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
MICKEY HOCH
April 3, 1930 – March 23, 2025
It is with profound sadness that the family of Mickey Hoch announces his passing.
Mickey leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, survived by his children from his first marriage: Irv (Michele Rose), Jeff (Janet), and Michele (Gerry Faintuch); grandchildren, Ashley, Stephanie, and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Moshe, Emelia, and Yehoshua. He is also survived by his stepson Marc (Debbie) Meyers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Rita; his parents, Simcha and Fanny; and his four siblings, David, Miriam, Yosi, and Avrum.
Born in Gurahontz, Romania, Mickey’s childhood was marked by adventure and exploration. He spent his early years fishing, hiking, and horseback riding, with Shabbat being a cherished time in his home. Despite the challenges of growing up during difficult times, Mickey’s resilience and determination shone through. He was entrepreneurial from a young age, learning the ropes of business from his parents and starting work in their store. When the Second World War forced his family to relocate to Arad, Mickey started his first business at the age of nine, selling snacks near a concert hall. He also delivered newspapers and worked in a candy factory. During the war, his family was moved to a ghetto, and Mickey bravely aided Polish refugees and supported people in labour camps by delivering food, money, and mail.
In 1948, Mickey immigrated to Winnipeg, while his family moved to Israel. He began his new life working at Crown Cap and soon launched his own hat factory in the basement of the Mazo home, his adopted family. From these humble beginnings, he expanded the business into a large garment company that produced hats, parkas, and pants, eventually employing over 400 people at Century 21 Apparels. Mickey was known as a respected and fair employer, regarded as one of Winnipeg’s leading apparel manufacturers.
A pioneer in workforce development, Mickey traveled to the Philippines in the 1960s through the Manitoba Fashion Institute, where he recruited garment workers. He helped bring the first group of Filipino workers to Winnipeg, providing them opportunities and a new life. Decades later, those same workers held a banquet in his honour to thank him for his profound impact on their lives.
In the late 1970s, Mickey joined sons, Jeff and Irv to start Century 21 Promotions in Seattle. After returning to Winnipeg in 1987, he co-founded Marathon Threads Canada with his daughter Michele, working there well into his 90s. Mickey remained an active and respected figure in both the garment and promotional product industries.
Outside of work, Mickey was deeply involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He spent countless weekends enjoying outdoor activities such as boating, skiing, snowmobiling, golfing, and racquet sports. In his later years, he took joy in cycling, poker, and bridge with friends.
Mickey travelled extensively, exploring destinations in Asia, South America, the U.S., Israel, and more. He especially cherished travelling with his granddaughters, with memorable trips to Alaska, Europe, Israel, and beyond.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Lisa for the love and care she gave Mickey, calling her his best friend.
Though his journey has come to an end, Mickey’s love, legacy, and remarkable story will live on in all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Mickey and Rita Hoch Fund” supporting the Holocaust Education Centre at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520.
Obituaries
FREYA WASEL JANUARY 21, 1948 – APRIL 5, 2025
With great sadness and broken hearts the family of Freya Wasel announces that she passed away peacefully in her home in Edmonton on April 5, 2025. Freya was born in St. Boniface Hospital on January, 21, 1948 and grew up on Inkster Blvd. in the north end of Winnipeg. She attended Inkster, Luxton, and St. John’s schools and received awards for academic achievement. She also attended Peretz Yiddish night school.
Freya continued her studies at the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and majoring in physics. She married Lewis during her final year of university. After graduation she was employed by the Manitoba Telephone System for two years in the traffic and engineering departments. She then left the work force to bear and raise her children, Norman and Rebecca.
Ten years after her first university graduation, Freya returned to the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Education. She earned a Bachelor of Education degree and then began a new career as a teacher. Freya taught at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Fort Garry for 21 years. Her primary subject was physics, but she is also remembered for an extra-curricular activity. She coordinated and chaperoned student tours to foreign countries during spring break periods. Those tours enabled her to travel to every continent except Antarctica. Freya retired prematurely
and moved to Edmonton to take care of her grandchildren.
Freya was predeceased by her parents, Alvin and Anne Gardner and her brother Norman Gardner. She is survived by Lewis, her husband of 57 years, her son Norman (Leanne) Wasel, daughter Rebecca (Shane) Asbell, grandchildren Aliza (Eitan), Daniella, Asher, Hila, Zev, Yaffa, Caleb, Koby and Yoni. Freya is also survived by her brother Arnold Gardner, sister Rhoda (Sid) Greenstone, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ellen and Ron Dlin, uncle and aunt Hy and Donna Dubo, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Freya was known for her friendly nature and smile. She made everyone with whom she interacted feel important. She was very caring for her students who in return treated her with respect and affection. Freya was community minded and participated in many charitable organizations. She is dearly missed but leaves us with fond memories and her spirit will remain with us.
Obituaries
ROSE SLUTSKY DECEMBER 2, 1937 – MAY 26, 2025
With great sorrow but deep gratitude for the time we shared, we announce the passing of Rose Slutsky (née Zipper), who left this world on May 26, 2025, in Vancouver, BC. She is survived by her beloved children—Sam, David, Judy, and Morley—her seven treasured grandchildren— Melanie, Tamara, Joshua, Brett, Jesse, Daliah, and Tevi—and two great-grandchildren, Isaac and Lewis.
Born in Galicia, Poland, to devoted parents Samuel and Manya Goldhirsch, Rose’s early years were filled with the richness of language, learning to speak German, Russian, Polish, French, and Hebrew before later teaching herself English and Yiddish. She endured unimaginable loss as a Holocaust survivor, losing nearly all her family except for her mother and cousins who escaped to another country before the war began. Yet, even in the face of profound grief, she chose a life of resilience, generosity, and love.
Family was everything to Rose. Knowing firsthand the irreplaceable value of loved ones, she built a home filled with laughter, warmth, food and unwavering support. After immigrating to Canada in 1950, she married Paul Slutsky,
and together they raised four children. Her devotion extended beyond her family to her community, where she proudly supported her children and grandchildren in their academic pursuits, cheering them on as they followed paths in law, medicine, physiotherapy, and international relations and data programming. We can all hear still her saying to us “believe in yourself always”.
Rose had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. She would brighten a stranger’s day with a compliment, welcome anyone who needed comfort into her home, and forge friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her vibrant circle of friends in Winnipeg and Richmond became her extended family, offering companionship and joy throughout the years.
A woman of extraordinary talent, Rose carved her own path as a salesperson for People’s Jewelers, becoming the company’s top seller in Western Canada for many years running. Her eye for beauty, paired with her personable nature, made her exceptional at what she did. She was a proud member of the Pioneer Women organization and Beth Tikvah Synagogue, tirelessly working to support Israel and the local Jewish community. Most profoundly, she dedicated herself to sharing her story of survival, ensuring that future generations would never forget the atrocities of war. Her courage and unwavering spirit inspired her family to pursue lives of service and generosity. “What life gives you, you must give back,” she often said—a philosophy she embodied every day. Rose’s artistic spirit was deeply ingrained in her. The daughter of a Paris-trained couturier and a talented shoe designer, she inherited a keen eye for color and form. From sketching designs as a child to creating stunning oil paintings later in life, she found solace and expression through art. Her work was proudly exhibited at the Richmond Art Gallery, a testament to her creativity and passion.
In keeping with her name, Rose nurtured life with tenderness and care. Her garden was a sanctuary—filled with fruit trees, vegetables, and grapevines. Each spring, she delighted in planting flowers, braving mischievous squirrels just to see her blooms flourish. But nothing brought her more joy than cooking for her family. Passover was her cherished holiday, her heart swelling with pride as her loved ones gathered around the table to savor her homemade delicacies. From knishes and kugel to chocolate cake and pickles, her culinary creations were a labor of love that filled every celebration with warmth.
Though Rose has now reunited with her mother, father, and husband, her love remains woven into the fabric of her family, her friendships, and the lives she touched. Her story—a testament to perseverance, kindness, and devotion—will live on, carried forward by those who werefortunate enough to know her.
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