Obituaries
PHILIP BARNES MD FRCPC April 28, 1929 – April 18, 2023
Sadly, but peacefully, we have lost a lion of a man. Philip, age 93, passed at Simkin Centre, 10 days short of his 94th birthday, after a full and remarkable life.
Philip leaves behind daughter Enid (Art Macaw), son Ian (Sandra), grandsons, Stephen Nap (Star), Alex (Roma), and Matthew, step-grandsons, Matthew Wiewel (Jennifer) and Donavin Grouette, great-grandsons, Rafael, Santiago, and Sebastian, sister Carol Fehr, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Merle (1994), parents, Shirley and Fred, brother Sidney, and sister Donna. He also leaves his partner Marta Faludi in Palm Springs.
“Dr Phil” was a prominent Winnipeg Obstetrician/Gynecologist, joining the Mall Medical Group in the 1960s, and brought four generations of miracles into the world. He was beloved by his patients, highly respected by his colleagues, and a mentor and teacher to many medical students. As his children, we heard countless stories of gratitude told fondly by his patients, and from his colleagues, accounts of his clinical expertise, dedication, and skill. We recall his 2, 3, and 4:00 a.m. rushes to deliveries, often in blizzard conditions, as he did not want anyone else to attend to “his” patients. Philip’s specialty was in the care of birth mothers who were gestational diabetics, with research published and awards received. He was passionate about life, and a consummate, devoted caregiver to his family, friends, and patients. There were no half-measures with him; Philip was equal parts tenacious, determined, and obstinate as the day is long. To debate or argue wth him was at your own risk or peril. Each person he encountered was given a place of importance, no matter their station in life. He could not tolerate an injustice, and was a tireless advocate for those he saw as needing attention or vulnerable. Philip’s ferocity was tempered by his unwavering capacity for compassion for all. We would be remiss if we did not mention Philip’s legendary passion for food. Along with his scalpel, his fork was his trusty companion, and a Chinese food buffet was life. Although a force of nature, much revered, often feared, if he loved you, you knew it, as he would never hesitate to tell you so. If you were his friend, you had his loyalty forever.
“Philly” was proud of his humble beginnings and North End roots. He came from a loud, loving, colourful family, and from age nine, had jobs to help support them. Dreaming of becoming a doctor from a young age, he never let anyone forget that he was accepted into the Faculty of Medicine, at age 17, at a time when the University of Manitoba had a quota on their acceptance of Jewish medical students. Prior to his specialty of obs/gyne, he spent four years in Bienfait, SK, doing a general practice locum, with many a story he loved to tell of his time as town doctor, mayor, and plumber! As accomplished as Philip was, he was plain-spoken, called a spade a shovel, and was never afraid to do any kind of physical labour or get his hands dirty. He took our chiding about his mispronunciations like a trooper.
Above all else, Philip loved his family fiercely. We always knew we came first. As intimidating as he could be, he wore his generous heart on his sleeve. His devotion to his beloved Merle, who we lost much too soon, was a testament to heartbreak and recovery. His delight and pride in being a Zaida to his grandsons and great-grandsons knew no bounds, with complete spoiling rights. We are so fortunate to have had him in our lives and as a father.
We would like to thank the Simkin Centre for their exemplary care, who treated our father with dignity, respect, and love. We know he felt at home. We would also like to thank our family and friends for their outpouring of support and shared memories of Phil. They have been an immense source of comfort.
Funeral service was officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl at Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Dan Blankstein, Rob Berkowits, John Diamond, Norm Mayer, Stephen Rosenfield, and Randy Wolfe. Thank you all for honouring our father and our family.
Donations may be made to the Barnes Family Fund, Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or an organization of your choice.
Dad, your memory will always be a blessing. Your legacy will be kept alive throughout, by your family, and all those who love you. “Everything’s under control.”
You are with mother now.
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.