Obituaries
Dr. Manuel (Manny) Matas July 5, 1945 – October 30, 2022
Manny Matas was the most kind, considerate soul you could meet. He offered unconditional love to his family and friends, and as a psychiatrist for 42 years, exceptional care to his patients. Manny was born in Winnipeg on July 5th, 1945, the second of three brothers. He accelerated through school at Greenway, Brock-Corydon, River Heights, and Grant Park, where he was a member of the Manitoba winning team on the TV quiz show Reach for the Top. He attended the University of Manitoba, where he graduated from medicine. At McGill University, he specialized in psychiatry, becoming the youngest psychiatrist in Canada at age 23.
Manny worked in psychiatry in Montreal, London, and Toronto, before returning to Winnipeg to work at St. Boniface Hospital. In addition to patient care, Manny was active in teaching residents, and also contributed to the hospital community through administrative roles including Medical Director of Adult Outpatient Psychiatry and Acting Head of the Department of Psychiatry. Later, he worked in private practice.
Manny was a prolific writer whose contributions included scholarly psychiatric works, published in peer-reviewed medical journals, along with almost 300 letters to the Editor in the Globe and Mail. Manny wrote the book “The Borders of Normal: A Psychiatrist De-Stigmatizes the Paranormal”, which was a finalist for Whistler Independent Book Awards in 2019.
Manny was a talented photographer and portrait artist and was an elected member of The Portrait Society of Canada. A selection of his works was exhibited in Winnipeg in 2017 and 2018. A collection of his works can be viewed on Instagram.
Manny loved meeting new people and had a special ability to connect with others. He travelled regularly to explore the world and visit his family. Manny loved movies and books, visiting art galleries, seeing live music, theatre, contemporary dance and ballet. He was patient, thoughtful, and caring, a good listener who offered non-judgmental advice. He was open minded to people and new ideas, and was endlessly curious about the mind and the mysteries of reality. Manny was optimistic, always finding the bright side of things and helping those around him stay positive.
Manny’s family was the centre of his world and they loved him back beyond measure. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Esther Matas. He leaves behind his daughters Anna (David) and Sylvia (Mike), his brothers David and Robert (Alicia), his grandchildren Esther Mae, Asher, and Noa, sister-like cousin Carol (Per), brother-like cousin Lew (Nora), and many other dearly loved cousins, nieces, and nephews. His passing leaves a gaping hole in the lives of all who knew him.
The funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 1st, 2022. An archived video of the funeral service can be found on the Shaarey Zedek website.
The family would like to thank the staff at St Boniface Hospital and Cancer Care. Donations in Manny’s honour can be made to some of his favourite charities: Tree Canada, World Wildlife Fund, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
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.