Obituaries
SIDNEY FLEISHER July 2, 1928 – November 4, 2023
Dr. Sidney Fleisher died peacefully at his home on November 4th. He was a loving and adored husband, father, father-in-law, zaida, and great-zaida. He is missed and will always be remembered by his daughters and sons-in-law, Marcia and Kelly, Rhonda and Bob, Susan and Larry, and Sara and Benjamin. Also mourning Sidney are his sister, Arlene Rusk, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Faye Litman, and his grandchildren, Alexander, Georgia, Loren, Ethan, Lily, Mira, Leah, Jeremy, Alexa (Aaron), and Brendan, and great-grandson, Arthur. Sidney Fleisher was predeceased by Beverly, his loving wife of 53 years, his sisters, Bessie Zelickson and Miriam Fleisher, his brothers-in-law, Jerry Litman, Cyril Zelickson, and Michael Rusk, and his nephew, Kenny Zelickson.
Sidney was born in north end Winnipeg to Jewish immigrant parents on the eve of the Great Depression and grew to maturity during the Second World War. He was the eldest of four children and the only son. As a child he worked in the family grocery store early mornings before school and after school. In 1944, while still in grade 11, Sidney dropped out of school and joined the 2nd (R) Battalion of the Winnipeg Light Infantry while continuing to work with his father. He remained in the grocery business until his mid to late 20s. At that point he became a travelling salesman with Success Wax and excelled at this work. When a large international corporation purchased Success Wax, he was one of the few employees who were fired. And when he was subsequently refused employment at a job with another large company he learned (from a friend who worked there) that they simply did not hire Jews. He said that when he heard this he vowed that he would never again allow himself to be in a position where he could be fired – that he needed to be his own boss and he needed to work at something that would comfortably support his family. To fulfill this promise to himself, even though he was married with three children and 33 years old, he returned to high school (there was no Adult Education program at the time) with the intention of going on to dentistry.
In 1968, at age 40, Sidney had one of the proudest moments of his life when he graduated as a dentist. The quality of his work was recognized by his peers. Frequently, patients who had seen another dentist, upon their return to Sidney, would report that the other dentist had commented on the work being ‘beautiful’ and would ask who the dentist had been. He was a caring dentist who was moved and concerned by patients’ pain. He strove to relieve it, doing free dental work if patients could not afford to pay. In the latter part of his career he focussed on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. He became aware that there were large numbers of patients with unrecognized, untreated and/or poorly treated pain from TMJ disorder, many of whom had been suffering for years. With further study and practice in this field, Sidney developed such expertise that he was successful in relieving pain in patients who had been unsuccessfully treated by other health care professionals. Ultimately, he had patients who came from many other countries specifically to be treated for TMJ dysfunction.
The greatest passion of Sidney’s life was his wife Beverly, whom he met at a party in 1947 when he was 18 and she was 15 years old. Within a year they were engaged and were married two years later during the Red River flood of 1950. In spite of this inauspicious beginning, the stress of having a family while they were very young, financial worries, and the pressure of returning to school and studying dentistry and knowing that this was his ‘best last chance’ to give his Beverly and children the lives that he felt they deserved, he and Beverly maintained an unwavering passion for each other. His children cannot recall a single occasion when he was critical of Bev or when they argued. Every day upon his return from work they met at the door and (at times very embarrassingly for his children) would share a passionate kiss and embrace.
As a father he was loving and affectionate. He would involve his daughters and later his grandchildren in all sorts of projects. He took great pleasure in teaching them many practical life skills – how to polish shoes, how to mow a lawn – and, being perfectionistic, he taught them how to perform these skills in his special way. By the time he was a grandfather, he had more time, so the nature and breadth of the skills changed. He taught them the making and bottling of wine, how to polish a Mercedes (his first and most loved luxury car), and the care involved in storing, cutting, and enjoying a Cuban cigar. He was a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather. His grandchildren, now scattered over the continent, took much comfort and delight in coming together at the time of his passing and sharing many anecdotes involving their time with Zaida Sid.
Sidney was a complex mixture of virtue and foibles and, very often, apparent contradictions. At his core there were two related but distinct forces driving much of what he did and he was at his best when these two forces worked together. The first was a compelling need to ‘make things better, to improve upon’ and the second was profound compassion for those who were disadvantaged in some way. The ‘improvements’ applied to both the trivial and the life-altering. For example, he excitedly added strawberry Jello powder to his rugalach recipe, thinking it would enhance both flavour and texture (hint: it wasn’t an improvement). And the same force was at play when he provided the necessary money for someone to improve their lives and/or the lives of their families by funding a new business, paying for years of university, or providing support for a family which allowed a parent to begin a new venture, etc. Sometimes he did this for family and at other times he did this for patients or even strangers. But they all became his friends. His generosity was untrumpeted; there is no building or faculty bearing his name. There are only people whose lives and whose children’s lives have been positively transformed as a result of knowing Sid.
Sidney had a ‘larger than life’ personality. He was a tall, attractive man with a ‘big’, positive energetic presence. He was extraordinarily extraverted and upbeat and he spoke boisterously and laughed frequently. Sidney had a terrific sense of humour and, most importantly, never took himself too seriously. He easily shared laughs at his own expense and, with his abundance of quirks, there were many such laughs. Sidney had an astounding amount of resilience and tenacity and an iron will, and this carried him through life’s difficult times. He did not have an easy early life and his return to school was very tough. But surely his most painful trials were the loss of his Beverly in 2004 and his lengthy final illness with its painfully slow series of cumulative losses. He faced all of this with ineffable good cheer and expressions of love for those who loved him. What a guy.
The family would like to thank Edna Johnson, Sidney’s dental assistant of 30 years, without whom he could not have practised dentistry well into his 80s. We also thank the marvellous caregivers who have felt like members of our extended family – some for over ten years. These remarkable people treated Sidney lovingly, gently, and with great care and enabled him to remain at home until the end. They are: Eliny Santiago, Theresita Barillos, Gizelle Arevelo, Eduardo Arevelo, Connie Agbayani, Ruth Sunico, and Anita Obfintuyi.
Sidney received superb medical care from his rheumatologist, Dr. Carol Hitchon, and his family physician, Dr. Grant Goldberg. Both of these doctors provided care that reflected that rare combination of medical excellence and genuine compassion, respect, and concern. Even when leaving his home was a struggle, an appointment with Dr. Hitchon brightened Sidney’s day. And we cannot count the number of times Dr. Goldberg called us to check on Sidney’s health during what were supposed to be his ‘off hours’. We also want to thank the nurses at the Rheumatology Clinic, Tom Hartlieb and Laurie Radke. Dr. Goldberg’s physician assistant, Matthew Christian, was knowledgeable and very helpful on countless occasions, as were the wonderful nurses at Fort Garry Access. Finally, thank you to the Palliative Care Team, who were incredibly helpful, a pleasure to deal with, and were always available when we needed them. We just couldn’t have asked for more.
Sidney’s funeral was held at the Chesed Shel Emes. Interment took place at the Bnay Abraham Cemetery on November 7th. Pallbearers were: Alexander MacDonald, Ethan Landy, Loren MacDonald, Jeremy Hecht, Leah Cornblum, and Brendan Hecht. The family wishes to thank Cantor Tracy Kasner, who performed an absolutely beautiful service. A gathering to remember and honour Sidney will take place at a later date.
People who wish to make a donation may donate to The Beverly and Sidney Fleisher Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204) 477 7520, the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre (204) 878 3740, or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
EVE VICKAR
Eve Vickar passed on August 25, 2025, at age 96 years.
She is survived by Kerry, Simone, Eric, Susan, Michaela, Chloe, Emily, her cat Simba, and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband Harry, her parents Irene and Arthur Weinberger, and her brothers and sisters-in-law.
Eve was born in Vienna, Austria in November, 1928. She enjoyed recounting her childhood years in Vienna, notably the weekends when she and her father would together enjoy Vienna’s beautiful parks. She recalled journeys to the Austrian countryside to visit her maternal grandfather in Untersiebenbrunn. Remarkably, these cherished childhood memories were not tarnished by the menace of growing fascism. Eve was nine years of age when Austria was annexed and lived fifteen months under Nazi occupation. She recounted her father taken captive on Kristallnacht in November 1938, the shattering of the chandeliers in their condominium and her father’s miraculous return home in the morning (having been released by a fellow First World War veteran).
Rather than holding bitterness, Eve periodically shared a longing for her Austrian roots and seemed to grieve the loss of the further opportunity to have grown up in Vienna amidst the familiar culture of her childhood. She and her parents escaped to London six weeks before the onset of Second World War, and emigrated to Canada one year later. She remained eternally grateful to the British for providing safe harbour for the family during their first year as refugees. Eve and her parents subsequently crossed the Atlantic in wartime and settled in Oshawa, ON, where she finished high school and worked in administration for General Motors.
In 1950 she met dashing Harry Vickar, a farmer from Saskatchewan, and together they established their lives and family in the town of Melfort, SK. Eve recounted the family’s twenty years in Melfort as idyllic, notably with deep lasting relationships with lifelong friends and a nurturing environment for her sons’ formative years. Her advocacy and volunteerism in the arts began in Melfort and continued in Winnipeg, following the family’s relocation. She proudly served as a member of the Women’s Committee of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for over forty years, and cherished her friendships and experiences. Eve successfully navigated three major health challenges throughout her life, each with courage and resolve, motivated by her deep religious faith, forward thinking, and love of life itself. Her grace, elegance and generosity were ever-present, as was her love and care for her husband, children and grandchildren, her pets and extended family and friends. She left a tremendous legacy by example and is deeply missed.
The family is very grateful for our compassionate caregivers for having provided exceptional care over these many years. Donations in Eve’s memory may be made to the Eve Vickar Memorial Fund at the North East Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (The Harry and Eve Vickar Shelter) in Melfort, Saskatchewan (email:tres@northeastSPCA.org).
Obituaries
MORRIS KAUFMAN
The Honourable Morris (Moishe) Kaufman, who lived a full and vibrant life, died peacefully on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the age of 84 surrounded by family.
Born in Tel Aviv on November 14, 1940, Moishe moved to Winnipeg with his family at the age of 12 where he learned English. At 15 he was invited to attend the Chicago Jewish Academy. Upon graduating, he studied Talmud at the Hebrew Theological College. After a year at Roosevelt University on scholarship, he returned home to Winnipeg. Moishe earned a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Manitoba. He was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1968. Moishe’s early law practice included working at Legal Aid and culminated with the establishment of the firm Kaufman, Cassidy, Ramsay. On October 7, 1998, he was appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench of Manitoba, where he served until his retirement. He was known for his fairness, humility, and reasoned decisions.
Moishe’s commitment to public service extended well beyond the courtroom. He served on Winnipeg City Council from 1971 to 1977, bringing to civic life the same clarity, empathy, and common sense that marked his legal career. He was actively involved with the Liberal Party of Manitoba and Canada, contributing his thoughtful counsel and deep belief in public service to the political arena. Moishe served on a number of boards including Rossbrook House, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and Via Rail Canada.
Moishe was genuine, loving, charismatic and at the same time, erudite and witty. He loved all music, playing guitar, basketball, swimming, reading extensively, horse racing, carpentry at the cottage, a heated discussion and playing poker with his grandchildren. Moishe was a mensch who will be remembered for his gentle strength, his keen mind, and his deep commitment to family, friends and the communities that he was a part of. His legacy of justice, kindness, and devotion will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.
Moishe was predeceased by his parents, Shlomo and Clara Kaufman. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maxine (née Gussin). Together they built a life full of love, respect, and partnership. He was the proud and loving father of three daughters and their spouses: Juliet, Brent, Shelley, Geof, Dunniela (Dunnzy) and Jeff. Moishe adored his six grandchildren, Jennifer, Jacob, Cierra, Daniel, Jack and Charlie, each of whom brought him great joy and each of whom had an individual and special relationship with their Saba. He leaves his sister and brother-in-law Miriam and Ralph Kuropatwa, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Phyllis and Herbie Goldberg, and an extended network of family and friends.
Moishe and family are very grateful to all the dedicated homecare staff and caregivers and appreciate their exceptional care, kindness, compassion and conversation. They are equally grateful for the medical care and guidance that he received throughout his illnesses.
Services were held on Sunday, October 4, 2025 at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in Winnipeg.
In Moishe’s memory, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ALICE HALPRIN
Alice Halprin died on September 24, 2025 at the age of 96. Born in Winnipeg, she was the fourth of five children of Victor and Fanny Schultz. Blissfulness was shattered when her mother died following a long illness, circumstances which necessitated her temporary placement in the Jewish Orphanage, a period marked by her great unhappiness.
Every one of the five siblings paid a price. Brother Albert gave up plans for university to support them in the family fur business and sisters, Myrna and Ruth, instead of enjoying their teens raised their younger sisters, now barely seven and five. Once on his feet, their father moved the family from behind the fur factory on Selkirk Avenue to Inkster Blvd., later spoiling Alice with cashmere sweaters and a fancy wedding at the Royal Alexander Hotel. She attended Luxton and St. John’s High schools.
North and South end Winnipeg united when Alice met the love of her life, Edward Halprin; they married in 1949. Though she was welcomed like a daughter by in-laws, Joseph and Rae Halprin, she didn’t fully enjoy the benefits of family as she moved from place to place while Ed, a general contractor, built Shop Easy stores across the Prairies. There were moves to Edmonton, Calgary, Fort William and Miami. In between they returned to Winnipeg. With later moves to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Vancouver, packing up and relocating became the theme of her life. In the course of having to divest herself of possessions, she proved to have a real facility for sales, at one time convincing a potential buyer with an interest in one of their cars to also buy her enormous eight foot Philodendron Tree. Making new friends wasn’t easy but she nevertheless maintained strong friendships. In particular, sisters-in-law, Sylvia Scott, Laurane Schultz, Elyse and Lynda Halprin, and cousin Sandra Halprin, all dear friends now gone, figured largely. She proved to be a loyal friend who would rather swallow tacks than break a promise or divulge a secret.
For the third time in her life, starting in the late 1980s, she retuned to Vancouver, a city she came to love beyond all others and which she shared with many visitors. Distanced from her own children, she cultivated special bonds with nieces, Dr. Rhonda Shuckett and Danyael Halprin. She volunteered at a day care and worked in a bath boutique and a children’s wear shop where she was a trusted employee and eventual friend.
Dogs figured prominently in her life. For as long as living arrangements allowed, there was a dog to love. And then there were her grandchildren whom she visited as often as possible alternating between dance recitals and hockey games, always rejoicing in their academic proclivities. She might have singlehandedly kept the laminating business alive preserving and bragging about their school reports. Even in failing health, her obvious delight in her grandchildren, including special granddaughters-in-law, Hayley and Rachel and her great-grandchildren, never faded.
In 2007, she and Ed, now suffering with dementia, returned to Winnipeg after an absence of over thirty-seven years. Rising to a hard situation, she did much to make the best of his last years as she began to exhibit her special kind of inner strength and strong will, which she seemed to manufacture and draw upon to persevere.
Great-grandchildren began arriving shortly after Ed’s death and she exerted her independence and generosity. She was able to indulge her love of classical music attending symphony concerts and the opera. A veritable news junkie she kept current on domestic and world events. She travelled and she wintered with sister Sally in Palm Springs. She travelled multiple times to New York including for both grandson’s weddings and after the births of her great-grandchildren. Her offspring were the greatest shows in town but it’s where she also enjoyed Broadway, Lincoln Centre and Katz’s Delicatessen. Despite the distance the affection and adoration of her New York great-grandchildren was remarkable, a testament to the obvious love she had for them.
With the exception of clothes, (she always dressed well), she wasn’t particularly acquisitive. What she was, was careful with her things, always preserving and maintaining them. She was an immaculate house keeper and even in her last weeks often asked if the floors were shining. Though she owned many beautiful things, over the years she gave them away, jewelry, silver and china, to her daughters, Leigh and Kerrie and granddaughters, Rachel and Alexandra. She kept what mattered to her, pictures, letters, cards, those laminated school reports and newspaper clippings featuring the exploits of her grandchildren and others.
She will be remembered for her beauty, her quiet elegance and demeanour, as a gentle lady, kind and regal.
Predeceased by her parents and cherished siblings, Albert Schultz, Myrna Mitchell and Ruth Shenback, she is survived by her dear sister, Sally Shuckett, daughters, Leigh and Kerrie and their husbands, Stevan Raber and Richard Leipsic. She also leaves granddaughters, Rachel Cooper (Amy Rapp) and Alexandra Cooper (Matan Gamliel) and grandsons, Adrian (Rachel Friedman) and Barry Joseph (Hayley) Leipsic of New York as well as the joy of her life, six great-grandchildren ,Yaffe and Noa Gamliel, and in New York Max, Cora, Rae, Alyce (her namesake) Leipsic, and honourary great-grandson, Eben Karnani as well as numerous and loving Halprin/Klein and Schultz nieces and nephews.
Thanks go to Dr. Claire Jaeger as well as her caregivers whose devotion allowed her to remain at home until the end: Sonia, Gerlie, Everlyn, Rosanna, Tess, Nancy and Anna-lyn. These wonderful individuals returned the respect and generosity she showed many times over.
Funeral services were held September 28 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery eloquently led by Rabbi Carney Rose. Her pallbearers included nephews, Rocky Pollack, Myron Schultz, and David Halprin (Toronto) along with grandsons, Adrian and Barry and her devoted son-in-law, Richard Leipsic. Honorary pallbearers were Bryan Klein and Victor Schultz.
Donations in her memory are kindly directed to Jewish Child and Family Services and The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.