Obituaries
RITA SHREIBER (née WARKOV) August 30, 1934 – August 30, 2023
It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of Rita Shreiber (z’l), beloved Mother, Baba, Sister, Aunty, and friend. Born in Winnipeg Mb to Mendal and Rose Warkov (z’l), Rita grew up on Inkster Blvd in a home filled with love. Rita met the love of her life on a blind date while in university. They married and had two children, Daniel and Deborah. In 1966, along with 10 other parents, Sidney and Rita founded the Mb Assoc. for Children with Learning Disabilities, now known as Learning Disabilities Assoc. of Mb. At 40, she went from homemaker to student and ultimately, Library Manager of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
Rita loved adventure and travel. She travelled to Israel, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Morocco, Russia (at 79) along with Canada and the USA. She loved books, lively conversations, music, art, culture, yoga, dance and her many good friends. Rita was an intelligent, elegant, warm, and wise person. She loved her children and grandchildren with all of her heart. She took great pride in all their achievments and continuously supported them. She ensured that family traditions were carried on by hosting family dinners for the holidays each year and teaching her granddaughters their Jewish heritage.
Rita was predeceased by her parents, husband Sidney, brother Saul, brother in law and sister in law, Hye and Betty Elfenbaum. She will be profoundly missed by her son and daughter in law, Daniel and Irene Shreiber; her daughter and son in law, Deborah and Stephen Smith; granddaughters Sydney Shreiber (Quinn) and Erin Shreiber (Phil), brother Sim Warkov (Gretta), niece and nephew Gail Mattuck and Mardy Elfenbaum, many more nieces, nephews, cousins, good friends and all those that loved her.
Funeral was held at the Shaarey Zedek cemetary on September 1, 2023. Rabbi Benarroch officiated. Tzedakah can be made to the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg or Jewish Child and Family Service.
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.