Obituaries
ROY PAISNER
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle on Dec. 31, 2021 at the age of 94.
Roy will be forever loved and missed by his daughters, Robin Paisner (Bruce), and Lori Shapera (Nolan). He will be dearly missed by his loving grandchildren, Samara (Daniel), Kira (Cole) Tali, and Ilana (Igal) and great-grandchildren, Lev and Hunter.
Roy was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Nina Paisner, and his loving companion and wife Sheila Paisner of 67 years, whom he loved so very much.
He is survived by his sisters Shelly Nitikman and Reena Taviss (Stan), also by his sister-in-law Cecile Silverman.
Funeral service was held on January 3, 2022 at The Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Pallbearers were: Igal Margolin, Mickey Serebnitsky, Cole Leinburd, Kira Hayman, Edward Cantor and Daniel Glesby.
Roy was born in Winnipeg on August 16, 1927. He was one of three children, being the older brother to two younger sisters. It was a difficult life growing up in the small town of Rosburn, Manitoba. Roy went to school and also worked alongside his father at the family’s Dry Goods store selling hardware, clothing, groceries and produce.
At the young age of 17, Roy decided to move to Winnipeg and took a job for the Genser family at their furniture store. Shortly after, he began a long pen pal relationship with his future wife Sheila, who was from Montreal. When she came to Winnipeg, they fell in love and were married on December 24, 1950.
Roy positioned himself to be nothing but a strong and supportive husband and father to his family. He had a strong work ethic which he dedicated to his furniture businesses, “ReStyle Upholsters” established on Notre Dame Avenue, and “Marvel Furnishings” where he found strategic success on Selkirk Avenue.
Roy played many musical instrument, including the mandolin, piano, and drums; he also loved to dance. He had a passion for motorcycles and even learned how to operate a Ham radio for many years. He loved to bowl, golf, fish, and travel often to Florida, Mexico, Hawaii and Palm Springs. Most importantly, he cherished the many Sunday brunches and dinners he spent with his family.
Being a business leader, he became a Mason and Member of the Masonic Lodge remaining faithful to this position in his later years. He was a man who not only loved his family, but also Yiddishkeit by observing many Jewish traditions.
The family would like to express our sincere love and thanks to the caregivers at The Simkin Center Unit 1 South, with a special thanks to Marcella, who was Roy’s personal caregiver and companion. Our family will always be forever grateful for her love and compassion.
Roy’s passing has left a saddened void in our lives. He will always be loved and remembered in our hearts forever.
If so, desired donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, The Winnipeg Humane Society, The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or a 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.