Obituaries
PHILLIP (PHIL) RUBIN May 28, 1937- September 16, 2018
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Phil Rubin announces his peaceful passing on September 16, 2018 at the age of 81 years. Phil took his final breaths in the Palliative Care Unit of Riverview Health Centre with his family: wife, Ruthie, and daughters, Marni and Lainey, comforting him at his side.
The funeral service was held at Chesed Shel Emes on September 17, 2018. The service was officiated by Rabbi A. Altein. Pallbearers were Rabbi S. Altein, Hilary Avertick, Jeff Gilbert, Rabbi B. Heidingsfeld, Mark Rubin, and Avi Saper. Internment took place at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.
Phil was born on May 28, 1937 in Ottawa, Ontario to Max and Ida Rubin. At the age of seven, he, with his family, relocated to Winnipeg where he grew up in The North End. After graduating from St. John’s High School, he attended the University of Manitoba, graduating from the Faculty of Engineering in 1962 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He began his working career with the Manitoba Telephone System and retired from his position there in Communications and Planning in 1992.
Phil enjoyed retirement during which he continued to be actively involved in his wife’s and daughters’ many and various pursuits. He loved researching many areas of interest to him and trading on the stock market. Phil also enjoyed travelling. His most frequent destination was Los Angeles, California, where his late older brother, Coleman, and family, as well as his late Auntie Molly, resided. Besides California,he travelled to many world destinations, the most memorable being the trip he planned to New Zealand to celebrate Lainey’s graduation from university.
On July 31, 1977, Phil married Ruthie Nimchonok. They built a wonderful life together, establishing a loving and welcoming home in River Heights. Together they enjoyed hosting many family functions, dinners, and religious holiday gatherings. They were fond of attending Manitoba Theatre Centre and Jewish Theatre productions with their close friends. Especially their life revolved around the interests and activities of their daughters.
Phil was an involved Father and Grandfather. He adored his daughters and granddaughters, Iris and Amelia. He heartily welcomed his son-in-law, Hilary, Marni’s husband, into his life. Phil was a soft spoken man of few words, but many kind and thoughtful deeds. He shied away from public recognition, preferring to be in the background providing assistance to family and friends without fanfare.
Phil was rarely ill. He was always considered in good health until he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the fall of 2016. He maintained a very positive attitude toward his struggles with this disease, never bitter nor angry about his situation. He was an exemplary patient who cooperated with his medical team, always expressing appreciation for all they did. He and his family were grateful for the care and guidance of Drs. Semus, Rimmer, Paulson, Gingrich and, of course, his G.P., Dr. van Jaarsveldt. An integral part of Phil’s treatment was organized by Jackie Chahine, his Clinical Trial Nurse, to whom Phil and his family were extremely grateful. Phil and his family were also so thankful for the home-based physiotherapy provided by Lisa Mills-Hutton. His whole medical team provided him with outstanding care and compassion. Great thanks go to all of the people, too numerous to mention individually, who provided Phil with loving, kind,and thorough care: the amazing staff of HSC on GB3; the outstanding Nurses, Healthcare Aides, and Respite workers of WRHA’s Homecare team who treated Phil with dignity and respect, not only seeing to his medical and physical well-being, but giving him emotional support. In his final days, his family was thankful to the remarkable staff on the Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre, who ensured Phil was free of pain and comfortable to the end.
Phil and Ruthie were blessed with the love and support of a large group of family and friends who readily provided them with spiritual and emotional comfort, as well as practical assistance. Whether they lived near or far, they were ever present in Phil and Ruthie’s lives during Phil’s illness. His family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone of them!
Phil is survived by his wife, Ruthie (Nimchonok), daughters: Marni (Hilary Avertick), and Lainey; and granddaughters: Iris and Amelia Avertick; Sisters-in-law, Elly Rubin and Shelley Nimchonok; Brother -in- law, Meyer Nimchonok; numerous devoted Nieces and Nephews and their children, and many loving Cousins. He was predeceased by his parents: Max and Ida (Freedman) Rubin; and brother, Coleman Rubin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chabad of Winnipeg, 1845 Mathers Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3N 0N2 or to Cancercare Foundation of Manitoba, Psychosocial Oncology, 1160-675 McDermot Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9
We bid farewell to a man whose love was constant, whose heart was pure, and whose memory will last Forever. Rest In Peace, dearest Phil/Dad!
Obituaries
TEDDY MULLER
In the early hours of September 29, 2025, holding the hands of his beloved daughter and granddaughter, Teddy quietly passed away just weeks before his 100th birthday. His passing coincided with the time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the holiest of days, a sign of how honourably Teddy lived his life.
Teddy was born October 25 to his loving parents, Shlomo and Luisa in Balavasar, Romania and remained proud of his Transylvanian roots. He enjoyed a happy childhood with his older siblings, Lola and Zoli. Life drastically changed with the onset of the war. Teddy was forced into a slave labour camp while his siblings and mother were taken to concentration camps. His mother was murdered the day before liberation at Auschwitz, something that haunted him the rest of his life. Teddy’s entire testimony of the brutality that he endured is documented in the Steven Spielberg Shoah Foundation archive.
In the Fall of 1947, Teddy arrived in Winnipeg and within 24 hours was working as an upholsterer and didn’t stop until he was 88 years old. Along the way he was introduced to his beautiful Marie. They were married in 1950 during the flood and spent nearly 70 years together. Two young Holocaust survivors, with a mutual understanding of persecution and loss, began to build their lives together. They built a family with a strong and loving foundation. Their business, Art Upholstering, was built on honesty, respect and a commitment to craftsmanship. Teddy was always proud of the homes he had furnished and the connections he made with his customers. He was especially proud of restoring historical furnishings from Parks Canada. Teddy never had to take out an ad as his sterling reputation spoke for itself. Teddy had golden hands that crafted high quality showcases of his trade and artisanship. The same resilience that brought him through the war, brought him through a devastating fire where no arsonist was going to dictate his future. With the help of Fred and Cynthia Brick, Teddy rebuilt Art Upholstering from the ashes.
Family and friends were the most important things to Teddy. To know him was to love him. His charismatic and engaging personality left lasting impressions. His historical aptitude made him a force to be reckoned with in any debate.
Teddy revelled in the successes of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were the world to him. He took his role as patriarch to heart. His support and love for his family was unconditional. He especially rose to the role of Zaidie and great-Zaidie Teddy Bear. He was a giver and never asked for much. Sitting on his deck, surrounded by his plants and apple tree filled his heart and soul.
Aging in his home was very important to Teddy. The compassionate care of Erlyn, his Joy, Timmalee, Adeena, Rose, Johnny and Marty was instrumental in maintaining Teddy’s dignity and independence and fulfilling his wish. Teddy’s quality of life was maintained thanks to the dedication of Dr. Brenda Hildebrand and her caring team. Regular visits from Chris, Gail, Alex, Allan and Emily kept Teddy engaged and stimulated.
Teddy was predeceased by his beautiful wife, Marie, his devoted son-in-law, Marshall, and granddaughter Jada. He is survived by his beloved daughter Laya, cherished grandchildren, Kyle (Carol), Gabi (Benji) and Skye (Cam), treasured great-grandchildren Alex, Maddy, Mavis, Mickey and Dori, as well as his son Marvin, and loving granddaughters Ilana and Timna.
Donations may be made to the Marshall S. Kneller Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or any organization supporting Israel, a cause near and dear to Teddy’s heart.
Obituaries
RUTH KLAPMAN December 20, 1929 – September 24, 2025
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, Ruth Klapman.
Ruth lived a full life surrounded by family and friends. She was devoted to her late husband, Sam, her partner for 68 years. Together, they brought joy to every gathering-always the first to dance and the last to say goodbye.
Ruth was deeply committed to volunteer work. She gave her time to organizations including Hadassah, ORT, the National Council of Jewish Women, Pioneer Women, and the Women’s Endowment Fund. She chaired the ORT thrift store for 14 years, and she sang in Israel as a member of the Rosh Pina Synagogue Choir.
Ruth spent every summer at Winnipeg Beach, sharing komish and other treats with generations of neighbourhood children who would visit the cottage throughout the day. She was everybody’s ‘Bubbie’. Winters were spent in Palm Springs, welcoming her children and grandchildren for fun in the sun.
Ruth was a true party person who loved spending time with friends and hosting family gatherings. Her home was a place where people came together to share meals, stories, and laughter. She enjoyed travelling the world and never refusing an invitation, no matter where it was.
Mother to Sandi (Sam Malamud), Marla Bernstein, Hartley (Drew Salter), and Jody (Brian Goldberg); grandmother to Andrew (Hilary), Allan (Alona), Aaron (Alanna), Jason (Lindsay), Steven (Alexis), Dana (Tom), Brady (Matt), Carly (Jay), Hanna (Gaby), and Kevin (Ilana).
Great-grandmother to Florie, Stan, Juniper, Angus, Isaac, Otto, Cole, Chase, Charlotte, Rory, Mason, and Romi; sister-in-law to Sandy Youssiem; Auntie Ruthie to many nieces and nephews.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Sam, her parents Reuben and Rose Youssiem, and her brother Saul Youssiem.
A special thank you to Marivel Toledo for her many years of care and dedication, and to Lorna Allen and Fabi Patriarca for their great support.
Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for officiating the funeral service, which took place on September 26, 2025, at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ruth and Sam Klapman Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520.
Obituaries
JEROME AVERY
April 2, 1945 – September 11, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jerome Avery, who passed away with his family by his side on September 11, 2025, at the age of 80.
Jerome was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Allan and Diane Avery. He was married to the love of his life, Karen, for 46 years, until her passing. Jerome was blessed to find love and companionship again with Sergia, who he cared deeply for.
Jerome treasured being “Zaida” to his grandchildren, Danica, Alexis, and Nathan. Jerome is survived by his loving children, Robyn (Don) and Tammy (Chris); his grandchildren Danica (Benny), Alexis (Brett), and Nathan; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Karen, his parents Allan and Diane Avery, and his in-laws Nathan and Rose Sarbit.
His smile lit up a room bringing joy and comfort to all who knew him.