Connect with us
Israel Bonds RRSP

Obituaries

WILLIAM CHAIKEN

Chaiken William version 2 edited 1William (“Bill”) Chaiken, one of the last of the first-generation abstract expressionists, died on November 13, 2021, at the age of 100. Bill was a prolific artist known for his abstract figurative paintings and admired for his improvisatory style, technical mastery, and emotional depth.

Bill was born in Russia in 1921 and emigrated with his family to Winnipeg in 1926 to escape the pogroms. His father, Zalman Chaiken, came to be celebrated in the community as a Yiddish poet (https://ia802704.us.archive.org/20/items/nybc204675/nybc204675.pdf).
Entering grade school at the age of five, unable to speak English, Bill charmed his classmates with his drawings, confirming his early devotion to art.  
From 1937 to 1940 Bill attended the Winnipeg School of Art, where he studied under George Overton of the British Royal Academy and L.L. Fitzgerald. 
From 1941 to 1945, he served in the Canadian army.  
After the war, Bill moved to New York City and attended the Art Students League under the Veteran’s Rehabilitation Act, studying with Morris Kantor and Vaclav Vytlacil. He associated with the abstract artists of the New York School. In time, he found that he was not satisfied with pure abstraction, feeling that it lacked “empathy,” and he began to incorporate figures and landscapes into his paintings.His work quickly gained recognition and was displayed in many exhibitions, including six Whitney annual shows (1949 -1956).
In 1959, Bill became a member of United Scenic Artists, a union of freelance designers and painters for theater, film, and television. He painted sets for the Metropolitan Opera, The New York City Ballet, The New York City Opera, The American Ballet Theater, Radio City Music Hall, and Disneyland, as well as for television and Broadway plays and musicals. He also painted the sets and artwork for feature films under the directors Sidney Lumet, John Huston, Martin Scorcese, Woody Allen, John Schlesinger, Bob Fosse, Francis Ford Coppola, and many others. Bill claimed that his work as a scenic artist warmed him up for his own painting, which continued unabated. Some of the dramatic effects of the stage found their way into his paintings, as did early memories of Russia and visions of the wide-open skies over Winnipeg.
In 2009 Bill was devastated by the loss of his beloved wife Elke (née Neuhaus). He feared that he would never be able to paint again, but after a period of illness he returned to his studio, located at his home in the Ramapo Mountains in Hillburn, New York.
Bill continued painting in his own home beyond the age of 100. Two months before his 101th birthday, after moving to an assisted living facility, he took to his bed and died peacefully within a week.
Bill retained his connection with Winnipeg, visiting frequently while his parents were alive. Between visits, his mother kept him supplied with packages of smoked goldeyes.  
Bill’s paintings are represented in the Whitney Museum of American Art and in private collections worldwide.
He is survived by his daughters, Ilya Chaiken and MarthaLeah Chaiken, and his granddaughter Zora Sicher.  
A sampling of his paintings can be seen, and the family contacted, on his website: https://www.williamchaiken.com/
 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

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.

Continue Reading

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!”

Continue Reading

Obituaries

FREDERICK (RICK) SHATSKY

It is with great sadness that the family of Rick Shatsky announce his passing on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the age of 85.
Rick was predeceased by his parents, Bert and Marjorie Shatsky, sister Susan Ross, and his wife Corrine Shatsky (Shore). Rick is survived by his son Myles, daughter Patti, son-in-law Michael Charach, and his grandchildren, Samuel and Carrie.
Rick was an avid sports fan, trivia buff, and had a genuine interest in getting to know people. His outgoing personality was well suited to sales and he held several positions with his last role as a long serving employee at Canadian Footwear.
A loving and devoted husband and father to both his children. He shared an extraordinary bond with his son Myles – their shared interests, love of all sports, and travel to sunny destinations brought him much joy. He loved being a grandfather and his grandchildren affectionately referred to him as Papa Rick.
Interment took place at Shaarey Zedek Memorial Park on Monday, February 19.
Thank you to Dr. David Hochman, Dr. Christina Kim, Dr Bashear, and to the staff at the Victoria Hospital for their care and compassion.
Donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2017 - 2023 Jewish Post & News