Obituaries
Rabbi AVROHOM (DREW) ARONOVITCH
The family of Rabbi Avrohom (Drew) Aronovitch is deeply saddened to announce his passing on May 17, 2017 at his home in Passaic, New Jersey. He had recently turned 55.
Drew was born in Winnipeg on April 25, 1961 to Brian and Penny (nee Parks). He grew up in south Winnipeg, attending Sir William Osler Elementary School and Grant Park High School, and University of Winnipeg.
Drew was gifted intellectually. He had a sharp and witty sense of humour and was always positive. Those who knew him state that he never uttered a negative comment about another person and he perpetually wore a trademark smile. He had an encouraging word for everyone he encountered, gave to others unendingly and never missed a moment where he might be able to lend assistance. Drew did not judge others and was respectful of people of all denominations. He strived to be a good person and his children reflect the standard Drew set.
Drew was held in high esteem in his community and his 90 minute funeral was one of the largest ever held in Passaic with over 800 in attendance. Eulogies were given by the three rabbis who knew him best, his sons Yehuda & Yehoshua, his son-in-law Eli (Hindy) and his father-in-law, Rabbi Chaim Blumberg. Of particular mention were that he was a true prince and he had a “glow’ about him.
When Drew left the doctor’s office 7 years ago with his cancer diagnosis and a sad/glum look, he determined that was not what people needed to see and he had a smile on his face by the time he was on a city street. His closest friend and confidant, Reb Ron Yitzchok Eisenman, said that Drew counted the past 4 years as a gift and never once uttered a word about feeling sorry for himself. Right to the end, he insisted there were others worse off than he was.
Drew is survived by his devoted wife Sara Devora; children Hindy (Eli, Dovid, Leah, Yechezkel, and Malki), Yehuda (Rachel and Yechezkel), Yehoshua (Sushy), Rochol (Shloimy), Bracha, Shoshana, Mordechai, Chana Rifka, Moshe Aaron, Esti, Dovid, and Tehila. He was predeceased by his son Akiva, and parents Brian and Penny. Left to mourn are his siblings Fraser (Marla, Lee, and Ben), Lois (Michael, Jamie, and Rachel), and Steven (Amy, Jaden and Lexi). As well, Drew will be sorely missed by his uncle Don Aronovitch (Beverly).
Avrohom’s death leaves both a enormous legacy and an enormous hole.
May his memory be a blessing to all.
Donations can be made to the Rabbi Avrohom (Drew) Aronovitch Scholarship at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or 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.