Obituaries
GERRY GURVEY
After a life well-lived Gerald “Gerry” Gurvey died peacefully on December 23, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario.
On March 4, 1923, Gerry was born to Raizel and Aaron Gurvitch on Alfred Avenue in Winnipeg’s iconic North End
Gerry married his beloved Bunny Pinsk in June 1948. He was the extraordinarily proud father of Shelley, Melanie (Wayne) and Brenlee (Allen). Living on Ash Street in Winnipeg, he loved that his household was home to the “Gurvey Girls”
His grandchildren: Kelsey (Matt) and Mac (Jess) Ilexa, Avery and Brady and great grandchildren Sienna and Rory gave Gerry the opportunity to enjoy being a Zaida and Great Zaida. Gerry sparkled in the presence of his grand children, great grandchildren and grand dogs: Abbey and Ten.
Gerry was the youngest of four boys. He was predeceased by brothers Morris, Harry and Syd
as well as sisters/brothers in law Irene, Goldie and Issie, Sadie and Ben, Dora and Len and Anne
He will be remembered with love by his sisters/brothers in laws; Evelyn, Zol and Denny, Mona and Sam, and Harry. Gerry’s many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews have fond memories of Uncle Gerry.
During WWII Gerry enlisted in the RCAF and proudly served his country.
After the war, Gerry worked in the film industry (not as a movie star) as a film distributor.
In 1955 Gerry launched his pivotal career.
“Mr. Gurvey” and Uptown Pharmacy were synonymous as one and the same. The drug store at the corner of Academy and Ash became Gerry’s focus for 25 years. Because he built a strong customer base, everywhere that Gerry went ….he encountered his loyal customers.
Gerry and Bunny travelled all over the world and enjoyed wintering in the South.
Ten years ago, Gerry and Bunny moved to Toronto to be closer to most of their kids.
Over the years Gerry enjoyed several hobbies:
Skating with Bunny at River Heights Community Centre, curling at the Granite Club,
and tending his vegetables, fruit and flowers in uniform rows in his garden.
He was a splendid dancer and he and Bunny amazed people with their stamina and grace on the dance floor.
Gerry loved gadgets, and innovation. He enjoyed tasting novel foods and venturing to new and favourite restaurants
Gerry will be remembered for his smile and his sense of humour.
Most importantly, Gerry adored his wife, Bunny and his Family.
The Family is grateful and appreciative for the exceptional care that Gerry received while he lived in Sunnybrook Veteran’s Centre. Sincere thank you to Dr. David Shergold, Paulette, Stanly, Carolyn and Wes, and the stellar Team on K3E.
Gerry’s Family will always remember Rhea and Mark, as well as Evita and Rayna, who provided devoted and loving care and companionship for Gerry.
In Gerry’s memory, the Family would be honoured if you wish donate to
The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba
Gerry and Bunny Gurvey Fund
jewishfoundation.org
Phone: 204 477 7520
For those of you who may have “borrowed” a chocolate bar or two from Gurvey’s Drug Store, and wish to remember Mr. Gurvey for his kindness, in his memory, please pay it forward.
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.