Obituaries
VERA HERSHFIELD November 25, 1922-June 25, 2019
Vera Hershfield passed away peacefully on June 25, 2019, after a stay at the Grace Hospital following multiple health challenges experienced on May 16.
Her survivors include sons Neil and Larry (Janet), grandsons Daniel, Evan (Jennifer), Zachary, and Gabriel, and nieces Sheilah and Joanne.
Vera was predeceased by her parents Abigayla and Chaim Rosen, her brother Allan Ross, and Sam, her husband of 61 years.
Vera was born in Leningrad in 1922 and came to Canada as a young girl in 1930.
She thrived in the midst of a large and loving extended family, learning English quickly, and was an excellent student.
In her life, Vera was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as an active community volunteer in several organizations including Brandeis Chapter of Hadassah-WIZO and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood.
In addition to being a wonderful homemaker, Vera also worked outside the home in various administrative capacities. Her happiest and most productive years were spent in collections and curation at the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature, where her work can be seen in the Urban Gallery and the Nonsuch display. Many happy times were spent with her children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends, guiding them through the Museum.
Vera had many talents. She enjoyed oil painting, she played an excellent game of Bridge partnered with Sam and others, and she wrote many clever and funny songs and articles.
Throughout her life, Vera was very kind with never a bad word, made and kept many many friends, had a great wit, and was very pragmatic in her outlook.
Living to 96 years old, with some health bumps along the way, Vera faced her old age head on, clearly, and with humour. She often quipped that “There ought be a better system. Nothing seems to improve with age.”
Her family would like to thank the staff at Shaftesbury Park Retirement Community (particularly Jan and Brian), Home Care (particularly Theresa), Esther’s Group (particularly Odessa and Lisa), and Grace Hospital.
A graveside service was held at Rosh Pina Memorial Park at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, June 27, followed by a Meal of Consolation at the home of Allan and Leslee Abosh. Shiva was subsequently held in Winnipeg and Toronto.
Donations can be made to the Sam and Vera Hershfield fund at 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.