Obituaries
ABRAHAM (ABE) SIMKIN
Peacefully, with dignity, and his family by his side, Abe Simkin passed away at Del Mar, California on July 22, 2020 at the age of 98.
Abe was predeceased by his wife Fan Simkin, his parents, Fanny and Samuel Simkin, his siblings and their spouses, Jen and Sam Cohen, Clara and Joe Erlichman, Jim and Lil Simkin, Saul and Claribel Simkin , and Blackie and Jean Simkin, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sam and Leah Rosenberg, Max Rosenberg, Becky and Harry Rosenberg, and Becky and Irv Ruvinsky, and his daughter-in-law Kathryn Simkin.
He is survived and will forever be missed by his dear children, Gary , Bernie (Carey) and Murray, his ten grandchildren, Jennifer (Mathew) Kostrinsky, Jory (Joelly) Simkin, Farrah (Ryan) O’Colman, Adam Simkin, Sam (Rachel) Simkin, Ryan (Alli) Simkin, Gayl (Jacob) Szmuilowicz, Erin (Josh) Allen, Jordan (Sarah) Simkin, Carli (Jason) Kirkorsky, and fifteen great-grandchildren, Hank and David Kostrinsky, Zane, Emmett, Shae and Mattea Simkin, Jonah, Penina and Vered Simkin, Brady, Finley, Cody and Kyla Simkin, and Joey and Lulu Simkin, his brother-in law and sisters-in law, Mickey and Pearl Rosenberg, Annette Rosenberg, and Myna Simkin, and his many nieces and nephews in the Simkin and Rosenberg families.
The funeral was conducted at Rosh Pina Memorial Park in Winnipeg on July 27th, 2020. Pallbearers were Mickey Rosenberg, Joel Dudeck, Simon Simkin, Jory Simkin, Zane Simkin, and Emmett Simkin. Honorary Pallbearers were Mickey Rosenberg, Jerry Cohen, Martin Erlichman, and Frank Lavitt.
Abe’s vitality and exceptional abilities will be missed throughout the Winnipeg, Palm Springs and San Diego communities. He served his communities as a lawyer, businessman, community builder, and philanthropist. His business interests were extensive and varied and included housing construction and land development, nursing homes, pre-school day-care facilities, book printing, and financial, transportation, automotive, health care and communication services and support. His contributions to the Jewish community in Winnipeg and abroad have been honored by many. Abe’s philanthropic activities extended to local, national, and Israeli charities. He was a director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Theatre Center, and the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews.
Abe’s greatest joy in life was family and friends. He was a devoted husband to his wife Fan for 63 years, and a remarkably loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and father figure to an extended family.
He selflessly devoted himself to helping many people and genuinely cared for their well-being. His enthusiasm knew no bounds and he was an inspiration to all who knew him. His passions were family, music, politics, philanthropy and the law.
He is loved and will be remembered always by his family and friends for his tireless energy, his good humour, his generosity, his upbeat personality, his modesty, and for the care and kindness he showed to everyone. The family is forever grateful to have had him in our lives. Through his unconditional love, and irresistible spirit he became a wonderful role model to all his friends and family and was admired and respected by everyone who met him. His loving presence will endure in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
The family thanks Sergio Ong and his family for their care and support. Donations may be made to the Jewish Educational Trust Fund – Abe & Fan Simkin, at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or the 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.