Obituaries
BLUMIE PORTNOY
BLUMIE PORTNOY passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday, May 24, 2017.
Blumie was predeceased by her parents, Ida and Sam Polinsky, her brother, Dave Polinsky, sisters-in-law, Betty and Phyllis Polinsky, and her beloved husband, Iser Portnoy. She is survived by her daughters Phyllis Portnoy (Rory Egan), Susanna Portnoy (John Bluethner), and Sallie Portnoy; grandchildren Becky Chisick, David Johnson (Linda), Lorien Johnson, Cassandra Bluethner, and Ben Portnoy; great-grandchildren Nicholas, Jonathan and Amaya van der Veen, Lily Chisick, and Felix and Spencer Johnson; and brother, Ron Polinsky. Funeral services were held at Shaarey Zedek synagogue on Monday, May 29; pallbearers were Becky, David, Cassandra, Ben, Nicholas and Jonathan; honorary pallbearers were Blumie’s nieces and nephew Shirley Stone, Sandra Polinsky, and Max Polinsky.
Blumie was born in Winnipeg in 1924. She attended Peretz school, Talmud Torah, St John’s High School, and United College, but she acquired her outstanding quiet wisdom at the Polinsky school of family, friendship and Jewish tradition. She and Iser were sweethearts from the age of 15. Together they traveled the world, spent summers at Winnipeg Beach and winters in Florida, very often with close friends or children and grandchildren in attendance, and they were a strong presence in the Winnipeg community. They were a paragon of loving and caring and generosity that Blumie carried on with determination and passion throughout her 26 years of very active single life. Blumie’s smile lit up a room, and her vitality was unparalleled. She was a champion speed-skater, an award-winning bowler, a pro at tennis, a whiz at bridge (which she continued playing right up to this February). She was also an accomplished pianist and an award-winning member of Hadassah. Blumie was very close with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; they adored her no-nonsense, feisty good humor. For her daughters she was a guiding force, always able to see the clearest path through all complexity and pretext, and always helping to put things into better perspective; it was like having a conscience as well as a guardian angel by our sides. Blumie’s remarkable integrity and sincerity set her apart and won her life-long friendships. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a woman who charmed the world with style and grace.
The family would like to thank Dr. John Rabson and Debby, Tess, Hilda, Lana and Myra, all who did so much to enhance our mother’s later years. Donations in her memory may be made to the Iser and Blumie Endowment Fund 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.