Obituaries
BECKY ROSENBERG
May 30, 1921 – October 31,2018
It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Becky Rosenberg at the age of 97 surrounded by her loving family.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Harry, Becky is survived by her three children Janis (Arthur) Ross, Ken (Vivian) Rosenberg, Faren (Keevin) Bernstein; eight grandchildren Robyn, Tami (Andrew), Jamey (Justine), Corey, Suzanne (Kevin), Kylie (Tyler), Brayden, Griffin; 4 great grandchildren: Siena, Elly, Dylan, Henry; sister Sali (Chaim) Ben-Ezra; brothers and sisters in-law; and many nieces and nephews who reciprocated her love for them.
Born in the north end of Winnipeg to Fanny and Joseph Stern, Becky was the 5th of 9 children in a close-knit family. From her youngest days, she was a good student, an athlete – dancer, gymnast, acrobat, volleyball and basketball player, with a large social circle of friends that she maintained for a lifetime.
Following graduation from St. John’s Tech, she went to business college where she became a legal stenographer working for the provincial government as well as private law firms. When she became a wife and mother, she embraced this role wholeheartedly, devoting herself to the care and nurturing of her husband and children, but beyond that to her large, extended family on both sides.
Family was the cornerstone of her life. Becky was happiest when she was surrounded by those she held dearest, whether during Shabbat dinners, Sunday gatherings, family get togethers, or holidays. As she raised her family, she baked, cooked, curled, bowled, played mahj and bridge. Becky was engaged in community activities and volunteer work. She was particularly proud of the 20 years she spent volunteering at the Seven Oaks Hospital gift shop.
The arrival of her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her much joy and they in turn have wonderful memories of food, fun, and love. An avid golfer, culminating in a hole in one at the age of 80, travelling, and winters spent in Florida or Palm Springs with their family coming to visit, rounded out a happy, well-lived life.
Beautiful on the outside, Becky was even more beautiful on the inside. Despite living with dementia in her latter years, it was her warm, genuine smile, and friendly hello that lit up the room while her sincere interest, pride, and love for others captured the hearts of everyone who knew her. Becky and Harry’s 70-year marriage was inspiring; a true partnership of love and devotion to each other, their immediate and extended families, friends, and community. We take comfort in knowing they are now together again.
Thank you to the staff of the Simkin Centre for making mom’s final years without dad so comfortable. We especially want to express our eternal gratitude to mom’s “guardian angels”, Lisa, Terry, and Oxana who lovingly and devotedly cared for her everyday, ensuring that she always looked her best, keeping her safe, healthy, and happy right to the end.
Graveside services were held on Friday, November 2nd, beautifully eulogized by Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves with her grandchildren serving as pallbearers. If so desired, donations may be made to the Becky and Harry Rosenberg Fund of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to 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.