Obituaries
DR. JACK ALLAN RUBIN 1925-2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Jack Rubin on October 14th at the age of 92.
Jack was survived by his wife of 69 years, Clarice (nee Riesenberg), his children, Barbara Hochman (Danny), Jackie Akman (Richard) and Ron Rubin, his grandchildren, Jared Akman (Leanne) and Jamie Berman (Skyler), his great granddaughter, Lowan Berman, and his brother, Dr. Leon Rubin. Jack was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Dr. Manly Rubin. Jack will also be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews.
Jack was born in Winnipeg on April 12, 1925. He attended St. John’s Tech High School where he excelled at sports and received both athletic and academic scholarships for university. He graduated from University of Manitoba medical school and New York University (Bellevue Hospital Center) with specialties in both otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat) and Plastic surgery. For many years Jack was head of the Otolaryngology department at Health Sciences Centre and served as President of the Otolaryngology Society of Canada. Jack was devoted to his patients and continued to practice until his retirement at the age of 75.
Jack married his high school sweetheart Clarice in 1948 and they had a fairytale marriage for 69 years. They were blessed with a life filled with close family and good friends. They enjoyed winters in Palm Springs and summers at Falcon Lake.
Jack excelled at everything he did. He was an all star athlete at both the high school and university levels playing soccer, tennis, football and hockey. Jack picked up a tennis racquet in his teens and didn’t put it down until the age of 87, at which time he was still playing doubles with his daughter and grandchildren. He also loved to swim. At the age of 90 he was swimming half a mile several times a week.
Jack loved to eat, especially desserts, but somehow maintained his athletic build throughout his life. He had a wonderful sense of humour. He was artistic, both his office and home were filled with his paintings and sculptures. He was kind and compassionate and all who meet him loved him.
Special thanks to Jack’s caregivers, Olivia, Margarita and Norle, who were of great help and support in his last few years.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 17th at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Thanks to Rabbi Matthew Leibl who officiated the service. Pallbearers were Jared Akman, Jamie Berman, Skyler Berman, Dan Rubin, Bert Finkelstein and Harry Rubin. Honourary pallbearers were Murray Knazan, Brent Knazan and Bernie Rubenstein. Donations in Jack’s memory can be made to 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.