Obituaries
JUDGE BENJAMIN GOLDSTEIN
(May 20, 1930 to June 19, 2018)
It was with great sadness that the family announced the passing of Judge Benjamin Goldstein Z”L on Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
Judge Goldstein was 88 years old. His beloved wife, Myra, will treasure all the wonderful memories they had together for the past 63 years.
Left to cherish his blessed memory is Myra (nee Charach), and his three children, Elliott (Michele), Maureen Richardson (Robin) and Harvey (Esther), as well as his sisters Bela Adler, Clara Halpern Jeremiah, and his brother Samuel.
Judge Goldstein was predeceased by his parents Rabbi Joseph Goldstein and his wife Dora, and Benjamin’s brothers Dr. Philip Goldstein, Dr. Arnold Goldstein, and Dr. Abe Goldstein.
Benjamin is also survived by his grandchildren Kaylee Watson (Maighan), Jacob, and Cassandra; Rory, Jamie, and Ashley; Zachary, Daniel, and Amanda.
Benjamin was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan on May 20, 1930. Benjamin completed his public and high school education in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He attended the University of Saskatchewan where he obtained his degrees in economics and law. He was called to the Saskatchewan Bar in 1959 and the Alberta Bar in 1983. He practiced law in Saskatoon for over 30 years together with his brother Samuel and was made Queens Counsel. He appeared in all levels of court in Saskatchewan and on several occasions in the Supreme Court of Canada.
Benjamin was a great teacher. He taught Hebrew School while attending university in Saskatoon. After becoming a lawyer, he lectured in commercial law, part-time, at the University of Saskatchewan in its Faculty of Commerce for over two decades.
In November of 1992 Benjamin was appointed a judge of the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan and presided in Saskatoon until his retirement from the bench in 2005. After retirement he served as a Senior Adjudicator with Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada for several years.
In 2005, Benjamin was awarded the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.
Benjamin was active in the Jewish Community in Saskatoon. He was the president of Agudas Israel Synagogue in the late 1960s. In 2000 Benjamin helped found, and for a time served as president of, Congregation Shir Hadash, a Conservative synagogue.
Benjamin was an ardent supporter of Israel, and together with Myra, visited Israel several times.
Funeral Services were held on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at the Chesed Shel Emes in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with interment at Rosh Pina Memorial Park.
Special thanks to Rabbi Avrohom Altein of the Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Learning Centre in Winnipeg for conducting the funeral service, and to Rabbi Raphael Kats of Chabad Lubavitch in Saskatoon for organizing the shiva prayers and being a good friend to Benjamin.
Benjamin, Dad, and Zaida, Rest in Peace. May your memory be for a blessing. If family and friends wish, donations may be made to their charity of 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.