Obituaries
LINDY GREENBERG
It is with great sadness that Linda (Lindy) Greenberg of Winnipeg, Manitoba passed away at the Simkin Centre on November 9, 2020.
Lindy was born in Winnipeg on November 15, 1952 to Rose and Arnold Secter. She will be lovingly remembered by Howard, her husband of 48 years, children Rebecca Greenberg (Marshall Singer) of Toronto, Ontario and Laura Silver (Greg) of Dallas, Texas. Lindy will be especially missed by her three grandsons: Riley, Max, and Leo.
Lindy grew up in a warm and loving home in River Heights with her older sister Carol (Gerry) and younger brother David (Betty). Her parents instilled in her a love of education leading her to a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Manitoba and her teacher’s certification from McGill University.
Lindy worked hard both inside and outside of the house. She began her career at Wellington Elementary School. After having children she worked as a substitute teacher at Ramah Hebrew School and later returned to teach grade 3. The free time she had was spent doing volunteer work; of particular note was her work with the Manitoba Guardian Angels for Women’s Cancer.
Lindy was the consummate homemaker. It was clear she loved being a mom more than anything in the world. She created a loving, nurturing and supportive home for her children and always put others first. She was known for her delicious home cooking and entertaining where she welcomed all to join for holidays and celebrations.
Lindy was demure, elegant and never sought attention. She did not take well to receiving – be it complements or gifts. She received much greater joy by giving to others.
She was known by her friends and family for her openness, loyalty, integrity and non-judgmental attitude. Lindy loved travel, coffee, reading, organization, entertaining, family, and friends.
When Lindy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 55, she was committed not to let the illness define her. Her battle was one of many occasions where she demonstrated that happiness is a choice – that one can be happy no matter what. She defined herself by the strength she showed during adversity and challenge, not by the adversity itself.
A private graveside service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery in Winnipeg on November 11, 2020. Shiva was observed privately by the family.
Donations can be made in Lindy’s name to:
Alzheimer Society of Canada
https://www.alzheimer.ca/en
Alzheimer Society of Manitoba
https://alzheimer.mb.ca/
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.