Larry Lavitt
 

Biographies, Announcements,
Notes and Obituaries

  • Arielle Miriam Block
    BLOCK/RABER - I am Joshua, The Big Brother, age 6 and I am writing to tell you about the birth of my new baby sister.
    ARIELLE MIRIAM was born September 9th at 5:39 p.m. and weighed 7 lb. and 8 1/2 oz., 21 inches long. She surprized my parents, Eileen and Ian plus all the staff on the labor floor, by coming out so quickly. My other sister, Rachel, age 16 months, used to be the baby and now she is a big sister. But she still isn't as big as me. Grandparents, Myrna and Monte Raber, Clara and Morris Block and great-grandfather Aron (Harry) Raber along with aunts, uncles and cousins welcome ARIELLE to our family. ARIELLE is named for her great-grandfather Aron Raber to enjoy, and Miriam in loving memory of her grandparents, Marcia Raber, Murray Golden and Max Minuk. Love from your "Bestest Big Brother," Joshua and your "Little Big Sister," Rachel.

  • Goldie Epstein
    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Goldie Epstein, on October 24, 2004, at the Sharon Home after a lengthy illness. She is survived by her daughter Barbara, son Bob and wife Jan, grandchildren Jason, Shelly and husband Kevin, and April. Goldie came to Canada from Poland as a young girl with her siblings. Ultimately, she met and married her husband Sol and together they operated a retail store in Selkirk, until Sol's retirement and passing in 1974. Goldie and her brother Joe became inseparable after his wife Bluma passed away. After Joe's passing in 1994, shortly thereafter Goldie moved to the Sharon Home until her death. Goldie was a loving mother, wife, baba, aunty and sister. Her family was her life and her Jewish traditions stayed with her to the end. Her family, no matter what, could do no wrong. We will miss, love and cherish her memory forever. The funeral was held at the Chesed Shel Emes with interment at the B'Nai Abraham cemetery on October 26, 2004. Pallbearers were Jason Epstein, Sonny Olasker, Kevin Hines, Morley Vinsky, David Polsky and Howard Raber. The family would like to thank the nurses, Sandy and Charlene and especially Hanna Cohen, who was her constant companion for the level of care provided to Goldie. Donations may be made in Goldie's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

  • Sara Hochman
    On December 28, 2002, at the age of 79, our beloved wife, mother, baba, and sister, passed away at the Sharon Home. Left to mourn her passing are her husband of 56 years, Max; children, Jeanette Addaway (Norm), Sid (Andrea), and Irv (Sharon) of Toronto. Sara is also survived by grandchildren, Michael and Melissa Addaway, Lana and Faren Hochman, and Jordan and Evan Hochman of Toronto. She also leaves to mourn, her sister Bella Garfinkel (Harry); brother Jack Raber (Marcia); and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Abraham and Faiga Raber, and brother Michael. Sara was born in Poland and came to Winnipeg at age 5. She graduated from St. John's Tech and continued her education at Success Business College. She worked for a short time, but being a devoted daughter, she helped her parents at their grocery store and later at the Hebrew Sick Benefit Association lunch counter. Sara enjoyed singing in the choirs of Cantor Brownstone and the Rosh Pina Synagogue and volunteering for Folkorama, Meals on Wheels, and the Sharon Home. She was a lifetime member of Pioneer Women and donated generously to numerous charities. Sara was happiest cooking and baking for her family and friends, especially preparing her "famous" brisket and an over-abundance of food for Friday night dinner. Her children were always sure to go home with leftovers. Her life was centered around her strong belief of Judaism and her family. Most of her actions were as a result of the rules and values which she set for herself and which she tried to teach her children. Funeral services were held at Etz Chayim Synagogue on December 29 and burial followed at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Rick Stokoloff, Elliot Garfinkel, Ivan Master, Jeff Lieberman, Norman Addaway, and Michael Addaway. Shiva was observed at the home of Max Hochman. Donations can be made to the Alzheimers Society of Manitoba. Thank you to the staff at the Sharon Home for their kindness and care, and a special thank you to her companion Myra.

  • Kritchmar
    The KRITCHMAR surname became BLANKSTEIN in Canada according to Sunny Raber. A Winnipeg architect, Morley Blankstein, is a descendent of the Kritchmars.

  • Sam Lavitt

  • Dan Lavitt
    University of Missouri-Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame - Track & Field, 1977-80 Four-time all-American and Big Eight champion hurdler. Blessed with blazing speed, Lavitt came to MU from Raytown, Mo., and went on to one of the great careers in Tiger track history. Lavitt claimed four Big Eight hurdling titles and was a four-time all-American at three different hurdling events from 1977-80. Lavitt led Missouri to the Big Eight Conference Indoor Championship in 1979 - its first since the national championship year of 1965, and MU's last indoor title. Still holds the school record in the 110-meter high hurdles (13.53 seconds). That was established in 1980 and was the fastest collegiate time in the nation that year - even faster than hurdling legend Renaldo Nehemiah. Lavitt also ran on MU's 1,600-meter sprint medley relay team in 1979 that set a world record of 3:12.5. That has since been broken, but it still stands today as the MU record. Highest finish at the NCAAs was 3rd in 1980 (indoor 60-yd. high hurdles). Resides in Columbia.

  • Ida Lister
    August 15, 1914 - February 25, 2004 Quietly in her 90th year, after a long slow decline that she courageously fought, endured and then finally accepted. Predeceased by her husband of 52 years Simon in 1989 and by her parents Philip Golden in 1918 and Sonia Cantor-Stitz in 1979 and siblings Harry Stitz, Rose Raber and David Stitz all of Winnipeg. Survived by her loving son Philip (Sheila) and daughter Cynthia (Lorne) Thompson, both of Edmonton and her grandchildren Melanie Weiss (Robert/Zalman) of Jerusalem, Deborah Hatch (Jason) of Edmonton, Kenneth Lister of Edmonton, Tamara Thompson (Jacki) of Vancouver and David Thompson of Montreal; and five great-grandchildren Jacob Hatch of Edmonton, Simon Samuel Weiss, Nathan Noah Weiss, Kayla Weiss and Hadassah Weiss, all of Jerusalem. Former owner of Lister Furs, she inspired her family to move from Winnipeg to Edmonton in 1953 to be part of this community for the next 51 years. She was devoted to her husband and their store and its staff and customers throughout her life. Outliving her times and her body, her courage and determination were the backbone of her family.

  • Reesa Gail (née Raber) Lavitt Morrison
    Passed away peacefully, on Sunday, October 17, 2004. The funeral was held at the Congregation Etz Chayim, with interment at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park, on Tuesday, October 19. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Canadian Cancer Society. Left to cherish her with loving memories are Reesa's sons and their partners, her nine grandchildren, her dearest "sisters" and numerous friends. Reesa was predeceased by her first husband Jerry Lavitt and her second husband David A. Morrison. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Reesa attended St. John's High School. She spent the majority of her career in her father's business, Wilfred's Formal Wear. Reesa was very involved in the arts and loved to attend the Fringe Festival, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) and the opera. She especially enjoyed taking her grandchildren to the Kid's Symphony and the Manitoba Theatre for Young People. Reesa belonged to Eastern Star, Sphinx Temple No. 116 Daughters of the Nile and the Khartum Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Women's Committee of the WSO. Reesa was a warm, loving, caring person who will be deeply missed by many whose lives she touched. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am the thousand winds that blow I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush Of quiet birds in the circling flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die.

  • Aron Yojna (Harry) Raber
    It is with great sadness that the family of Aron Yojna (Harry) Raber announces his passing on October 19, 2000 at the age of 95 years young. He was a loving and devoted husband to his late wife Marcia who predeceased him in January, 1990 and a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather who left a wonderful legacy to his whole family. He leaves to cherish his memory his son and daughter-in-law Monte and Myrna Raber; his daughter Leah Weinberg; his daughter and son-in-law Carol and Arnold Shapiro; grandchildren, Avis and Ari Lipson, Eileen and Ian Block, Earl Raber, Lloyd, Garry and Shoshana Weinberg, Cara and Mariasha Shapiro; great-grandchildren, Mark, Daniel, Jonathon and Benjamin Lipson, Joshua, Rachel and Arielle Block and Matthew Raber; sisters-in-law, Evie Stern, Gladys Teich and Devorah Raber; brother-in-law Eddie Dixon, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He took great pride and satisfaction in his family and both his immediate and extended family were very important to him throughout his life. He loved, respected and helped all his children who, in turn, loved, respected and helped him to maintain his dignity and control over his life, to the highest possible degree. Harry lived his life as an inspiration to others. He was a man of dignity, integrity, kindness and courage. He helped his family and many others with deliberate acts of kindness and good deeds and remained concerned about others to the last day of his life. He leaves a legacy of love, thoughtfulness and generosity which will always be remembered by those who knew him. He was an independent businessman, a good and honest storekeeper and salesman who was respected by his customers. His last dry-goods store was Raber's Department Store on McPhillips Street and 55 years ago, his last grocery store was Harry's Food and Fruit Market on Osborne Street. He was active in the community and was formerly President of B'nai Brith, Winnipeg Lodge No. 650, and President of the Associated Retail Grocers. The family thanks those individuals who treated him with respect and compassion, a high level of professional expertise, and assisted him to maintain his dignity and autonomy while he lived at the Sharon Home. A very special thanks to friends, Barb, Patricia and Michelle, who helped him to achieve a greater quality of life in the months before his death, and to Dr. E. Hirshfield who looked after him with respect and thoughtfulness for many years. Our father was born in Ludwipol, Poland and immigrated to Canada as a young man. In addition to his beloved wife Marcia, he was predeceased by his parents, Isaac and Bracha Raber, brothers, Gershon and Yankel, sisters, Razel and Leah, all of whom were killed during the Holocaust, and by his brothers, Labish and Avrom and sister Bela, all of Israel. Funeral services were held Monday, October 23 at the Beth Israel Synagogue. Pallbearers were Lloyd and Garry Weinberg, Earl Raber, Arnold Shapiro, Ari Lipson and David Levene. Should friends so desire, donations may be made to the Marcia and Aron (Harry) Raber Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

  • Ben Raber
    Surrounded by his loving family, Ben Raber passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at the Sharon Home Simkin Centre at the age of 84. Dad was predeceased by his wife Sadie (Pinsk) in 1985; his brothers, Wilfred and Michael; and sister Anne Lewengood. He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Allentuck, Marilyn Raber, Elaine Goldstine (Ian), and his grandchildren, Adam and Sarah Allentuck and Daniel and Jason Goldstine. By all accounts he was a mensch and a guta nashuma (a good soul). He was gentle, kind, considerate, compassionate and always willing to lend a hand to those in need in a selfless manner. He never sought the limelight. Dad was born in Poland and arrived in Winnipeg at six months of age. He grew up in Winnipeg's North End and graduated from St John's High School. He enlisted in the RCAF and saw action in Mossbank, Saskatchewan in the Ferry Squadron. He was an aircraft mechanic, and in spite of his lack of mechanical skill, we still won the war. He met his future wife in Regina during that time where they married in 1944. After the war, he studied at the New York School of Design where he learned to be a fashion designer. Dad worked for a number of companies in Winnipeg including Jacob Crawley, Sportease, and National Cloak. Dad and Mom opened their own factory, Raber Togs in 1965. They worked together until 1984 when they retired. The foundation upon which he built his life was based on love of family, the community and Israel. He was active in many organizations, such as the Combined Jewish Appeal, Jewish National Fund, Brandeis Lodge, YMHA's Stay Young, Jewish Child and Family Service, and Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre. He was a faithful Red Cross blood donor where he made over 100 donations. He also canvassed door to door for many organizations, including the Cancer Society, Kidney Disease, and the Canadian Diabetes Association. He was a member of the Shaarey Zedek and the Shammes there where he lead daily services from 1985 to1998. He supported and comforted people in mourning and those dealing with other of life's issues, and encouraged and educated new attendees. He fulfilled his longtime dream by making his first trip to Israel in 1977 with Sadie. After Mom passed away in 1985, Dad went to Israel every year for the next ten years on the JNF Volunteer Work Program. He tutored children, participated in archaeological digs, and toured with his friends. Dad's last trip to Israel was in 1996 when he was accompanied by Sharon and Elaine. In 1999 Dad moved to the Sharon Home. Though he suffered from dementia, he always had a warm smile and a handshake for those who greeted him. We wish to thank all of the north and south Sharon Home staff who cared for Dad for the past six years. A special thank you to all the second-floor staff of the Simkin Centre who lovingly cared for Dad for the last three years. Thank you to Rabbi Neal Rose, Steven Hyman and nurses Jane Jaculak and Trifona Bermisa. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Adam, Daniel and Jason, nephew Lorne Raber, great-nephew Mac Mills and close friend Bill Weissmann. Honorary pallbearers were his brothers-in-law Zol Pinsk and Sam Juravsky, close friend Meyer Silver and son-in-law Ian Goldstine. Donations may be made in Dad's memory to the Ben and Sadie Raber Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204) 477-7525 or www.jewishfoundation.org or the charity of your choice.

  • Beryl Raber
    Beryl (Barnett) was married to Sarah and both were known as Ruber, then Rabinovitch, as subjects of Russia. They had no less than nine children, Gutel, Shifka, Gnase (who was the second wife of her uncle Isaac), Keeva, Motl, Arel, Rochel, Fanny and Malka-Sarah. Shifka's daughter Faige and Gutel's son Avrum married.

  • Keeva Raber
    The furthest that at present has been traced back is Keeva Raber, in the eighteenth century, and whether he had brothers or sisters, as well, is not known. He moved into Selishche (Ludvipol) from Bereznits, and had three sons named Beryl, Hershel and Issac. Refer to the Yizchor Book Ludvipol (Wolyn): In Memory of the Jewish Community, edited by N. Ayalon and published by the Ludvipol Relief Society of Israel (Actively Assisted by the Landsmanshafts in the Americas) in Tel-Aviv 1965. This and approximately 200 other Yizchor Books are available at the Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, with selected titles available at local Jewish libraries.

  • Hershel Raber
    Hershel Raber, the second son of Keeva, had two sons, Zaidle and Yukl, and three daughters, Shifka, Gnese and Sheindel. Zaidle and his whole family perished in Poland except for a granddaughter, Tayble, who went on to live in Israel. The Rabers in Israel are in close contact with her. Yukel Raber and his family, except for two daughters, all perished in Poland during the Holocaust. On daughter, Sonya, is living in Israel, the other daughter lives in South Africa. A grandson of Yukel's, Joseph Raber, also survived and is now living in Sweden. Sheindle and her family perished during the Holocaust. Shifka and Gnese both lived in the United States, one in New York and one in Philadelphia. We understand that the one that lived in New York was Zack or Sack by marriage, now thought to be deceased, but her family is still living there including one of her sons who is said to have a drugstore there. Nothing else is know about the one said to live in Philadelphia.

  • Issac Raber
    Issac Raber is the third son of Keeva. He had three daughters by his first marriage, Gitl, Malke and Gnese. Gitl and Gnese lived in Berezna, and Malka lived in Selishche. Malka and all her family perished in the Holocaust. Gitl died before the Second World War began, and is survived by a son, Rubin Lesick, who lives in Chicago, and a son, Motel Lesick, who lives in Argentina. Gnese and her whole family, except for her son Yarichin, perished in the Holocaust. Yarichin is now known as Jerry Good and lives with his wife and family in London, Ontario.
    After Issac's first wife died her married Gnase Raber, the third daughter of his brother Beryl.
    After the death of his second wife Issac took a third wife, Edith. Issac and Edith had one son, Avram who now lives in Winnipeg. Avram has three children, Israel (Sunny) Raber, Edith Gardner and Gloria Polsky, all living in Winnipeg.

  • Wilfred Raber
    Obituary: Born in Poland in 1914 he immigrated to Winnipeg in 1921 with his family. He received his education at Aberdeen School and St. John's High School. He was very active in athletics and drama groups in his youth. In 1950, he founded Wilfred's Clothes Shop, later known as Wilfred's Tuxedo Rentals Ltd. He was a very successful businessman, due to his intense desire to excel and to his personal integrity, friendliness and personal sense of ethics. He walked through life doing for others without regard for self. Wilfred was a member of Rosh Pina Synagogue, Metro Club and actively involved as a member of Mount Sinai Masonic Lodge No. 143, A.F. & A.M., Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry both Valleys of Brandon and Winnipeg and Khartum Temple A.A.O.N.O.M. Shrine of Ritualistic Unit and Winnipeg Stable No. 71, Ancient Order of Camelherders.

  • Winnipeg Free Press On-line Obituary Notices

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