Obituaries
ALLAN DAVID SHAFER -1927-2022
Following a life well lived, Al passed peacefully on May 14, 2022, at the age of 95. He lived life with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his kind eyes. His glass was never half full, rather it was overflowing.
An industrious and hardworking young man – Al started his career in the early 50s as a car salesman at Gladstone Datsun (under the sign of the swinging keys). His exuberant personality quickly propelled him to Sales Manager and so began his dream of owning his own car lot. He changed course in the early 60s when an opportunity arose to buy a partnership in the McLaren Hotel. Although it was never his first love, he brought his optimism and energy to work every day and was much liked and respected by patrons and staff alike. In 1969 he and his wife Lona fulfilled a long-time goal of their own by designing and building their dream home where he lived until his passing.
After retiring from the hotel in the early 70s his attention turned to a beloved hobby of art collecting. Never one to stay idle, and always hoping to get back into sales, he opened the Concourse Aboriginal Gallery in the Trizec Building, where he thrived. He moved the gallery to Notre Dame and Albert in the early 80s and he remained working until his retirement last year at the age of 94. His great energy and kibitzing nature endeared him to all who crossed his path, and the gallery remained a welcoming hangout for friends, artists, and neighbourhood residents who often dropped by for a laugh and a coffee.
His legacy will be his extreme generosity that benefited many. Despite his favourite shopping destination being the Dollar Store, he will be recognized and admired for his donation of the entire Concourse Gallery contents last year to SScope. The prominent and unexpected media coverage of this unique donation touched him deeply.
We are so happy that he spent his last winter in Palm Springs with his partner Estelle, enjoying the sun, many friends, and his status as a champion horseshoe player.
Al was predeceased by his wife Lona and sister Dorie and is survived by his sister Esther.
He will be missed by many friends and relatives and leaves to mourn his partner Estelle and her family, his daughters Maureen (Dave), Lesli (Don), grandchildren Rakel, Jordan, Dana (Jack), Alix, Max (Cassie), and great grandsons Frank and Ed.
A true mensch and our go to guy for everything, he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Donations in Al’s memory may be made to ArtCity: https://artcityinc.com/Financial- Donations, Harvest Manitoba: https://www.harvestmanitoba-.ca/donate-now/, 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.