Obituaries
SHARON BETH KAPLAN January 17, 1959 – February 23, 2021
On February 23, 2021, at 2:55 a.m., we lost our mother, sister, aunt, friend and dental hygienist, Sharon Beth Kaplan. Her sudden passing, shortly after learning she had pancreatic cancer, has left a void in all of our hearts.
Born Sharon Beth Slayen, she was predeceased by her parents, Ruth and Hookey Slayen and her sister Heather Slayen. She is survived by her loving daughters, Blair Kaplan Venables (Shayne Venables) and Alana Kaplan, sister Reesa (Martin), brother Stuart Slayen (Shira Cohen), nieces and nephews, Cari, Noah, Alyssa, Adam (Rachel), and great-niece Molly.
Sharon was raised in West Kildonan and attended Talmud Torah, Jefferson Jr. High, and graduated from Garden City Collegiate in 1977. She studied Dental Hygiene at the University of Manitoba and had a long and honourable career as a dental hygienist. Over the years, she worked at various dental offices, including East Kildonan Dental Group where she worked for the past 29 years. Her work family was her second family. Sharon had a taste of mini-retirement when the pandemic first started and she hated it. She loved her job, co-workers, bosses, and patients so much that she worked up to three weeks prior to her passing.
Sharon did everything in her power to make sure her daughters were set up for success. She did everything she could to give them a good life. She loved going on family vacations and was always the first one at the pool to make sure her family got the best lounge chairs. She was always the first one to a party and the last one to leave the dance floor. She was everyone’s biggest fan, especially her daughters’.
Sharon had the warmest smile, the quirkiest sense of humour, and such a loving nature.
Her family was with her, holding her, when she took her final breaths and peacefully left us. The memories we made together will always be a blessing.
We love you, Mom.
Sharon was laid to rest at the Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery on February 24. Pallbearers were Cheryl Metzler, Teri Pesochin, Evan Roitenberg, Neil Rykiss, Norm Yusim and Paul Zimberg.
The family extends its gratitude to the staff who cared for Sharon at the Grace and St. Boniface Hospitals, and to Rabbi Kliel Rose of Congregation Etz Chayim for his support.
Donations can be made in Sharon’s memory to Pancreatic Cancer Canada or to the Ruth and Hookey Slayen Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
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.