Obituaries
SAM MINUK
Sam was born on June 19, 1947, and passed away on March 22, 2020.
He was predeceased by his parents, Max and Edith Minuk. He leaves to mourn his loss: brothers, Gary (Cheryl) and Yosel (Lindsay), sister Maureen Pollock, special friend Darlene Francis, and many nephews and nieces.
Sam grew up in Winnipeg’s North End where he attended Luxton and St. John’s High School. He received his BA (Hon) at the University of Winnipeg and Masters Degree in History from the University of Waterloo.
Immortalizing the essence of a relative in an obituary is a task that hurts the heart and fatigues the mind. On the one hand, one wants to memorialize our loved one, but at the same time, we know that often the words we put to paper feel inadequate and cannot do justice to feelings of loss and sorrow.
No one could have written a better obituary than Sam himself. It would have been full of cartoons ad doodles, but it would have been eloquent and articulate. He had a way with pen and paper, a turn of phrase, and capturing the essence of a story. His birthday cards, silver screen synopsis and book, Minuk’s History of Canada, are just some of the many examples of his many talents.
Simplicity was the core of his personality. He was genuine, kind an humble. He went about life without ulterior motivation, and without expectation.
Beyond his love of family, there are at least three absolutes about Sam that anyone close to him could assert without reservation: he adored animals, the silver screen and teaching. His love for the three was endless. He showed compassion and kindness towards animals that was unmatched.
When Sam spoke about the Silver Screen during his lectures at the University of Winnipeg, Rady Centre or on occasions at the Centennial Concert Hall, his passion and excitement were palpable. He had an unmatched way with both the written and spoken word.
Sam first taught in England, subsequently at Winnipeg’s Peretz School and in later years served as a school principal in rural Manitoba. He was a master teacher who left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to be in his class. His many students will always remember the cartoons he drew on their assignments and tests.
Sam was extremely well read, a lifelong learner and had an encyclopedic knowledge of trivia. If he was on your team for Trivial pursuit you were assured a win.
In one of life’s worst ironies, a man so well read and eloquent was stricken with Semantic Dementia, a disease that robs you of your ability to read and understand words.
Due to concerns with the Coronavirus, a graveside service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with Rabbi Altein officiating. Pallbearers were Mark Chisick, Glen Keddy, Myron Love, Gary Micfliker, Richard Pollock and Yale Shaffer.
Special thanks to Noel Pascua and Trudy for their care and devotion during his difficult years at the Simkin Centre.
In honour of Sam’s memory, donations may be made to Winnipeg Humane Society or the charity of your choice.
We lost one of a kind.
Obituaries
KEVIN PAUL STEINBERG June 1, 1967 – October 29, 2025
It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Kevin Steinberg (O’Neil) on October 29, 2025 at the age of 58 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He will be forever remembered by his mom Donna, sister Debbie (Marc), brother Jeff (Jocelyn), nieces and nephews, Josh (Dena), Zach, Samantha (Sean), Jaidyn, Jordyn, Jilliyn, Jayson and great-nephew Benny, his aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends across Winnipeg, Toronto, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Palm Springs and beyond. Kevin was predeceased by his dad Eddie and stepdad Ernest.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Kevin moved to Toronto at 19 years of age. He attended Ryerson Theatre School and quickly earned his Equity and ACTRA cards. After winning the U.S. Green Card Lottery he moved to Los Angeles. Within a couple of years he appeared on Seinfeld, Frasier, Married with Children and more. He later worked behind the scenes in TV and film. Kevin also had a great job in catering and told fun stories of the famous people he worked for in L.A.
In 2006 Kevin returned home to Winnipeg, where he continued acting and design. He later moved back to Toronto to join a design firm. It was there he was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a rare head and neck cancer. Despite his diagnosis, Kevin lived fully – auditioning, writing and travelling. During COVID he launched a podcast – Everyday Heroes. He also shared cooking videos, learned to sketch and kept creating. Kevin thrived, inspiring everyone around him with his resilience, humour and zest for life. Kevin always lived “in the moment”, he embraced life as it came. He will be remembered for his creativity, humour, courage and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Hochman, CancerCare Manitoba, Lisa and the whole team at Palliative Care, Rabbi Matthew Leibl, Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and MAID.
Kevin requested that donations be made to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation www.accrf.org
Obituaries
Howard Lorne Tennenhouse March 7, 1956 – October 16, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Howard (Howie) Lorne Tennenhouse. He passed away on October 16, 2025, after a courageous ten-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Howie fought with every ounce of strength and determination he had.
Born on March 7, 1956, Howie earned his BA from the University of Winnipeg in 1976 and his law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1979. While attending the University of Manitoba, he met his devoted partner, Susan. After dating for five years they were married on November 14, 1982. Susan and Howie supported one another throughout their life together, and she stood by his side with unwavering devotion until the very end.
Howie was the proud father of three daughters and sons-in-law, Lauren (Jesse), Ellie (Evan), and Shira (Gideon) and the adoring Zaida How, to Jack, Joey, Charlotte (Charlie), and Brandon (Bran). He is also survived by his two sisters, Judy Mahon (and her family) and Penny Tennenhouse (Bill). Howie’s family was his greatest joy and the center of his world, and to his family he was a fierce protector and the most enthusiastic supporter.
Outside of his love for family, Howie’s heart belonged in Israel. He took immense pride in seeing the love of Israel and Jewish traditions passed down from his parents to his children and grandchildren.
Howie’s funeral was held on Sunday , October 19, 2025 at the Etz Chayim Synagogue with burial at the Rosh Pina Cemetery. Thank you to Rabbi Kliel Rose and to the pallbearers Morley Hoffman, Alden Hoffman, Joey Pollock, Harvey Oman, Evan Reinblatt, and Jesse Marantz. A big thank you to the doctors at Cancer Care Manitoba who worked tirelessly to care for Howie, and the incredible team at the Riverview Palliative Ward. A special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Qamar for her devotion to Howie. Your care and kindness meant the world to the entire family.
Donations in Howie’s memory can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or to Riverview Palliative Care Ward 3E.
Howie was a passionate, loving, and larger-than-life presence. He will always be missed and never forgotten.
Obituaries
HARRY KREEL April 9, 1927 – October 20, 2025
It is with profound sadness that the family of Harry Kreel announces his passing on October 20, 2025 at the age of 98 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Ben and Rebecca Kreel; his brothers, Isadore and Boris Kreel; and his beloved wife Myrna, to whom he was married for 68 years.
Left to mourn his passing are his daughter Eileen; his son Darrell (Nicole); and his grandson Benjamin Kreel.
Harry was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan and moved to Winnipeg in his early 20s. He spent his career in education. He was the Director of Special Education for the Winnipeg School Division, Principal of R.B. Russell Vocational School and he also taught in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba.
Our parents loved to travel, and throughout their lives they travelled extensively throughout Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Upon his retirement, he and our mother were able to spend many wonderful winters in Palm Springs, as well as many visits to New York to visit family. The highlight for them was their trip to Israel, which was something they had always wanted to do, and they did.
Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, graveside at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. We would like to express our sincerest thanks to Rabbi Carney Rose for officiating and for delivering a most beautiful and heartfelt service.
To the pallbearers, you know who you are, and we would like to thank you for being there for our father. We would also, at this time, like to thank the wonderful staff of Weinberg I at the Simkin Centre. You treated our father with the utmost kindness, respect, dignity and compassion, and for that we will be forever grateful. And last but certainly not least, to Sheryl, Tia, and Victoria Levine, to Leslie Stokoloff and Joe Lacey, we will be forever grateful for all your love and support during this most difficult time.
Should anyone so desire, donations may be made in our father’s memory to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre or CancerCare Manitoba.