- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
MARSHALL STUART KNELLER
Date of Passing: Feb 20, 2021
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
MARSHALL STUART KNELLER
Marshall will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Laya, children, Kyle and Carol Kneller, Gabi and Benji Winestock, and Skye and fiancé Cameron Poitras; sister Sandi Kneller; most cherished grandchildren, Alex and Maddy; father-in-law Ted Muller; family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Edith; daughter Jada; and mother-in-law Marie.
We wish we could offer you Marshall's full, lengthy biography, but his story has been abruptly interrupted. There are empty pages left to fill, details left to discover, and chapters yet to be written. Only one word is necessary to describe the life and legacy of Marshall: Chesed, the Hebrew word for kindness, which bears a sense of devotional piety and mercy towards humanity. It was that sense of duty and devotion which dictated every aspect of Marshall's life of selfless service. He was guided by the principles of Tikkun Olam, Hebrew for repairing the world.
Marshall was a loyal and dedicated employee of the Canada Revenue Agency for over 25 years, where he established many lifelong and treasured friendships. The respect with which he treated his colleagues was returned to him ten-fold. He was equally devoted to his 'second family' at the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue, where he served as President for the past 20 years. It was a sanctuary for his soul. He sat at an altar of tradition and worshipped the congregation's values. On his last day of life, Marshall rejoiced at being able to return to his beloved synagogue, and being surrounded by the congregation he served and loved. He even stayed afterwards to help prepare pastry packages for our secluded seniors. That was just one day in a lifetime filled with quiet, often anonymous generosity and refreshing humility.
Forty-eight years ago, Marshall met the love of his life, Laya, at the tender age of 15. It's a story of true love, based on mutual respect and support. Their love is one we all pray for, but too few are granted. They exemplified to their friends and family what resilience through love looks like. They built a foundation of family together, one strong enough to withstand hardship and loss, perhaps the most devastating was the death of their daughter, Jada. Through his own grief and darkness, Marshall supported his fellow mourners with compassion. He brought light through laughter. And laughter there was during family gatherings, trips to Vegas, lifecycle events and countless rendezvous for hot and sour soup at his favourite restaurant, Delicious.
Of all the hats he wore, none suited him more than dad and Zaida. He was a source of endless empathy, even for his fur-babies. Marshall encouraged his children and grandchildren's personal passions with unwavering support. He did it all with such grace, patience and humour. He was fiercely protective of his younger sister, Sandi, and their mutual devotion solidified their special bond.
Heartfelt gratitude to Marshall's dear friends Murray Greenfeld and Robbie Waldman who served as pallbearers, as well as to Cantor Al Bennarroch for his profound words. To carry on Marshall's legacy, an endowment fund is being established through the Jewish Foundation for the perpetual support of Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue. Donations may be made to the synagogue.
May his memory be a blessing.
We love you, Marshall. Forever in our hearts.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2021
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
-
Dear Laya, Sandi and family. My sincere condolences on Marshall’s passing. I am very sorry for your collective loss. Best, Sondra Rutman - Posted by: Sondra Rutman (Friend) on: Apr 01, 2021
-
Please accept my deepest condolences to Marshall's entire family on the loss of such a great man. Marshall trained and mentored me in GST/HST Rulings at CRA and I feel like I had won the jackpot. Marshall was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, sincere, funny and caring. We continued to remain friends even though I had moved out of his Department. Whenever I saw Marshall, even after retiring, he would always ask me; "When are you coming back to work for me?" I will always remember Marshall for his funny, gentle and kind ways. To Laya and family; I am so very sorry that you have lost such an incredible husband, father, Zaida, family member and friend to many many people. I will always remember Marshall. He had a huge impact on my life and I consider myself so fortunate to have had the privilege to have met and worked with Marshall. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Angie Anderson ((Co-worker and Colleague) ) on: Mar 10, 2021
-
My deepest condolences to Marshall's family. I knew Marshall through work. We both started at roughly the same time, I believe 1991, and would we would run into each other from time to time both at work or at one of the stores in the West Kildonan neighborhood. The last time I saw him was on a trip to Las Vegas in late 2019. I got on the flight to Vegas and who happened to be sitting in the seat next to me but Marshall. His wife couldn't make the trip so he was with his sister. Totally unplanned but on the flight back to Winnipeg, who happened to be sitting in the seat next to me? Once again Marshall! His humour and our stories about the trip made those two flights, that much more enjoyable. He will be missed. - Posted by: Brian Kushka (Coworker/Friend) on: Mar 06, 2021
-
Very saddened to hear of Marshall’s passing. I worked with Marshall for many years in GST/HST Rulings. I will always remember him for his wit and sense of humour. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Claude Lavallee (Friend ) on: Mar 02, 2021
-
My Sincere Condolences to Sandi and Family, I worked on the same floor as Marshall for many years, we talked often about trips we had or would be taking. I have been friends with his sister for many many years, Marshall & Sandi, both genuine, friendly and caring. So sorry to hear of Marshall's passing, gone much too soon. Take care...Sandi & family. - Posted by: Val Kunkel (Co-worker ) on: Mar 01, 2021
-
I met Marshall in 1980! He was the husband of my teaching colleague Laya Kneller. I witnessed such joy in their marriage. They were always laughing and touching. They had children the same time I had mine. Then I changed schools but when I met up with them again they were parents at my new school. I loved reconnecting with them and seeing that their love for each other was even stronger twenty years later. They both glowed. I also saw them in Las Vegas and they were having so much fun. They had so much energy for each other. And the last time I saw Marshall was at our long time hairdresser.. He was picking up his beautiful grandchildren and you could see the love. He was a good man and I say that with the highest regard for him. - Posted by: Diane Peters (Friend) on: Mar 01, 2021
-
It is with profound sadness that I read of Marshall's passing. I knew him through our work at the CRA. Marshall will always be remembered as a kind and generous man and a very dedicated, hard working member of our collective team. My condolences to his wife and family. Marshall will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Doug McLean (Former Director, Winnipeg Tax Services Office ) on: Mar 01, 2021
-
Laya and family, I only knew Marshall for a few years through work at CRA. I think we met on the picket line if I recall. How is a smile always kind quiet funny and able to put out some good zingers. Very thoughtful always willing to help and from what I know strong work ethics. These are many descriptors that you will likely hear from many people including myself. The biggest Takeaway I have is that he was a really nice guy and we were often laughing together on coffee breaks. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Don Dupuis (Coworker ) on: Mar 01, 2021
-
Dear Laya & family, Our deepest condolences and immeasurable sadness for you at this time. Be assured that our thoughts and prayers are yours. May his memory be for a blessing. - Posted by: Robert & Derrick Gessell/Williams (Friends of the family) on: Feb 27, 2021
-
My heart breaks for you and your family Laya. I will always remember Marshall as a kind man with a great sense of humour. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My only consolation is knowing you have each other to help you through your grief. Your family has always been so strong and loving. May God keep you all in His constant care. With all my love and sympathy, Catherine Stevenson - Posted by: Catherine Stevenson (Friend) on: Feb 27, 2021
-
Condolences to the family. One remembrance I have of Marshall is how proud and excited he was when he got a new Datsun 240Z sports car ftom our company Ross Foods. May his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: MORLEY Fingard (former co-worker) on: Feb 27, 2021
-
Kindness is correct word when describing Marshall. I met Marshall in school at Jefferson Junior High and reunited later on at CRA. Always had a smile, Never a bad thing to say. Just a gentle great guy to talk to. Gone to soon. My condolences go out to the family. - Posted by: Walter Mazepa (School friend and coworker) on: Feb 27, 2021