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Obituaries

TOVA (GITA) YURMAN

Tova Yurman (nee Meiselman) passed away at Simkin Centre on September 24, 2019, after suffering from dementia for many years. Her husband, Sam (Shlomo) Yurman visited her daily until his death and her son, Ron was by her side day after day. She is survived by her son, Ron Yurman (Anita Wortzman), granddaughters, Lexie and Haley Yurman, sister-in-law, Hedva Yurman and her many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews in Canada and Israel.

 

Tova was born in 1928 in Chernovitz, Romania. Her first thirteen years she lived with her parents Chana and Aryeh Meiselman and older siblings Favel and Heny. In 1941 the Jews in her town were taken from their homes and forced into a German work camp. Her brother fled to Russia. Chana and Aryeh did not survive the march. Tova and Heny ended up in a camp in the Transnistria area. They survived their 3-year internment by knitting for the Germany army, providing them with scraps of food. In 1945, Tova and Heny were liberated. Tova had loss of vision in one eye, among other ailments. They journeyed to Chernovitz and discovered their home had been overtaken by the communist regime and Favel was not to be found. Tova traveled to Holland, as part of a group of 500 Jewish children recovering from wartime atrocities. She was a leader for the group, caring for the younger children. Tova and Heny then chose to immigrate to Israel to start a new life.

Tova learned Hebrew and served in the Israeli Air force. After the 1948 War of Independence, Tova got a job as an IBM keypunch operator for El Al airlines. In January, 1955 Sam and Tova were married and settled in Winnipeg. Tova took English lessons and worked at Great West Life. She became an integral part of the Yurman family and was described by her nieces and nephew as the “…hip, cool, fun aunt”.

Tova gave birth to Chana, named after her mother. Chana was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease and passed away at 18 months. Sam and Tova were blessed with a second child – Ron. Despite all of the past tragedies in Tova’s life, she lived to enjoy life. She was an artist who expressed herself through oil painting, pillow lace, knitting, baking and sculpting. In the late 1960’s, to Tova’s joy her brother Favel was located in Russia and emigrated to Israel with his family.

Sam, Tova and Ron moved to Israel in 1972. Many relatives and friends from Winnipeg would visit and stay at the house in Israel and experience Tova’s food, her garden and art.

By 1995, Tova had two granddaughters in Winnipeg. She and Sam flew to Winnipeg regularly to visit them. In 2005, they moved to Winnipeg full time. Tova connected with her grandchildren through art. She expressed her love through pillow lace creating designs, including an Israeli piece that she bestowed on the President of Israel, Ezer Weizman. Tova was resilient and had an unparalleled zest for life. Notwithstanding the loss of her parents, her home, and her daughter, she had a drive for life that defies explanation. She learned new languages, created art and made new friendships. There was nothing she would not do for friends and family and she was a lot of fun. This is the way we will remember her.

The family thanks the Simkin Centre (2nd floor) staff for the compassionate care provided to Tova and to Nila who was by Tova’s side caring for her daily. A graveside service was held at Shaarey Zedek cemetery on September 26, 2019. Pallbearers were Lexie Yurman, Haley Yurman, Isaac Thau, Reuben Potash, Michael Eleff and Jason Wortzman. The family also thanks Rabbi Mass for his kind words. Donations in Tova’s memory may be made to the Lexie and Haley Yurman Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

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Obituaries

JOSEPH BRENT DINER December 9, 1942 – February 27, 2024

Joe passed away on February 27, 2024 in Victoria, BC. He had been at his home on Salt Spring Island when he suffered a heart attack on February 18.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Clara and Lou Diner; his brother Alex; and his nephew Tristan (T.C.). He is survived by his loving wife Sandi of 44 years; his brother Richard (Mary); his nephews, Colin and Louis; and his cousins and many friends.

Joe grew up on Matheson Avenue in the north end of Winnipeg where he attended Luxton School. When he was 12 years old, he moved to Waterloo Street in River Heights and attend­ed Kelvin High School followed by the Uni­versity of Manitoba, and later the University of North Dakota and Louisiana State University where he studied political science.

Early in his career, he worked as a teacher in an indigenous community in northern Man­itoba, and later he became involved in horse racing. He was the Racing Secretary at a major race track in New Orleans and also at Assini­boia Downs. For the last 40 years, his career was in commercial real estate. Joe retired in 2018, as had Sandi years earlier, and he en­joyed their time in Salt Spring Island. They always had a dog asn part of their lives. Every day, they took long walks with their dog and sometimes even a run. Their dog Ella will sure­ly miss Joe. Salt Spring Island was Joe’s happy place. He spent several months each year there for more than 20 years. He called it Disneyland for adults.

Joe had a sterling reputation. He was a man of principle, integrity, honesty and strong moral character, and those qualities governed how he lived his life and how he conducted his busi­ness. Joe could make friends with anyone and everyone. He was personable, generous, kind, outgoing, and engaging. He genuinely liked people, and people liked him. In fact, they didn’t just like him, they loved him. Joe was great company. He was an optimist who always maintained a positive outlook on life and saw the good side of people. He was also self deprecating and humble and could be charmingly irreverent. Joe was always his own person.

We, Joe’s family and friends , are much richer for having had him in our lives. His passing leaves a gaping hole in our hearts, and our lives will never be the same without him.

Joe‘s favorite poem was Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Come, my friends. ‘Tis not too late to seek a newer world. Push off, and sitting well in order smite the sounding fur­rows; for my purpose holds To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars, until I die. It may be that the gulfs will wash us down; It may be that we shall touch the Happy Isles, And see the great Achilles, whom we knew. Though much is taken, much abides; and though We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are – One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Services were held at the Chesed Shel Emes and Rosh Pina Memorial Park in Winnipeg. Rabbi Kliel Rose officiated.

Pallbearers were Archie Kraut, Uri Kraut, Da­vid Kraut, Colin Diner, Louis Diner and Jack Rusen. Honorary pallbearers were David Ru­sen, Gary Brenner, Richard Diner and Leonard Steingarten.

If so desired, donations in Joe’s memory could be made to Temple Shalom or the Humane Society or a charity of choice.

“To live in hearts left behind is not to die”.

Joe will live in our hearts forever.

May his memory be a blessing.

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Obituaries

OSCAR ANTEL

The family of Oscar Antel sadly announces his passing on February 19, 2024, at the age of100. He was predeceased by his wife, Bella, and daughter, Shelley. Oscar is survived by his sons Jack (Avis), Jo el (Bonnie); his grandchil- dren Samson (Daisy), Dori (Rocco), Eli (Les- ley), Dana, Elly, Zack (Shayla), Darryl (Lara), Becky (Daniel); and his great-grandchildren Ryan, Adam, Aylie, Shep, Danni, Isabelle, Zev, Jordi, Zoey, Micah, and Sol.
He was a veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force, having enlisted to serve in the Second World War. After graduation from the Univer- sity of Manitoba, he had a successful career as a chartered accountant, and was awarded the FCA designation for his contributions to his profession.
Oscar was a lifelong leader in the Jewish community, being particularly committed to Jewish education and the Yiddish language.
Over his long life span he served in many roles, including board presi- dent of the I.L. Peretz School, chairman of the Western Division of the Canadian Jewish Con- gress, and member of its national executive, tak- ing part in the formation of the Winnipeg Jewish Community Council.

He lived for the past 15 years at Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence. His family would like to thank all the staff for the supportive relationships he enjoyed there.
Funeral services were held February 22, 2024, at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. For those wishing to make a donation in Oscar’s memory, please consider the Bella & Oscar Antel Fund at The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or select the charity of your choice.

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Obituaries

STEVEN REED HAYMAN

Peacefully with family by his side, Steven Hayman passed away on February 4, 2024.
With heavy hearts and profound sadness, Steven will be forever missed by his loving, devoted wife Sheryl Levine, daughters Kira (Cole), Tia (Anthony), Samara (Daniel). Granddaughters Victoria and Rylie will forever love & miss their Sha Sha. He is survived by his father, Julius (Phyllis) and brother, Jeffrey. Steven was predeceased by his mother Gloria Hayman Z”L and in-laws Victoria & Howard Levine Z”L.
Steven was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 27, 1955 and settled in Longwood, Florida. After college graduation with degrees in Business, Marketing Management & Computer Technology, his Aunty Elaine & Uncle Wilf encouraged Steve to move to Winnipeg to manage a division of the family business, Imperial Roadways. Following a career move, Steve spent 30 years with the Dept. of Transportation & Safety, Motor Carrier Trucking Division as a Safety Enforcement Officer and Peace Officer, keeping dangerous trucks off the road.
His untimely passing at 68 years has left a void in the hearts and lives of those that love him. We will never forget his wisdom, wit, and compassion.
Steve loved the arts & attending sporting events with Sheryl. They were season ticket holders for the Blue Bombers and Goldeyes, WSO Pops & MTC. In the past year Steve took out a family membership to the Leaf & Zoo. He participated in a Bocce League year round & loved the comradery of being on a team . One of his favourite things to do every day was playing “Wordle” with Sheryl at midnight.
Steve was always happy to help friends and family fixing things around their homes. He renovated two homes by himself from top to bottom, and getting them on the market were huge accomplishments. 
Funeral services were held February 8, 2024 at Chesed Shel Emes. Pallbearers were Cole Leinburd, Anthony Pelayo, Lawrence Marmel, Allison Marmel, David Greenberg, MarlePe Cantor and honourary Ron Cantor.

Steve had a loving relationship with Victoria & Howard. He was welcomed into the family with open arms.  In honour of Steve’s memory, donations can be made to the Victoria and Howard Levine Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
https://www.jewishfoundation.org/send-a-card
Steven’s legacy lives on through his family, who vow to honour his memory by embracing his motto:  “Don’t Show off, Show up!”

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