Obituaries
RALPH GORDON
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph Gordon on February the 26, 2020 in Rancho Mirage Ca. at the age of 88. Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Ethel, daughter of Abraham and Sally Malian, and sisters-in-law, Evelyn Hecht (Larry) and Seema Ariel (Brian).
He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his children Marshall (Amy), Sherwin (Nancy) and Kayla (Art Maister) and 6 grandchildren -Avril (Angela), Aaron (Brittany), Adam (Vivian) and Carly (Greg), Jacob and Cara. He was blessed to recently spend time with 4 great-grandchildren -Keira, Blake, Kenny, and Hallee. He will be affectionately remembered by his nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
Ralph was born May 21, 1931, the son of Samuel Gordon and Nettie (Schweid). Sam came to Winnipeg from Vilna in 1915, then moved to Minnesota, joining the U.S. Army for World War I. After the war, Sam returned to Winnipeg to visit relatives where he met Nettie, also an immigrant, who had come from Austria to be with family. Sam and Nettie had three children: Helen, Lou, and Ralph.
Ralph grew up in the North end of Winnipeg on Alfred Avenue. He went to Machray School and St. John’s Tech. He was fun loving and an avid sportsman, and sang in the school operettas. He graduated from United College and the University of Manitoba. As a student, he worked for The Manitoban newspaper and was a member of the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. On June 19, 1955, he married the love of his life Ethel. He was a dedicated, devoted husband and dancing partner to her for 63 years. In the first years of their marriage, Ralph had several jobs. He was a manager at The Bay and then he sold and designed furniture at Ideal Brass. He was delivering furniture one day to St. John’s College and one of the nuns said, ‘You should go into education”. He took her advice and enrolled in the Faculty of Education at U of M taking classes over 3 summers. He later returned to complete his Master’s degree. He taught math and business in the St James School division at Ness, Samson Jr. High and John Taylor Collegiate for 25 years. Memory-filled summers were spent at Falcon Lake and then West Hawk Lake. He coached Hockey and was a certified Tennis teacher. Ralph was always generous with his time and patiently taught so many how to snow and water ski. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Tuxedo Tennis Club and taught tennis there for ten years. In his spare time, he supervised the construction of their unique homes in Tuxedo and Linden Woods and he built two summer cottages. He was the “second Jewish carpenter”. For Ralph, it was always about adventure and making memories, for himself, for Ethel, and for their family and friends. His memory and legacy will be cherished and he will be greatly missed.
Funeral Services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in Winnipeg on March 4. Pallbearers were Adam Gordon, Aaron Maister, Greg Karon, Benjamin Hecht, Paul Hecht, Hardev Bains. Honorary Pallbearers were Evelyn Hecht and Jacob Gordon. Donations in Ralph’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba and Parkinson Canada.
Obituaries
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).
Obituaries
EDWARD (BARNEY) SEGAL
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward “Barney” Segal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Barney will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Elaine (Paul) Olin; his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephew: Jason Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Jessica and Shirley Ransby; Brenlee, David, Hayley, and Leah Selchen; and Daniel, Jordi, Poppy, and Skylar Olin; Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sam Segal (1998) and Louise Segal (2006), and by his sister, Dolly Chisick (December 2025).
Barney was born on April 27, 1955, in Winnipeg, where he lived his entire life. He spent his formative years on Lansdowne Avenue, a place that remained close to his heart and was filled with many fond memories throughout his life. Barney was the youngest of four children, and from an early age, he was a spirited and energetic presence, full of personality and spark.
Barney carried that same determination and energy into his adult life. With an unwavering work ethic, he pursued a career in education while working full-time, earning his degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to dedicate many years to teaching and supporting schools throughout Winnipeg. Barney took great pride in helping students grow, always striving to make a lasting impression on the young people whose lives he touched.
He was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, and the communities he served. Barney found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: cheering on the Chicago Bears, sharing vivid stories about his parents and days gone by, riding his motorcycle, and heading out on long road trips in his beloved Jeep, “Sparky,” always in search of the next good story.
Barney will be remembered for his strong spirit, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to those around him. His presence filled a room, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Olin, Jason Olin, Laurie Gorenstein, Jeff Brown, Gavin Rich, and Mark Lomow. Honorary pallbearers were Brenlee Selchen, David Selchen, Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman, Jordi Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Rick Lousier, Ben Szymkow, Ron Nelson, Leroy Fox, Robert Marvin, and Gerry Dudley.
In memory of Barney, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.