Obituaries
ALLAN MELTZER
Allan Meltzer passed away peacefully on Monday January 8, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario after a long illness. Allan was born on November 25, 1947 to loving parents Arnie and Helen Meltzer (nee Shore) of Beausejour, Manitoba.
Allan was predeceased by his wonderful parents, Arnie and Helen Meltzer, loving aunts and uncles especially those he was closest to – Auntie Mickey Margulius and his Uncle David Meltzer. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Deborah Tambeau, his brother Gary Meltzer, children (from his first marriage to Cynthia Posner), Jonathan Meltzer (Sean), Megan Meltzer, and his grandchildren, Gabby Meltzer, Jerrod Meltzer, and Benji Carroll. Allan will be missed by his cousins, Eileen Margulius Curtis, Allan (Corrine) Margulius, and Deborah’s extended family.
Allan grew in Beausejour, Manitoba where he was surrounded by a loving family. The family eventually left small town Manitoba for Winipeg for better opportunities. The Meltzers moved to Hartford Avenue in West Kildonan, where Allan attended West Kildonan Collegiate and went on to the University of Winnipeg.
After being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in his early 20s, Allan used this shocking diagnosis as motivation to raise money for the Diabetes Association of Canada. Allan also took up running to manage his new reality. He quickly became a marathon runner and was appointed ambassador for the Canadian Diabetes Association. He raised money by running marathons all across the country and the U.S. One of his proudest moments was finishing the Boston Marathon in the 1980s. Allan was an athlete at heart and was always training. In addition to running, he had a love of cycling, rowing and many other forms of exercise.
Allan spent his career working for the Federal Government in Parks Canada. Early years took him all over the country, including posts at Jasper, Lake Louise and Ottawa, before settling in Winnipeg to start a family. Allan’s career had him later returning to Ottawa, where he met the love of his life, Deborah. In Ottawa Allan lived his best life with Debora – an urban life with no car, living in a housing cooperative – where they lived for decades, being vegetarian, and fostering a love for Ireland and various forms of Irish music.
Post retirement, Allan had the chance to do all the things he always wanted to do: go back to school to study journalism and focus on his hobbies, such as acting and playing music. Allan could be seen in the market area in Ottawa playing his Irish whistle. Allan and Deborah shared a deep love for each other, a love for cycling, Irish music, and going for pints with friends.
We are so thankful for all the amazing care he received over the years, including from: City View Assisted Living, Laurier Manor, Montfort Hospital, and his final home, Elizabeth Bruyere Residence. Donations can be made in Allan’s honour to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Rady JCC.
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.