Obituaries
GOLDIE KRAVETSKY
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gigi January 18, 2020.
Born on March 12, 1932 to Sam and Sonia Dora Porter, Clara Goldie was predeceased by her sister Elsie, her parents and her husband Alvin.
Goldie worked full time throughout her life, managing the Beachcomber Polynesian Restaurant and later in life at her nephew Gary Kravetsky’s Fort Storage.
Goldie and Alvin enjoyed travelling especially to Florida, Vegas and Hawaii where they would meet friends on an annual basis.
For decades summer weekends were spent at the cottage in Winnipeg Beach, arriving ladened with bags of goodies from Gunn’s Bakery and Omnitskys, it was always a party with Gigi.
Although having no children of their own, Goldie and Alvin were the parents to a litany of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great ones too. For over 60 years every week was marked by a convergence on Sunday of family at her home for food, fun and camaraderie.
Goldie was the first one to go to for advice and guidance, the first one you sought out to share good news or bad. She was never judgemental and always even tempered and loving.
She will live in our hearts and continue to be the inspiration to future generations.
Our thanks to those who cared so well for Goldie, especially her great nieces and nephews that surrounded her from morning till night during her last few weeks while in hospice.
Special thanks to her second favourite nephew Daniel Kravetsky who took the responsibility of attending to Goldie’s every needs in her final weeks and was beside her, comforting her in her final moments.
Pallbearers were Azriel Kravetsky, Clinton Behrsin, Alexander Levine, Michael Kowalson, Timothy Ginter and Ryan Munro.
Honorary pallbearers were Hillel Kravetsky, Daniel Kravetsky and Guy Tyrrell.
Services were held Sunday January 19, 2020 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
Eulogies in memory of Gigi by Hillel Kravetsky and Barbara Kravetsky
Donations to honor Goldie can be made to the Chesed Shel Emes Capital Campaign 1023 Main Street Winnipeg. (204)582-5088
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.