Obituaries
ALAN HOWARD BERNSTEIN 1949 – 2017
After a courageous battle with cancer, Alan passed away peacefully at the age of 67 with his loving family and friends by his side.
Alan was predeceased by his parents Evelyn and David Bernstein. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Donna; daughter Lisa; son Mike (Katia); sister Joanne (Larry); brothers Richard (Rene) and Brian (Elizabeth); Donna’s brother Larry; and his nieces and nephews David, Laura (Lisa), Sarah, Davey, Arran, Jenny (Daniel). Also his faithful companion and good boy Benny.
Alan was born in Winnipeg and grew up in River Heights. He attended Brock Corydon School, J.B. Mitchell School, Grant Park High School and graduated from the University of Winnipeg in 1976.
Alan had a true zest for life and made friends wherever he went. He was always enthusiastic, loved to kibbitz and had the ability to tell the best stories. He paved his own way with drive, motivation and perseverance. He was passionate about sports, the stock market and anything to do with cars and engines. He loved racing and in his early years was known for having some of the fastest cars in Winnipeg.
Alan was a dreamer, a gifted salesman and had a creative eye. He had an intuitive sense of business, beginning his career at Silverman Jewellers and carrying those talents through to his finest professional achievement in starting his own company, Hangers Fashion Warehouse. Hangers was created in 1990 with the love and support of his wife, Donna. He began with one flagship store and grew the chain to 31 stores from British Columbia to the Maritimes. Alan was always known for his sharp negotiating skills and special way with people.
One of Alan’s favourite pastimes was heading out to the Lake of the Woods with his family. He loved to sit on the water while the waves gently rocked the boat. The lake truly nourished his soul. He also loved getting people together and having celebrations and barbecues at the pool on Aldershot.
Alan loved his family fiercely and cared so much for everyone in his life. Alan was a wonderful and attentive father who raised two beautiful children in Lisa and Mike. They were crazy about their Dad and he was so proud of their accomplishments and who they became as adults. Alan just adored being with everyone and would truly move mountains for his loved ones.
Alan loved to travel, see the sights and organize adventures. In 2011, when Alan and Donna retired, they created wonderful memories when they travelled to London and Paris.
Later on, in retirement, he transitioned that love of getting people together by founding a breakfast club to reconnect with old friends from his past and bringing new people together.
Alan was so fond of music and was a great piano and violin player. He could listen to a piece of music, sit down and proceed to play the whole piece from memory. He later tried his hand at the guitar and loved to have people over for a jam session in his music room.
He was a loving husband, a devoted father, a caring family man, a determined fighter, a hunter for the best new toy or gadget, a wonderful friend and a true character. The world will miss such a beautiful and special soul.
Thank you to all the staff at CancerCare Manitoba and Riverview Health Centre for your care and compassion and for making Alan’s journey as comfortable and painless as possible.
A celebration of Alan’s life was held on Sunday, November 26, 2017, at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, Rabbi Matthew Leibl officiated, with interment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Larry Pudavick, Arran Pudavick, David Sheps, Laura Sheps, Ian Kasloff and Tom Dojack. Honourary pallbearers were Larry Rice, Izia Mirski and Jack Lezack.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or the charity of your choice. –
You left us with beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You’ll always be by our side. –
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.