Obituaries
HAROLD FLEISHMAN
October 17, 1927 – June 14, 2017
Harold Fleishman (Hershy), aged 89, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2017.
He is survived by his wife Brownie of 62 years, his children, Mira (Neil) Zweiban, Ellen and Deborah, his grandchildren, Zachary, Paz, Alex and Mollie, his sister Toby Sawyer, his sisters-in-law, Gertie Nepon and Barbara Pierce, and many nieces and nephews.
Harold was the son of Jack and Ray Fleishman. He attended school in Winnipeg’s north end, received a BSc from the University of Manitoba and DDS from the University of Toronto. Upon graduation, Harold returned to Winnipeg where he practiced dentistry for over 50 years at the East Kildonan Dental Group. He was a mentor to many dentists. His patients travelled from all over the city to see him. He was a perfectionist at his work.
Harold had many interests. He was a leader in philanthropy and had a strong love for Israel and the Winnipeg community. Over the years Harold worked as a volunteer on behalf of the Combined Jewish Appeal/Jewish Federation, JNF and Knowles School for Boys. He was a director and on the board of governors for the Sharon Home/Simkin Centre, president of the Winnipeg North Rotary Club, and president the Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity. Harold was honoured to be the recipient of the Maimonides award for his leadership with Alpha Omega and the Max and Mollie Shore award which he received in 2015 for his overall service to the Jewish community.
Harold was a passionate musician. He played the saxophone professionally starting at age 13 at dance halls, weddings, nursing homes or just because. He enjoyed golfing, being a member of the Glendale Country Club for over 55 years, curling, fishing, playing bridge and cheering for his home teams. Harold loved the beach, spending his summers since he was a child at Winnipeg Beach and later his winters at the Kahala Beach in Hawaii. Above all, Harold’s priority was being a devoted husband, father, zaida, brother, uncle and friend. He would do anything for them.
Despite numerous physical ailments, Harold continued to travel and attend social and community events. He enjoyed life to its fullest believing that there is no point in being alive if you are not living. Harold was a gladiator in his fight with Parkinson’s and heart diseases. He demonstrated triumph of spirit over mind and body.
The family would like to thank Harold’s caregivers in Winnipeg and Hawaii. They called themselves Harold’s angels and they truly were. He could not have lived the life he did without their help.
Funeral services were held on June 16 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Pallbearers were Zachary Zweiban, Paz Zweiban, Alex Dashefsky, Jerry Sawyer, Susan Remis, Stephen Smith and Billy Brodovsky.
If desired, donations to Harold’s memory may be made to the Brownie and Harold Fleishman endowment fund at the Jewish Foundation of Winnipeg (204-477-7525) or a charity of your choice. We will always love and miss you.
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.