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
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.