Obituaries
DR. NORMAN A. GOLDBERG
Dr. Norman Goldberg passed away on January 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He made the world a better place.
Norman was born on April 2, 1948, to Evelyn and David Goldberg, who raised him and his siblings, Harvey and Penny, to work hard to reach their potential. Always an excellent student, he was a finalist on the high school television quiz show “Reach for the Top”, earned his medical degree from the University of Manitoba, and became a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine.
Dr. Goldberg was a beloved physician, known for his compassion, up-to-date knowledge, diagnostic acumen, and endless patience. He embraced the management of complex cases including children with brain injuries, disabilities, HIV, and developmental and adolescent issues. He was a tireless advocate for the children in his care.
He was a university teacher and mentor and received the Dr. Leighton N. Young Distinguished Pediatrician Award. He served on many hospital teams including two decades with the Pediatric Brain Injury team.
Dr. Goldberg was able to calm the children’s fears. He spoke directly to them. He took off his white coat so they would not be afraid. For children with sleep problems, he sometimes dispensed his famous invention: a spray bottle filled with diluted mouthwash which bore an official label with his name, signature, and prescriber number. The label said “Monster Spray – use under the bed as needed”. It worked. (Patent pending)
His volunteer work impacted many. He was a founding director of the Winnipeg Ronald McDonald House. He served in leadership roles in the Manitoba and Canadian Pediatric Societies, the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, the Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba, Planned Parenthood, and many other organizations. He served on two synagogue boards. He helped lead a major project to settle refugees from Darfur.
Norman was a devoted husband, father, and Zaide (grandfather). His 53-year marriage with Marilyn was a loving partnership. They were best friends and each other’s cheerleaders. The dreams of their youth came true.
Norman’s children, Aviva, Amy, and Daniel, were the light of his life. He gave them unconditional love and support. He played with them, comforted them, encouraged them, read to them, and taught them what they needed to thrive. He overruled Marilyn when the children wanted a puppy. He instilled in them a love of Judaism, taking them to synagogue, dressing as Moses for a Passover Seder, blessing them at Shabbat dinners, and celebrating their Bar and Bat Mitzvot. He recently said how blessed he was to see his children become generous, kind, fulfilled adults, all with loving partners. They are his finest legacy.
His grandsons, Sam and Isaac, gave him further joy. Zaide played pranks on them, made them his secret scrambled eggs recipe, and loved every moment spent with them.
Norman will be lovingly remembered by Marilyn, Harvey (Ruth), Penny, Aviva (Greg Di Cresce, Sam and Isaac), Amy (Dan Poxon, Abi and Caleb), Daniel (Hilary Bohn), Frank (Mercedes), Laurie (Lesley), Jerry (Merle); our family, friends, his colleagues and patients.
Our deepest thanks to the many kind people who cared for, comforted and supported Norman and our family both before and after his passing.
Donations in Norman’s memory may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, or a charity of your choice.
Norman was a “gitte neshuma”, a good soul. May his memory be a blessing.
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.