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.
Obituaries
TEDDY MULLER
In the early hours of September 29, 2025, holding the hands of his beloved daughter and granddaughter, Teddy quietly passed away just weeks before his 100th birthday. His passing coincided with the time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the holiest of days, a sign of how honourably Teddy lived his life.
Teddy was born October 25 to his loving parents, Shlomo and Luisa in Balavasar, Romania and remained proud of his Transylvanian roots. He enjoyed a happy childhood with his older siblings, Lola and Zoli. Life drastically changed with the onset of the war. Teddy was forced into a slave labour camp while his siblings and mother were taken to concentration camps. His mother was murdered the day before liberation at Auschwitz, something that haunted him the rest of his life. Teddy’s entire testimony of the brutality that he endured is documented in the Steven Spielberg Shoah Foundation archive.
In the Fall of 1947, Teddy arrived in Winnipeg and within 24 hours was working as an upholsterer and didn’t stop until he was 88 years old. Along the way he was introduced to his beautiful Marie. They were married in 1950 during the flood and spent nearly 70 years together. Two young Holocaust survivors, with a mutual understanding of persecution and loss, began to build their lives together. They built a family with a strong and loving foundation. Their business, Art Upholstering, was built on honesty, respect and a commitment to craftsmanship. Teddy was always proud of the homes he had furnished and the connections he made with his customers. He was especially proud of restoring historical furnishings from Parks Canada. Teddy never had to take out an ad as his sterling reputation spoke for itself. Teddy had golden hands that crafted high quality showcases of his trade and artisanship. The same resilience that brought him through the war, brought him through a devastating fire where no arsonist was going to dictate his future. With the help of Fred and Cynthia Brick, Teddy rebuilt Art Upholstering from the ashes.
Family and friends were the most important things to Teddy. To know him was to love him. His charismatic and engaging personality left lasting impressions. His historical aptitude made him a force to be reckoned with in any debate.
Teddy revelled in the successes of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were the world to him. He took his role as patriarch to heart. His support and love for his family was unconditional. He especially rose to the role of Zaidie and great-Zaidie Teddy Bear. He was a giver and never asked for much. Sitting on his deck, surrounded by his plants and apple tree filled his heart and soul.
Aging in his home was very important to Teddy. The compassionate care of Erlyn, his Joy, Timmalee, Adeena, Rose, Johnny and Marty was instrumental in maintaining Teddy’s dignity and independence and fulfilling his wish. Teddy’s quality of life was maintained thanks to the dedication of Dr. Brenda Hildebrand and her caring team. Regular visits from Chris, Gail, Alex, Allan and Emily kept Teddy engaged and stimulated.
Teddy was predeceased by his beautiful wife, Marie, his devoted son-in-law, Marshall, and granddaughter Jada. He is survived by his beloved daughter Laya, cherished grandchildren, Kyle (Carol), Gabi (Benji) and Skye (Cam), treasured great-grandchildren Alex, Maddy, Mavis, Mickey and Dori, as well as his son Marvin, and loving granddaughters Ilana and Timna.
Donations may be made to the Marshall S. Kneller Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or any organization supporting Israel, a cause near and dear to Teddy’s heart.
Obituaries
RUTH KLAPMAN December 20, 1929 – September 24, 2025
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, Ruth Klapman.
Ruth lived a full life surrounded by family and friends. She was devoted to her late husband, Sam, her partner for 68 years. Together, they brought joy to every gathering-always the first to dance and the last to say goodbye.
Ruth was deeply committed to volunteer work. She gave her time to organizations including Hadassah, ORT, the National Council of Jewish Women, Pioneer Women, and the Women’s Endowment Fund. She chaired the ORT thrift store for 14 years, and she sang in Israel as a member of the Rosh Pina Synagogue Choir.
Ruth spent every summer at Winnipeg Beach, sharing komish and other treats with generations of neighbourhood children who would visit the cottage throughout the day. She was everybody’s ‘Bubbie’. Winters were spent in Palm Springs, welcoming her children and grandchildren for fun in the sun.
Ruth was a true party person who loved spending time with friends and hosting family gatherings. Her home was a place where people came together to share meals, stories, and laughter. She enjoyed travelling the world and never refusing an invitation, no matter where it was.
Mother to Sandi (Sam Malamud), Marla Bernstein, Hartley (Drew Salter), and Jody (Brian Goldberg); grandmother to Andrew (Hilary), Allan (Alona), Aaron (Alanna), Jason (Lindsay), Steven (Alexis), Dana (Tom), Brady (Matt), Carly (Jay), Hanna (Gaby), and Kevin (Ilana).
Great-grandmother to Florie, Stan, Juniper, Angus, Isaac, Otto, Cole, Chase, Charlotte, Rory, Mason, and Romi; sister-in-law to Sandy Youssiem; Auntie Ruthie to many nieces and nephews.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Sam, her parents Reuben and Rose Youssiem, and her brother Saul Youssiem.
A special thank you to Marivel Toledo for her many years of care and dedication, and to Lorna Allen and Fabi Patriarca for their great support.
Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for officiating the funeral service, which took place on September 26, 2025, at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ruth and Sam Klapman Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520.
Obituaries
JEROME AVERY
April 2, 1945 – September 11, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jerome Avery, who passed away with his family by his side on September 11, 2025, at the age of 80.
Jerome was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Allan and Diane Avery. He was married to the love of his life, Karen, for 46 years, until her passing. Jerome was blessed to find love and companionship again with Sergia, who he cared deeply for.
Jerome treasured being “Zaida” to his grandchildren, Danica, Alexis, and Nathan. Jerome is survived by his loving children, Robyn (Don) and Tammy (Chris); his grandchildren Danica (Benny), Alexis (Brett), and Nathan; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Karen, his parents Allan and Diane Avery, and his in-laws Nathan and Rose Sarbit.
His smile lit up a room bringing joy and comfort to all who knew him.