Obituaries
RAISA NAUMOVNA BALAGUR
Raisa Naumovna Balagur was born on November 19, 1937 in Kharkov in the former Soviet Union to Nathan and Chana Mikhanovsky, and peacefully passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017.
Her father Nathan’s family came from Propoisk of Mogilev Gubernia in White Russia. Her mother Chana was the daughter of Rabbi Simon Bolotin from a shtetl on the border of the Ukraine and White Russia. Raisa’s father was a soldier in the Soviet Red Army during World War II but was injured and sent home to recuperate in hospital and the family, Raisa, her mother and brother were evacuated to Kazakhstan, south of Russia when Raisa was only 5 or 6 years old. She remembered the terrible hunger they suffered during those times many years later. A family member hearing of their circumstances, enabled them to move on to Siberia so they wouldn’t die from starvation. She lost many loved ones before and after the war.
Raisa later went on to complete 5 years of study at the University in Kharkov, becoming a pharmacist and working in the manufacture of medicines. After Perestroika, when the doors opened to let them leave, and then the disaster of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in 1986 not far from where they lived, Raisa, her husband Leonid, daughter Marina and husband Igor, and their two children Dimitri and Anna, decided to leave. They were sponsored by the Micay family of Winnipeg.
They arrived in Canada in 1989, settling first in Winnipeg. Raisa worked at Niagara Drugs in Winnipeg and enjoyed the opera, symphony and reading.
In 2012, Raisa moved to Victoria. Raisa was predeceased by her husband Leonid, and
is survived by her daughter Marina (Igor), her grandson Dimitri (Karen), her granddaughter Anna, great grandsons Oscar and Heath of Victoria, her brother Vladimir of Moscow, and extended family members in Canada, the USA, and Russia.
Funeral services were held on April 27, 2017 at the graveside at the Vancouver Island Jewish Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Meir Kaplan.
Donations in memory of Raisa can be made to Canadian Hadassah-WIZO or to the charity of your choice.
“Raisa was a lovely person,
kind and wise and loved by many,
and she will be greatly missed
by both her family and her many friends.”
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.