Obituaries
MILTON LECKER
It is with great sadness that the family of Milton Lecker announces his passing on Saturday, November 19th, 2022 in Toronto. He was born in Winnipeg, February 13th, 1945…. Andrea Bocelli, Danny Kaye and Dick Van Dyke must have been conspiring with the stork that day. A soulfully, wide eyed, sensitive child, made way for a charming older self in a world then surrounded by a close-knit large family. Of the five Lecker kids, Milton was number two, first son, born to an English war bride, Molly, and a Winnipeg born father, Izzy. Talented, clever and disarmingly handsome – Milton captivated one and all. He sang and starred in many musicals in his hometown. He was a serious athlete. He was a math whiz. He grew up in West Kildonan, attended the University of Manitoba and was an active member of both the YMHA and his neighbourhood community. His friends remained friends, throughout childhood, high school, university, and business – in both Winnipeg and Toronto to this very day.
Milton was a successful and innovative restauranteur, an innovator of food creations – his Chocoholics shop was famed for its original creations. His Smokin’ Bones Ribs travelling food venture, preceded by years the current trend of food trucks. But business, social life and all other focus, paled in comparison to his greatest pride and joy, his son, Adam, and his successes. So too, Milton’s caring deeply for his other family members was genuine. His conversations with his siblings and cousins began and ended with “How are the kids?”, “What are they up to?” “That’s so great !!!”. His loss of a dad at an early age was profound. He revered his mom. His loyalty to his friends and family was unshakable.
It was not allowed in Milton’s conversations to say a bad word about anyone – ever. Though he famously gave advice to many, he also liked to give praise. He was, in his own way, a philosopher, puzzling out possibilities and ideas. Milton’s kindness and optimism was legendary. Not one comment following his passing hesitated to mention his thoughtfulness for others in spite of his later day health challenges. Perhaps his greatest legacy was the choice for a glass much more full than empty.
Milton’s funeral took place in Toronto at Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel, and he was laid to rest at the Pardes Chaim Cemetery in Richmond Hill. Left to mourn Milton are his partner in later years, Dorothy Melnick; his son, Adam Lecker (and wife Barbie); his brother, Brian Lecker, his sisters, Barbara Gabriel, Rivka Har El, Carolyn Lecker (and husband Mark Guslits). He will be sadly missed by his many cousins, his new grandson, Alex, niece and nephews, Paul, David, Asher, Danielle and Izzy (his godson). His very dear friends also share this loss. Let us all celebrate his memory.
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.