Laskin (family)

Laskin (family)

William Laskin was born in Russia in 1893. He came to Canada at age 13, in 1906. He first stopped in Winnipeg, Manitoba, then moved to Goodeve, Saskatchewan in 1917, where he set up a general store. There, he married Sarah Dachis, who was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan in 1900. Their five children are: Charles, Leo, Merle, Shimon and Mervin, all born in Yorkton. In 1921, Leo became ill in Goodeve, and they were unable to obtain medical help for him, so he died. That prompted a move back to Yorkton, where they opened a clothing store on Betts Avenue. In 1929, because of the Depression, they were again forced to move back to Goodeve, where they remained until 1921, and then on to Rosevalley. In 1941, their general store burnt down, but they later rebuilt. In 1946, the family moved to Edmonton. Merle married Dr. Morris Weinlos that same year and had three daughters. Mervin became a doctor. Shimon worked for Garfin's Department Store, until he opened up his own store, Laskin's, which he ran until 1961. Shim married Shirley Bernstein. He was active in the Menorah Curling Club, the Beth Israel Synagogue and the Chevra Kadisha. William Laskin helped bring his brother Max over from Russia. He and his wife Dolly had three sons, including Bora, who became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada; Saul, who became Mayor of Fort William; and Chuck, a businessman. William Laskin passed away in 1957, and Sarah in 1993.

Jewish Archives and Historical Society of Edmonton and Northern Alberta