Obituaries
STEVEN JOEL BORODITSKY
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Steven Joel Boroditsky on Sunday, December 13th 2020. He is survived by his parents, Diane and Richard Boroditsky, by his brothers, Alan (Lisa), and Michael (Elizabeth) Boroditsky, as well as by his nieces and nephews, Matthew, Jordan, Emma, Noah and Maddy.
Steven grew up in Winnipeg, graduating from high school at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. He furthered his education at the University of Winnipeg and completed Business Administration from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).
Over the years Steven lived in a variety of places, from Calgary and Vancouver to Lake Louis and Israel. He would blend right in, making friends quite easily. He quite enjoyed sharing a laugh and a smoke. Steven was known as a people person by showing sincere interest in everybody that he met. He was a very loyal and genuine friend. He took great pride in helping out anyone, whether it was moving a couch or re-wiring the internet.
Steven would not shy away from adventure. This was exhibited early on when he decided to walk home from Gimli. He actually made it all the way to Selkirk. However, some of his adventures were not always well thought out. Fracturing his collarbone playing Frisbee golf on a 4×4 is a great example. Steven was filled with courage, determination and a whimsical nature.
Over the years Steven did have his struggles with mental health, but again and again he found the strength to get better and move forward. He had numerous support systems, which he used to help navigate some of the troubles. He was truly grateful for those people supporting him through his darker days.
Steven’s true love was being in Gimli – spending time with his nieces and nephews. During the many summers at Gimli he would have the pleasure of spending quality time with them all. Gimli also provided him with the company of old friends…having a visit on the beach, a game of backgammon in the porch or a bonfire late at night. Steven was happy to visit and spend time with family and friends.
Uncle Steven would never say no to the kids, always wanting to be involved. It was not too many years ago he joined in a roaring match of beach volleyball. This was likely the final cause for his needing hip surgery. Uncle Steven did not care; to him it was worth it, just to spend time with the kids. Steven also loved one on one time with his nieces and nephews, spreading his wealth of knowledge and experience. Steven would remind them: Do what he said, not what he did!
Steven had a difficult life, but he was a kind soul, loyal person, loved son and proud uncle – one that made a lasting impression on the numerous people who had the privilege of knowing him. Please do not remember our uncle, brother and son as just another statistic. Rather, remember Steven for the kindness he spread to everyone he knew. He will be sadly missed.
Special thank you goes to everyone who has helped us navigate this difficult process. Should people wish to show their respect in memory of Steve, donations can be made to your local Jewish and Child Family Services.
Obituaries
Dr. VELIMIR KON B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc., Ph.D. September 18, 1950-June 27, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Velimir Kon, or Shlomo, beloved husband of Branka and father of Deborah and Lea. Velimir was an accomplished teacher and academic, and he was renowned for his intellectualism, humility and humanity.
A gentle soul who was always sociable and who genuinely loved people, Velimir was equally at home in the university classroom as a professor and as a secondary school Biology, Chemistry and Math teacher in Northern Ontario (Big Trout Lake) and Manitoba (God’s River, Berens River). Velimir made a difference to many First Nations students throughout a career that spanned decades. He was dedicated to his students, colleagues and family. An adept and talented pianist, Velimir enjoyed the arts and of course Jewish humour. He was an avid shul goer and supporter of Israel and enjoyed his duties in shul as a Kohayn. Velimir was a man of faith who was able to fuse his love of science and Judaism.
Born in Croatia, Europe (the former Yugoslavia) to Shoah survivors Rose (Rochel, ne Lederer) and Arnold Kon (Ariel), Velimir immigrated to Canada with his wife and girls in 1988, making many personal sacrifices along the way to ensure a peaceful and safe life for his family. Adaptability and optimism characterized Velimir. Known for his heart of gold, Velimir touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. A love of Jewish values, family values and life-long learning and education characterized Velimir. With his charming, outgoing and friendly personality, Velimir welcomed everyone into his life and into our home.
His kindness, humour, generosity and goodness will be deeply missed by his family and friends in Winnipeg, Victoria, B.C., Guelph, ON, Osijek, Croatia, Belgrade, Serbia, Los Angeles and Boston, U.S.A., and Israel, Jerusalem, Haifa and Karmiel. Baruch Dayan Haemet.
A traditional funeral was held on June 30, 2025 at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can still be made to Chabad Lubavitch of Winnipeg, B’nai Brith or the JNF.
Velimir will be forever missed and cherished by Branka, Deborah and Lea.
Obituaries
ELAINE BEVERLEY KAPLAN
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our sister and aunt, Elaine Kaplan. She died on June 24, just a month shy of her 69th birthday.
She was diagnosed with lung cancer 15 months ago, and was given about six months to live, which she was able to exceed with great courage and determination.
Elaine was predeceased by our father Phil Kaplan and mother Bess Kaplan. She is survived by her brothers Gerry (Nancy Hughes), Allan (Rennie) and Sheldon (Mona), along with her nieces and nephews.
Elaine was able to remain at home up until a few days prior to her passing at the St. Boniface Hospital, which was her wish. She was employed by the Canada Revenue Agency for the majority of her career. She loved nature and was devoted to feeding the neighbourhood squirrels and birds. She also adopted and cared for many rescue rabbits over the years. Her family was important to her, and she loved attending family weddings and barbecues.
Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a pet rescue of your choice.
Obituaries
ALAN KLUNER
Suddenly and unexpectedly, Alan Kluner passed away on July 11, 2025 at the young age of 66. Alan had a very good life despite some ongoing health challenges he met head on for the majority of his life. He loved family and was a very kind and loving son, brother and uncle.
Born in Winnipeg, Alan developed a small but close circle of friends he maintained for many years. His passions were following his sports teams (Jets, Vikings, Bombers) and attending numerous rock concerts.
Alan is survived by his oldest brother Martin (Reesa), his sister-in-law Hanna, his four nephews and nieces Mickey (Stephanie), Corey (Sean), Zev (Kristen), Elana (Danny), and his great-nephews and great-nieces Mason, Lucy, Nora, Remy and Enzo.
He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Phyllis, brother Kerry, and uncle Alvin Mantell.
Alan’s funeral service was graveside at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Tuesday July 15, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were: Martin Kluner, Mickey Kluner, Corey Kluner, Elana Kluner, Henry Goldfeld, and Alan Levine. Honorary pallbearer was Albert Yanofsky.
For those who wish, donations in Alan’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada or the charity of your choice.