was active at Rosh Pina synagogue, spending a term as Vice President. He was fluent in Yiddish, proud of his daughter for carrying on the Yiddish legacy; while maybe a tad embarrassed of his son’s lack of “linguistic abilities”.
Paul’s humility was surpassed only by his achievements. He regaled nobody with his stories; even his children knew precious few details of his many accolades. Paul was content and his modesty defined him. Paul’s first wife Barbara fell ill again in 1994 and, as was Paul’s way, he left teaching to initially travel extensively with Barbara and then go on to support her by her bedside; twelve hours each day over her final months. Paul and Claire married in 1998. Theirs was a late in life love affair that lasted 25 years. Rarely apart, Paul was as dedicated to Claire as she was to him; together they brought the Breslaw and Granovsky families together as one.
Paul was not just a husband or partner to Barbara and to Claire. He was a true soulmate. Paul was simply an awesome role model for everyone who met him. The family is ever thankful to the staff of Grace Hospital, 5 North. As everyone, they loved Paul. They took great care of Paul in his final weeks and the family owes a debt of gratitude. A special thanks to Dr. George and Dr. Joshua.
Donations in Paul’s honor may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – The Breslaw/Granovsky Fund. (www.jewishfoundation.org/how-to-give) or to the Grace Hospital Foundation (www.gracehospitalfoundation.ca/ways-to-help)
Obituaries
MARK BERNARD SCHACTER
May 12, 1946 – October 19, 2025
We are sad to announce that Mark Schacter died peacefully in Vancouver on October 19, 2025, at age 79.
He was born in Winnipeg on May 12, 1946, and moved to Vancouver at the age of 22 to seek his fortune, and lived and worked there for the rest of his life, in a number of careers. He was a raconteur, a free spirit, a sports fan, a close observer of current events, and a good friend to many, as far away as Rio de Janeiro and Los Angeles. He attended the Canada-Russia hockey series in Moscow in 1972, flew on the Concorde to London, and went to Rio for Carnival on a number of occasions.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Brent Schacter and Sora Ludwig, nieces Miriam Stoller (Michael), Isanne Schacter, and Jennifer Schacter (Neil Rockman), grandnieces Reina and Maddie Stoller, Beatrice Schacter, and Sally Rockman, and grandnephew Jacob Rockman.
He was laid to rest in the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery near his parents on October 22, 2025. May his memory be a blessing.
Donations in his memory may be made to Yaletown House (www.yaletown.org) where he resided or to the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
GLORIA GERSHMAN
Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gloria Beatrice Gershman (née Lipchen), lived 95 remarkable years filled with love, laughter, resilience, generosity, a youthful spirit and a touch of mischief. Gloria passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
She was predeceased by her parents Rose and Nathan Lipchen, her husband George Gershman in 2016 and her grandson Jesse Short-Gershman in 2014. Gloria is survived by her three children: Darryl (Diane), Shelley (David), and Stu (Niki), eight grandchildren: Rachel, Daniel (Yeraldin), Mike (Hannah), Kara, Emily, Ashley (Andy), Max, Zak, and two great-grandchildren Ari and Grayson.
Born in Winnipeg on November 27, 1929, Gloria spent her early childhood in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, before returning to Winnipeg in 1940. Gloria and George married in 1949, residing in Winnipeg until moving to Miami, Florida in 1958 and returning to Winnipeg in 1961.
Gloria attended business college and worked at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and Glendale Golf Course. She volunteered in the community conducting hearing tests for elementary school children.
To our family, Gloria was our biggest supporter, our safe place, our guiding voice, and our example of what it means to be strong, independent, loyal, resilient, and generous. Gloria was known for her wonderful sense of humour and occasional salty language.
Gloria’s talents included sewing, knitting, needle working, cooking, baking, gardening and bowling. The family loved her homemade cookies.
She was devoted to her grandchildren and shared a special and unique relationship with each of them. She adored every moment she spent with Ari and Grayson, who brought her joy in her later years.
Gloria was a regular with the super seniors at the local McDonalds. During the Covid pandemic, she and her friends held “parking lot gatherings” at McDonald’s, sitting in their cars, chatting through windows, laughing, and refusing to let isolation dull their spirits.
She was an unofficial counsellor and second mother for many of our friends, offering warmth, insight, honesty, and love.
Gloria cheered (sometimes colourfully) for her Winnipeg Blue Bomber and Jets, rarely missing a televised game.
Mom wanted her family to live their best lives; Mom’s memory will forever be a blessing and legacy for her loving family.
Among the many people we thank, we give a special thanks to Dr. Ify Osagie and mom’s dear health care companion Tess Barillos.
Graveside funeral was held on October 20, 2025, at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.
Donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to the Buddy Check for Jesse Society, supporting youth mental health in honour of her grandson: https://buddycheckforjesse.com/ donate/
Obituaries
MARC AARON COHEN
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Marc Aaron Cohen on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the age of 55, following a brave battle with cancer.
Survived by his parents Lawrence and Dolly (Reesa) Cohen, sister Michelle (Ben) Levich, nephew Seth Levich, auntie Deanna Cohen, uncle Sherv Sharagge, and many cousins.
Marc was in love with his career. He was passionate about trucking and was good at it, wearing several hats during his career. He was a dispatcher, a long haul and local trucker, and an instructor to new truckers, while working for several trucking companies including Quick Transfer, Big Freight, and Gershman Transport. Marc received numerous awards and recognitions during his career including the Elite Award for Excellence in Performance in 2014 and 2015 from Big Freight. His commitment to the trucking industry led him to be chosen for the Industry Excellence Award in 2015 from the Manitoba Trucking Association.
Marc’s second love was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Being on his motorcycle brought him so much joy. He loved playing, watching and coaching football. He was active in the Nomad Football Club. Being outdoors in any kind of weather was his favorite place to be.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Brightwater Tuxedo, Health Science Center, and St Boniface Hospital. We are grateful for the compassionate care they provided Marc.
Donations in Marc’s memory can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation. 204-787-4143.