Obituaries
ABE POSEN
With deep sadness, we are sorry to announce the passing of Abe Posen, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle, on August 10th at the Grace Hospital.
He was three weeks short of his 102nd birthday. Abe was a quiet man with a never-ending sense of humour that paved his way in the world. He was strong on the outside, soft on the inside, full of humility and easily embarrassed if you put the spotlight on him.
Abe was born to Gittel nee Gurarie (Gray) and Mayer Posen in Winnipeg on Sept. 3rd, 1921. During the war he was stationed in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. As his first language was Yiddish he corresponded with his parents in Yiddish and the letters would often arrive with words cut out. Who knew that the RCAF had Yiddish speaking censors? Abe was a dedicated family man who also enjoyed his extended circle of uncles, aunts and cousins.
He grew up in a small 2-bedroom house on Burrows, where his parents took in boarders to help supplement their income. The boarders slept in the dining room behind a curtain. They were teachers from Peretz Shul who had recently arrived from pre-war Europe, or sometimes his cousins who came from the country for extended stays. There’s no doubt it taught him about giving, sharing and reaching out to help people in need.
We loved hearing the stories of his youth filled with characters both Jewish and Gentile and how living in the old North End, was like living in Eastern Europe. His early working career except for a stint as a bike delivery boy, was spent working for the family enterprises such as his uncle Motel’s Whistle bottling plant, later to become Blackwood Beverages and his Uncle Moishe’s (Morris Gray) travel agency.
In 1948, he married our beloved mum Ruth Dvorchik and their first of two sons, Eric came along in 1950. At the same time, Abe began his studies to become a Chartered Accountant and went on to work for the firm Sandell Peltz. He eventually left to work for the Federal Government and ended his career as the Chief Auditor for Special Projects for the Province of Manitoba. Abe also kept a private accountancy business going and his clients consisted mostly of Jewish newcomers who ran grocery stores and small shops. He helped them when they went through financial hardships, by lowering his fee or not charging them.
In his spare time, he was President of the Brandeis Lodge and was a lifelong member of the YMHA serving on the Board of Directors and Governors. His passion was exercising, a habit that started at the ‘Y’ as a teen on Albert Street. He loved weightlifting and competed in the sport. He was also a mentor to younger lifters and loved to teach and encourage them.
Abe had a knack for often winning contests. We thought he had great luck, but when we asked him, “What’s your secret”, he said, “You have to enter!”
He took great pride in his grandchildren’s accomplishments and would ask daily, if there were new photos of Lielle, his one and only great granddaughter in Israel. When you’re lucky enough to have a parent live a long healthy life, despite getting covid three times, their presence can’t help but bring blessings to the family. To feel their love, drink in their wisdom and learn about family history is a joy that was shared by three generations of his family. It hurts to say goodbye, but Abe’s legacy of love, humour and gratitude for life is an ever-present inspiration to us all.
Our thanks to the pallbearers, Ariel Posen, Michel Aziza, Lexie and Ken Zimmer, David Gurvey and Darcy Delbridge, plus our thanks to Abe’s regular home care workers who respected him and gave him the best care they could under trying circumstances, as well as the staff and physicians of 4North at the Grace Hospital. Please donate to the Rady Centre (the ‘Y’) or the charity of your choice.
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.