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Obituaries

THE HONOURABLE GUY J. KROFT

The Honourable Guy J. Kroft passed away on April 15, 2020.

He will be deeply missed and remembered with love by his wife of 64 years, Hester (nee Israels), his children Jonathan (Cara), Debbie (Morley), David (Ellen) and Sarah (Jeff), his grandchildren Daniel, Emily, Charles, Sally, Julia, Sam, Adam, Benjamin, Matthew and Joel, his brother Richard, sister-in-law Hillaine, his sister-in-law Renee and her husband Milton Bogoch and many nieces, nephews friends and colleagues.

Guy was a proud Winnipegger, Manitoban and Canadian. He was born in Winnipeg on May 27, 1934, the son of Charles and Heloise Kroft. He grew up on Ash and Oxford Streets. He went to Queenston School, Robert H. Smith School, Kelvin High School and the University of Manitoba, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Economics and his law degree.

Guy and Hester were childhood sweethearts. They grew up just blocks apart, attended the same schools in the same grade and attended the same university. They began a lifelong partnership when they married in 1956, a marriage that was clearly meant to be. Together they built a life and a loving family and they engaged as active members of the Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canadian communities.

In 1955 Guy began articling at the firm now known as Thompson, Dorfman, Sweatman LLP where he continued as an associate and a partner. He was named a Queen’s Counsel in 1978. In 1979, after a successful and fulfilling legal career, Guy was appointed as a judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench.  He was elevated to the Manitoba Court of Appeal in 1993 where he served until his retirement in 2007.

Although Guy travelled extensively over the years, he seemed happiest at our cottage at Falcon Lake, Manitoba. Together with Hester and surrounded by his family and many life-long friends, he built wonderful memories which we will continue to cherish.

Guy was a dedicated supporter and leader in the Winnipeg and Canadian general and Jewish communities.

Guy served as a bencher of the Law Society of Manitoba. He was an active participant and leader in federal and provincial politics, holding many leadership positions in the Liberal parties of Manitoba and Canada. He served as President of the Manitoba Division of the Red Cross, President of the Canadian Club of Winnipeg, a director of the Winnipeg Foundation and President of the Canadian Judges Conference.

Guy also devoted himself to the Jewish community. He was a founding member of the Canada-Israel Committee during the days of the Yom Kippur War, a board member of Jewish Child and Family Services, served for nearly 20 years as a member of the Executive of the Winnipeg Jewish Community Council (the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg) and ultimately as its President. He was a Vice-President of the Canadian Jewish Congress, President of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba and Vice-President of the Canadian Council of Jewish Federations. He was recognized for his community commitment in 1988 as the honouree at the Jewish National Fund Negev Gala and received the Jewish Federation’s Sol Kanee Leadership Award in 2003.

Guy was a strong person and an anchor for his family and friends. He was a man who thought before he spoke.  He knew how to listen and had the comforting and calm demeanor of a man who appreciated what he had. Those qualities made him a trusted confidant for those who knew him.  He will be remembered as a kind, courteous, fair and intelligent man at home, on the bench and in his community. 

Guy’s profound love and respect for Hester, his unbreakable bond with his brother Richard, and his deep love for his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces were apparent to all who knew him.

The family would like to express its deep appreciation to all of the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, not only for taking care of Guy but also for caring for the entire family as it struggled to cope with Guy’s deteriorating health. We would like to especially thank nurses Brenda McGavin, Corinna Heieie and Sara Reid and caregivers Emile Genido, Gigi Galvez, J.R. Bernardo, Moises Acasta and Lawrence Robes for their wonderful care of Guy over the years.

A private service was held on April 19, 2020 attended by immediate family due to the requirements of social distancing in these unusual times of Covid 19.

Donations in Guy’s memory can be made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, 1 Falcon Ridge Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R3Y 1V9, tel. 204-586-9781, the Guy and Hester Kroft fund at the Jewish Foundation of Winnipeg, 123 Doncaster Street, Suite C400, Winnipeg, MB, R3N 2B2, tel. 204-477-7525 or to a charity of your choice.

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Obituaries

BARBARA KAPLAN (z” l) April 7, 1942 – May 16, 2025

A star back in the sky – the life and story of Barbara Kaplan.
The story of Barbara Kaplan is as unique as the woman herself. On April 7, 1942, a creative and gifted soul was born to Sidney and Rose Rosenblatt. She will be deeply missed by her entire family, including her beloved husband of 55 years, Harry, her two children, Shawn and Carrie, her siblings Shelley Rosenblatt and Robbie Rosenblatt, and sisters-in-law Lorraine Kaplan (David z”l) and Sharon Rosenblatt. Barbara will also be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Barbara lived her life in full colour. This was evident in everything she did, from how she raised her children and nurtured her family through special celebrations, to bringing a canvas to life, playing the piano, and the many creative words she put to paper throughout her life. She lived with a higher purpose; one she often mused about in her writings or through the art she created.
Barbara had a unique talent for both imagining beauty and creating it. She embraced what she was gifted to envision and the beauty she saw before her. She made things beautiful and saw the beauty in everything. Best once described by her son Shawn, “she was like a human paintbrush, touching things and adding vibrant colour and life.” Barbara brought these gifts into her professional life, graduating from Interior Design in 1986, at the age of 44. She mused and collaborated with her dear friend and business partner, Toby Vinsky, to run Interiors by Design for 25 years. She lived and taught by example, passing on her passion for the creative world to her children.
Barbara often said that “there are no mistakes in art,” and if life imitates art, the story of Barbara Kaplan is one of a profound life lived with vibrancy, passion and love. May Barbara’s special way of observing, representing, and living in the world be a blessing to all who knew her.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, where the BABS Scholarship (Better Arts, Better Souls) will be created to support aspiring young artists.

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Obituaries

MINNIE BELL

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Minnie Bell on June 8, 2025, at the age of 92. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Dick Bell; her children, Joady Bell (Larry Bloom), David Bell, Karyn Burleigh (Paul), and Debby Brown (Bob); grandchildren Cory, Breanne, Jenna (Adam) Jordan (Kady), Jason, Jonah (Danielle), and Justin; and great grand-children Charlize, Zack, and Mimi.
Minnie was predeceased by her parents Freda and Abraham Bay; sisters and brothers- in-law, Jen and Alec Goldman, and Dorys and Morris Silver. She was Aunty Minnie to nieces and nephews; Tannis and Sheldon Mindell, Glenda and David Segal, Les and Andi Silver, Fern and Narvey Goldman, and Andi Bell.
Minnie was born in Winnipeg on September 11, 1932 and grew up in the city’s North End. She attended William Whyte School for grades 1 through 9 and graduated from St John’s Tech.
Minnie and Dick initially met at a YMHA dance. They were later reacquainted in Winnipeg Beach, which was when their love story began. They were married October 10, 1955 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
The Bell family was a very busy household. Minnie had her hands full with four active children, especially while Dick travelled for business for over half the year. Minnie volunteered for several organizations including Hadassah and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood. She chaired and canvassed for CJA Campaigns and Men’s Youth Aliyah.
Minnie and Dick were always strong supporters of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Holocaust Museum, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. They had a mutual love of music and international travel. They also shared a love of cruising and embarked on over 30 cruises before slowing down and spending their winters in Palm Desert.
Dick had quintuple heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1986 when he was just 58 years old. Minnie made it her life’s mission to advocate for Dick’s every medical and emotional need from that time forward. Thanks to Minnie’s tremendous efforts on Dick’s behalf, and to Dick’s own commitment to daily walks and a heart-healthy diet, he is still alive today at the age of 97.
Minnie always took great pride in her appearance – her hair, makeup, lipstick and perfectly manicured almond shaped nails were all of utmost importance to her. She was also known for her beautiful heels – Naturalizers or Clark’s were never an option! Minnie especially loved her off the shoulder sweaters and blouses. She also loved hats and typically donned a selection from her extensive collection for synagogue services.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary love, care and devotion to Minnie- Dr. Cynthia Sawatzky and Dr. Keevin Bernstein; Dr. Harvey Chochinov; the staff of the outstanding Simkin Centre and, particularly, the staff on Weinberg 1.
Minnie and Dick’s caregivers and companions, namely, Mae, Sandra, Nettie, Estella, Amanda, Cora, and Tammy were all of invaluable assistance in caring for both of them over the past few months. They truly became a part of our family and we thank them all from the bottom of our hearts
For those who wish, donations in Minnie’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir and Music Fund.

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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 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.

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