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BENEE RUBIN
Benée was born Benée Cyd Chernick. She is survived by her father, Robert (Maureen) of London, UK, her two half-brothers, Jasen (Micha) Chernick of Ketchikan, AK, and Brisdon Chernick of Regina, along with many nieces and nephews. Also surviving Benée are her uncle, Dr. Victor (Norma) Chernick of Winnipeg, their two daughters, and her aunt, Arlene Chernick, a.k.a. Robin Tyler.
Benée was particularly close the Chernicks and would go to concerts in Vancouver and Seattle with Micha, and visit Robert on Salt Spring Island, and her Aunt Robin in North Hills, California. Over the decades, Robin became a confidant, mentor, and advisor to Benée.
Of note was the Christmas spent with Jasen, Micha and the entire family in Ketchikan, AK. Benée took delight in being photographed with Jasen and Brisdon, who at 6'3 and 6'4, each at 250-plus pounds, with their full beards, dwarfed her. She called them her 'mountain boys.' The family will gather once more there this year to have a holiday celebration of Benée's life and stories.
In 2022, Benée was diagnosed as requiring a liver transplant. Numerous of the Chernicks volunteered to donate a partial liver, but the medical community rejected that approach as not sufficient. Benée needed a new whole liver. After six months of constant surveillance, Benée was put on the list for a new liver. In January 2023 Benée received the transplant and for the next eight months, with her grit and life force, she was doing very well. But then the medicines to accept the new liver affected her kidneys, which simply defeated her compromised immune system, and ultimately led to her heart attack. Jasen's son Seth was living in Benée's house in 2022 and was with her at the very end.
Benée was an intelligent person with a fast wit and possessed a good sense of humour. She will be sadly missed, but Benée, you are in a better place now. God bless you.
Publish Date: Oct 7, 2023
BENEE RUBIN
It is with deep and profound sadness we share the sudden passing of our beloved daughter and sister on September 3, 2023.
To all of those whose lives she touched, they will attest to her incredible loyalty, compassion, generosity and kindness. A smile that could light up a room, and an outsized personality to match, fostered her endearment to all those she encountered.
Benée had perseverance and determination. She was fearless in her pursuits. She was, as many have said, a "force of nature". Her dreams were big and an amazing success she was. At age 19 she moved to Vancouver to study to become a goldsmith. Over the decades she would become a highly acclaimed and internationally recognized artist. Her works were truly spectacular - adorned by friends and family to Hollywood celebrities and everyone in between.
Several years ago, Benée founded the Canadian Artisan Gallery, her own retail venture, that provided fabulous hand designed jewelry and original works of art crafted by local artisans. It was a sanctuary for artists that enabled the confluence of ideas, interests and passions.
She loved the blues, almost as much as a great jazz bar. She lived life with a joie de vivre. If Benée had a purpose in life it was to have a positive impact on all of us whose lives she touched. She did just that.
Despite her drive and powerful persona she ultimately succumbed to her disease. It was the one battle she could not win. She was a shining star that burned out too soon, but her memory will never fade.
A celebration of Benée's life will be held in the near future in Vancouver. For details, or to send condolences to the family, please email: BeneeRubinMemorial@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vancouver General Hospital Foundation.
Publish Date: Sep 16, 2023
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 16, 2023, Oct 07, 2023
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Benée and I met in the early 1980’s at a time when I needed a friend. She was that and more - and I’ll always carry with me the fond memories and the warmth that we shared at that time. - Posted by: David Goldman (Old friend) on: Aug 26, 2024
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I just found out this morning! I sent her an email a few days ago, as I hadn't seen or heard from her since the summer time, and I had been slack in reaching out. I've been checking my emails every day to see if she had responded as I wasn't hearing anything via text messages. Randomly I saw someone this morning that I know, that new Benee and I were friends. I was told of this heartbreaking news! Benee had been my neighbor for a couple of years and became a good friend. I admired her vivaciousness and ballsiness! Someone said she was a "force of nature", so true, and what an amazing force of nature she was, someone who was easy to admire. She valued her friends, and valued her friendships. I feel incredibly lucky to have been one of her friends. I had her make an engagement ring for my now wife, and she also made our wedding rings, which I have frequently shown off, and will cherish for the rest of my life, that it was made by someone so special to me, for such a special occasion. When we were neighbors, I discovered that she was a fan of a good single malt whiskey, we had a few evenings where we enjoyed each other's company and partok in a shared Joy. I was away recently and picked up an extra nice bottle of some single malt, and I was looking forward to bringing it over and sharing some of it with her, as I knew that she would appreciate it. My friendship with Benee wasn't as long as many, but I was lucky to have her be a part of my life for the past 15+ years. Thank you for the amazing conversations, the honest and open heart, that you shared with me, and the friendship that you freely gave. I miss you and I won't forget you! - Posted by: Sky Warner (Friend) on: Nov 11, 2023
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Benee and I went to jewellery school in the early 80's. We spent many evenings drinking wine and talking about our dreams and goals. Her unwavering dedication to her craft was evident from the beginning. We lost touch after a few years but she was always in the back of my mind and I thought of her often. I will miss her smile and and her tenacious nature. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. - Posted by: Earl Joostema (Friend) on: Oct 18, 2023
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Benee was a sweet soul. Her passing is tragic. There is so much more that could have been said; so much omitted. But then, how do you summarize a life in a few words? Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Gary Brownstone (Friend) on: Oct 08, 2023
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What sad news, Benée was a dear friend through high school. I have such fond memories of pool parties in the back yard, intense gabbing sessions at lunch and after school, grad, so many good times together. I cherish a beautiful hand-crafted necklace and will miss her winning smile. - Posted by: Andrea Ratuski (Friend) on: Sep 17, 2023
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Deepest sympathy on the loss of Benee.. A gifted jewelry artist , and kind & loving daughter.& person. A life taken too soon. May it comfort you to know that others share in your great loss. May she rest in peace. Gwen Tessler - Posted by: Gwen tessler (Friend) on: Sep 17, 2023
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She will truly be missed… - Posted by: marly zaslov (Dear friend…. since first meeting when she was 5 yrs old… we will miss her so) on: Sep 16, 2023
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I was deeply saddened to read of Benée’s passing. I met Benée years ago through my work with a BC non-profit when she contacted me to offer her support of our gala through a donation of one of her beautiful hand designed pieces of jewelry. I remember walking into her studio for our first meeting and being struck by her warm, genuine and beautiful smile. As we spoke, I immediately knew that warmth and beauty radiated from within her. Over the years, I got to know her a little better and learned what a truly incredible woman she was. “Our lives are changed by the people we meet” and I know that Benée changed many lives. My most sincere condolences to her family. The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand. The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains… For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains. Anonymous - Posted by: Val Bishop (Friend) on: Sep 16, 2023
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It is such sad news to hear of Benee's passing. I remember her as a child when our family lived next door. She was a darling, sparkling child and I'm not surprised she grew into a wonderful, sparkling young woman. Her passing is a huge loss for all who knew her. Sending heartfelt condolences on behalf of all our Campbell Street family. - Posted by: Terri Cherniack (former neighbour) on: Sep 16, 2023