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
NINA CHISVIN June 6, 1932 – November 24, 2024
After a full life well-lived, Nina Chisvin (née Globerman) passed away peacefully at the age of 92.Predeceased
by her beloved parents, Maishel and Raichel Globerman, her siblings and
their spouses, Morley and Dintzie Globerman, Esther and Irv Nisenholt,
Abe and Naomi Globerman. Left to mourn are her cherished husband Allan,
her children, Ellen Thompson, Sorel Friedman (Avi), and David Thompson
(Susan). Joining in their profound grief are her grandchildren, Paloma
and Ben Friedman, Corey Glasberg, and Piper and Belle Riley Thompson
(Michaela). Many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends are also bereft.
Also mourning her loss are Allan’s children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren, whom she loved as her own.Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 26 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.
Obituaries
LAWRENCE WERIER
Lawrence Werier passed away at home in Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 6 at the age of 98.
We thought he might live to 100, but it was not to be. Even though he was diminished by dementia in recent years, he still sparkled with an indomitable spirit that could not be missed, whether he was dancing with his many beloved caregivers or sitting quietly with his wife or children. He brought an intense energy to everything he accomplished, such as building a business, making a sale, playing tennis or scuba diving in some remote location.
His work at Goldin and Company was both challenging and joyful, and his entrepreneurial creativity brought him to Asia regularly, where he had close friends in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He married Eddy in 1949, and she remained the love of his life. They traveled the world together on many exotic trips, and in each place he would seek out adventure and fun. He was a force of life and an energetic presence who kept working and living and devouring experiences, always insisting that “the cup is half full.”
Many remember Lawrence as a great storyteller because he could never resist the impulse to share his exciting escapades with others. He didn’t retire until the age of 83, and even after formally ending his business, he continued to wheel and deal from home. In all of these passionate endeavors, he always had time for his children and grandchildren when they came to visit. His love of family was profound, and he demonstrated this love by generously bringing everyone together—children, spouses, grandchildren and Eddy—at treasured family gatherings in Costa Rica, St. Lucia and Mexico.
In recent days, people have reacted almost with astonishment that Lawrence has passed away, as if such a powerful energy might continue. We feel his loss deeply, along with his many friends in Winnipeg and beyond.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Eddy, and his children, Kerry, Cliff and Jodie, and their spouses, Suzanne, Sabrina, and Michael. He is missed by his two granddaughters, Cynthia (her partner, Matt) and Alex. Lawrence was predeceased by his beloved grandson Koby. Lawrence had many wonderful caregivers at “the Shafts,” too numerous to mention, but Tess Braun was his special friend and honorary daughter, to whom the family is grateful beyond words. Tess, Chris, Mavis, Jonathon and Jules made him comfortable in his final days, and we extend thanks to them all.
Donations in his memory can be made to Shalom Residences (shalomresidences.com).
Obituaries
BETTY JOAN KATZ
Betty Katz passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024, at the age of 94.
She was predeceased by her husband, Melvyn (Mel) and her daughter, Michelle.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Alana (Ted) and Bonnie (Howard); her son, Andy; grandchildren, Jonathan (Leiba) and Jeremy; and great-grandchildren, Louis and Ada.
Betty and Mel were high school sweethearts and married in 1953. Shortly thereafter, they purchased their cherished home on Lanark Street where they lived until after their 60th wedding anniversary. As the children grew older, Betty began a career in property management.
Betty is fondly remembered for her outgoing nature, wit, tenacity, and her great cooking, notably – her signature dish – Spaghetti a la Betty Katz.
Thank you to the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre where Betty received excellent care for the last eight years. Betty enjoyed the recreational activities and every opportunity to sit outdoors and at the sunny windows. Despite living with dementia, she was heard singing the words to “oldies” whenever there was an opportunity.
Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for leading a beautiful funeral service in Betty’s honour at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on October 28, 2024.
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