Belkin Family
Myer and Goldie (Mintz, formerly Minitzer) Belkin came to Winnipeg in 1906 from Gomel, Russia, with their infant son Alex. They settled in the North End and eventually had five more children: Jim, Lily (who died in her teens), Sarah (Lapkin), Murray (Morris), Dave, and Frances (Bronstein, Shaw).
Alex graduated from the University of Manitoba Medical College in 1928. In 1929 he married Gertrude Smalley, whose parents Shimon and Basa Smalley (formerly Smaller), had come to Winnipeg from Mezhirich, Russia, about 1908.
Alex and his bride settled in Eastend, Saskatchewan, where he practiced medicine until 1939. During that time they had two daughters: Naomi (Buddy) and Annette.
At the outbreak of the war, Alex joined the Army and served in the Medical Corps in England. Gertie and the two girls returned to Winnipeg for the duration of the war.
Upon his return to Canada, Alex was stationed in Calgary and, on demobilization, decided to bring his family here to settle. He practiced as internist until his death in 1984.
Naomi Belkin married Allan Kerr and they have four children: Bev, Jeff (married to Joyce Aizenman), Roberta (Dave Lapsley) and Laura (Larry West). They have five grandchildren.
Annette Belkin married Leonard Friedman. They had three children Mark (d.1995), Sharren (Rick Patterson) and Sam. They were later divorced. Her present husband is Alan Kolinsky. She has two grandchildren.
