Obituaries
Barry Bernstein
The life given us, by nature is short; but the memory of a well-spent life is eternal. ~Cicero~
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barry Bernstein on May 6, 2017 at the age of 71. After a lengthy illness,
Barry passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre.
Barry was born February 11, 1946 to Anne & Harry Bernstein. He was the younger brother to Morley Bernstein & the older twin, (by 5 minutes), to Kenny Bernstein. Barry grew up in the north end of Winnipeg where he spent his childhood helping out in his father’s corner grocery store, Harry’s Grocery, (across from Luxton School).
Barry was a talented “all around athlete” who excelled at every sport, but particularly loved baseball & hockey. He played both sports at the highest youth levels of the time.
When Barry was 16 years old, he met what would be the love of his life, Marla. (Barry passed away 5 days shy of celebrating 50 years of marriage). Barry would often describe the first time he saw Marla, “She walked down the stairs at the YMHA wearing a white mini-skirt and a red sweater…she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen”.
He and Marla had two daughters, Brenlie & Hilary. Barry was a deeply devoted husband and father. Nothing gave him more pleasure and pride than watching his girls grow to be accomplished women. For most of his life Barry worked as an accountant to support his family.
Then, in his early fifties until his retirement, he and Marla worked together as “Team Marla & Barry” selling real estate. Barry was often described as a true gentleman. He had a quiet, quick wit and would often come up with unforgettable “one liners” that his children now fondly refer to as “Barryisms”. Barry was a private and complex man, but those closest to him will forever remember him as a profound thinker with a deep, sensitive soul and an enormous capacity to love.
Barry will be dearly missed by the love of his life for almost fifty years, Marla (Yager) Bernstein; his daughters Brenlie (Bernstein) Nagy & Hilary (Bernstein) Meggison; his son-in-law, Jim Nagy and grandchildren, Lauren & Cole Nagy; his mother-in-law, Edith Yager; his brothers Morley and Kenny Bernstein; and his sisters-in law and brothers in-law, Terri Bernstein, Maureen & Sheldon Tabak, Debbie & Kurt Jacob, Jerry & Cintia Yager, Libby & Billy Brodovsky-Yager, Mardy & Sarah Yager, and many beloved nieces & nephews.
A remembrance service was held on May 10, 2017 at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Center.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated, nurturing & compassionate staff at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre and a very special thanks to Barry’s end of life “companion”, Marcella, who lovingly cared for him like he was her own “Papa”.
Should you wish to honour Barry’s life, contributions may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
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.