Obituaries
EVELYN RICHMAN GOLDBERG
April 29, 1922 – November 29, 2018
After a long life well lived, Evelyn passed away peacefully on November 29, 2018.
She is survived by her children Norman (Marilyn), Harvey (Ruth) and Penny Sue; her grandchildren Aviva (Greg), Amy (Jason), Daniel, Ariel (Francesca), Hava (Mike), Alon (Meghan) and Eitan (Claudia); her great-grandchildren Sam, Isaac, Neorah, Jacob and Jordan; and her sister-in-law Laura Richman. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Eva and Morris Richman; her husband David Goldberg, to whom she was married for 59 years, her brothers and sisters-in-law Alfie and Rosalie Richman and Harold Richman; and all her generation of Gold(en)bergs.
Funeral services were held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, December 1, 2018, the first day of Hanukah. Rabbi Anibal Mass and her grandson, Rabbi Ariel Goldberg, officiated.
Evelyn was born and raised in the North End. After graduating from St. John’s Technical High School she trained to be a bookkeeper. After her children were in school she worked, first with Dave at his restaurant, the BA Lunch, and later in accounting, finishing her career as a valued employee of the Manitoba Public Insurance Company.
She enjoyed activities that challenged her mind: bridge, crossword puzzles, scrabble and jig saw puzzles. Even when dementia was clouding her mind she was able to play multiple cards at Simkin Centre bingo games. She was an avid reader.
Although she did not have the opportunity to attend university, she encouraged her children to get a higher education, and was very proud that Norman, Harvey and Penny Sue all got graduate degrees and had successful careers.
Part of a large family, and a intimate group of life long friends, she was encircled by love and friendship in good times and bad.
She had a wonderful smile and sense of joy in the simple things, especially seeing her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
She had a green thumb, her orchids always bloomed, and for many years had a large vegetable garden.
Evelyn was buried on the first day of Hanukah. Our tradition teaches that the shamesh gives light to the other candles without its own light being diminished. By giving it does not subtract, but it adds to the light in the world. Evelyn gave to others and it enriched her life and theirs. And now that her life is over it is up to those she loved to maintain the light that she transferred to us.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, David and Evelyn Goldberg Fund, or to the MS Society. Memories of her brilliant smile will comfort us always.
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.