Obituaries
RIVAN KENNETH HALPRIN
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin and friend. Ken passed away peacefully on Monday, February 11, 2019, at the age of 91, at the Health Sciences Centre.
Ken was born in Winnipeg on August 5, 1927, the same day and month as his mother. The eldest of three children of Joseph, a lawyer, and Rae Halprin, a loving homemaker. Ken married his wife Elyse Samuels on January 17, 1951. Together they raised their children, Susan, Tracey and David.
Ken proudly studied law and graduated in 1950 from the University of Manitoba. He began work as a law student at the firm of Andrews Andrews Thorvaldson and Eggertson. After his articles he worked as Counsel at Aronovitch & Leipsic with his father Joseph and then joined the practice of law in partnership with his father in 1951, and later with his brother Paul William. His love of the law continued long after his retirement from active practice in 2005 as he applied legal analysis to analyze and solve life’s problems. Kenneth was a lawyer for over 50 years.
Ken was an active pro-bono participant in the Manitoba Bar Association and other bar and community activities including the incorporation of the Hebrew Congregation of Winnipeg Beach. He was the co-draftsman of a Special Act of the Manitoba Legislature that created the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. Ken served as a Director of the Foundation, and on the Board of Governors and Audit Committee for many years.
Ken was known for his love of gardening, reading and music. Ken loved to cook sometimes to great success and sometimes not so much. An avid athlete in youth, he actively participated in skiing and cycling throughout his life. The family enjoyed memorable summers boating and entertaining at their lakefront cottage in Boundary Park, Winnipeg Beach.
His children, and latterly his grandchildren remember with great fondness his innate curiosity. He loved books and was a voracious reader, enjoyed fishing, photography and the humour of a great joke or funny limerick.
Ken and Elyse spent their winters in Florida from 1978, and made many dear friends there.
Predeceased by his parents, younger brothers, Paul (William) and Edward, and daughter Tracey, Ken is survived and will be sorely missed by his loving wife Elyse, of 68 years; his children, Susan (Bryan Klein) of Winnipeg and David (Linda Redman) of Toronto; his grandchildren, Baillie (Dan), Sarry (Scott), Julie (Alan) and Emily; his great-grandchildren, Lyla and Asher, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials in Kenneth’s memory be sent to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, MB (Donation Line: 204-477-7525).
The funeral service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Wednesday, February 13, 2019.
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.