Obituaries
SHELDON FINK
With broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, father, uncle and friend Sheldon Fink, on March 9th at the age of 57.
Sheldon is survived by his daughter Priya, parents Rachel and Solomon and siblings Percy (Ellie), Shayla (Kinzey) and Sharon (Darcy). His nephews and nieces Ariel (Hillary), Milan, Avi (Illana), Jared, Carli, Samantha and Cassie (Yonah) and extended family.
From a very young age, Sheldon exhibited a variety of talents that have touched many and left a lasting memory. His playful childlike humour entertained us and made us smile and laugh whether we needed it or not. Sheldon was a gifted musician, composer, author and actor. He was the youngest member with his siblings when they performed on radio and in live performances. Blessed with the ability to play anything by ear, he could sit down at the piano and bring joy to young and old at any given moment. One of the musical highlights of his life, was playing with Neil Young at the old Blue Note on Main Street.
Sheldon was a kindergarten teacher at Brock-Corydon School and parents always requested that their child be in his class. His easy rapport with the children has left them with warm memories and a foundation for their lives.
Armed with a Masters in counselling, Sheldon was able to share and foster healing for students in schools in various Manitoba’s Northern communities. He organized a girl’s choir in one community that brought strength and inclusivity to the students. It brought the school to life and life to those students.
Sheldon had his life challenges, but always found a beacon of light and hope through himself, friends and family to help carry him through the hard times. He had a deep spiritual side and he received solace and strength from his Judaism. He conducted the mitzvah of laying Teffilin, which brought him joy and purpose.
Sheldon felt so much comfort and love in his relationship with his daughter Priya. Her decision to become a musician gave him great pride, but more importantly he appreciated the wonderful, kind, sensitive and caring person she has become.
The family wishes to especially thank Sheldon’s close friends Billy Boy, Andrea and Peter. His close friend and confidante Rabbi Avrohom Altein and long-time friend Chris who never gave up on him. Also, his cousin Perry Rubenfeld for his lifelong support. The family is still hearing stories from his friends who tell us how they learned so much from Sheldon and how he literally saved some of their lives. They told us how he was able to speak to them in a way that connected to their souls. In Judaism, to save one life is equivalent to saving the world.
Deep appreciation also goes out to Rabbi Yosef Benarroch for officiating and to Al Benarroch, Hart Kaplan, Perry and David Rubenfeld and Bernie Midgie who helped carry Sheldon and to Sheppy Coodin, Fede Lopez Ficher and Michel Aziza for completing the Minyan.
Donations in Sheldon’s name can be made to the Jewish Child and Family Service located at Suite C200 – 123 Doncaster, Winnipeg, MB. R3N 2B2.
We will love you forever Shelbo.
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.
Obituaries
ROSALYN GOLFMAN (née LINHART)
Rosalyn Golfman (née Linhart) passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Born and raised in Winnipeg to Jack and Clara Linhart, Roz and her brother Sam grew up with a deep appreciation for education, music, and community. Her father, along with her mother who was an accomplished singer and performer in Jewish plays and on radio, instilled in her a deep appreciation for both hard work and family traditions. The tragedy of the Holocaust, which claimed the majority of her mother’s immediate family, profoundly shaped Rosalyn’s outlook on life, nurturing in her a strong sense of identity, resilience, and commitment to her Jewish heritage.
Growing up in a home filled with music, the aromas of traditional cooking, and the warmth of family celebrations, Roz developed a lifelong connection to her roots. Her devotion to the Jewish community continued throughout her life as she volunteered and chaired various programs at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and served as a member of the National Council of Jewish Women.
Education was one of Rosalyn’s greatest passions. She earned her B.A., M.Ed., a Ph.D. in Psychology, and a Masters in Family Therapy. As a clinical psychologist, Roz worked for 43 years dedicating her career to helping others. Rosalyn also served as President of the Manitoba Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and Chair of its Ethics Committee and taught at various times at the Universities of Manitoba and Winnipeg, and at Red River Community College.
Rosalyn’s greatest devotion was to her husband of more than 60 years, Charles (Chuck) Golfman. Together they traveled the globe and shared a lifetime of love and adventure. Their mutual curiosity led them to explore new places, lectures and forums, always seeking to expand their understanding of people and the world around them. Roz and Chuck raised three children – Jeff (Helen Huang), Lisa (Steve Kroft) and Jill (Mark Kantor). Her grandchildren – Angela, Nathan, Alex and Maya – were her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them, whether during family dinners, at her beloved Clearwater Bay, or on family trips. Rosalyn’s brother Sam (Judy) was a constant source of support, and the times Roz and Chuck spent with Sam and Judy in Phoenix and Aspen were always highlights for her. Family events with nieces, nephews, her numerous cousins and other relatives were also very special for Roz.
Rosalyn will be remembered for her compassion, intellect and unwavering devotion to family, her friends, and her Jewish faith. The values she instilled in her family will endure through them.
The family wishes to thank the many friends who supported Roz with gentleness, dignity and love. Thank you also to Dr. Marshall Pitz, Kim Paradoski and the caring and talented doctors and caregivers at CancerCare Manitoba and Grace Hospital who assisted Rosalyn and our family during this difficult journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rosalyn and Chuck Golfman Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
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.