Obituaries
ELAINE (FOOTLICK) PAUL
We are deeply saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Elaine (Footlick) Paul , matriarch of our family, on Wednesday, October 10 , 2018 at the age of 90.
Elaine’s memory will be forever cherished by her children, Rory Paul and his partner Barbie Shukster, Andria and Greg Rodin, Carla Paul and Marcia Paul; grandchildren, Ryan and Amanda Paul, Alisha and Jon Dart, Jordana Etkin, Diandra Etkin, Dylan Coutts, Liam Coutts, Isaac Rodin and Lara Rodin; great-grandchildren, Roan, Asher, Emmy and Zev; her brother Jerry Footlick, brother and sister in law Ike and Kay Footlick, nieces, nephews and her many relatives and friends.
Elaine’s was a life exceedingly well lived. She lived life to the fullest and on her own terms, which for her meant actively, with positivity, dedication to family and compassionate activism for the benefit of others. She was a devoted, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who took immense joy, delight and pride in her family.
Elaine was predeceased by the love of her life, childhood sweetheart, life partner and husband of 41 years, her beloved Leonard Paul who passed away 27 years ago. Elaine and Leonard’s love and devotion to each other and to their family was remarkable and truly inspirational. Theirs was a union meant to last an eternity and we have no doubt it will.
Elaine accomplished much for her community in her lifetime. She helped found the Bnay Abraham Synagogue and served on its executive board as President of the Sisterhood. She was an active, lifetime member and leader in community organizations including Hadassah, Massada chapter of Pioneer Women, ORT, Na’amat and B’nai Brith Women.
Elaine was co-founder of the Manitoba Association for Children With Learning Disabilities (MACLD) now known as Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba (LDAM). She was a tenacious advocate for children with learning disabilities and was a pioneer in Manitoba in ensuring the school system recognized students with learning disabilities and educated them accordingly so that their full potential could be achieved.
Elaine was recognized by the Seven Oaks School Division as it longest serving volunteer. For over 43 years she taught elementary school students how to read.
A graveside funeral service took place on Friday, October 12, 2018 at Bnay Abraham Cemetary officiated by Cantor Tracy Kasner-Greaves. Pallbearers were Greg Rodin, Ryan Paul, Alisha Dart, Jordana Etkin, Diandra Etkin, Liam Coutts and Isaac Rodin.
Our love for and memories of Mom/Baba Elaine will never diminish and will always serve as a source of strength, comfort, guidance and inspiration.
If desired, tributes in Elaine’s memory may be made to Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba (LDAM) (204) 774-1821 or CancerCare Manitoba Foundation (directed to pediatric cancer research) (204) 787-2197 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.