Obituaries
KAREN (ROYTENBERG) BINDER
With deep sadness we share that Karen (Roytenberg) Binder (z”l) left this world on June 6th, at the age of 78. She is lovingly remembered for her smile that communicated a joy for life and the enjoyment of being in others’ company.
Born in Winnipeg on April 21, 1943, to her loving and doting parents Ida and Nat Roytenberg (z”l), Karen was an only child lovingly raised by both her immediate and extended family. These formative years nurtured a strength in Karen that allowed her to face adversity with resiliency, positivity and a focus on living life to the fullest. Karen was proud to raise her daughters in a Jewish home and vibrant Jewish community. She later went on to care for both of her parents in their final years.
While Karen lived with the effects of Cerebellar Ataxia, the challenges created never defined her. Her family is grateful beyond measure for the amazing care she received during her eighteen years at the Sharon Home and then the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre. The Weinberg unit 1 became her home where she embraced the company of all who knew her and was able to continue living a Jewish life. Her family extends deep appreciation and gratitude is extended to every individual who touched Karen’s life and allowed her to smile, laugh and enjoy the simple things; each of you made a tremendous impact in her life.
Thank you to Cantor Tracy Kasner, who shared prayers of comfort in Karen’s final days and officiated the funeral on June 7th with a beautiful and fitting service and eulogy that captured Karen’s life and spirit. The family also thanks the pallbearers for their “Chesed Shel Emet” in helping escort Karen to her final resting place; thank you to Sam Binder, Rob Dalgliesh, Ardith Henoch, Arthur Liffmann, Evan Roitenberg and Sean Shore.
Karen was predeceased by her parents and husband Peter, and she leaves to mourn her daughters Lori Binder (Kenton Smith) and Estelle Tzur, grandchildren Maya and Matan Tzur and her close cousins Harry Roytenberg (Jeanette) and Earl Miller (Jolyn).
Should you wish to make a memorial donation, a fund in Karen’s memory and honour is being established at the Simkin Centre. This fund will help to spread joy to residents and staff, and serve as a legacy to Karen, who had been the longest resident to live at Simkin.
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.