Obituaries
ANN VICKAR
The family of Ann Vickar, aged 90 years, sadly announce her passing on February 4, 2019.
She leaves behind her children, Sharon and Marty Diamond, David and Heather Vickar; sister Leah Gitlin; grandchildren, Launi Diamond and Bryan Rear, Jocelyn Diamond and Mike Morton; Misha and Toby; great-grandson Madden; sisters-in-law, Eve Vickar and Gnessie Vickar, and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Freda Freedman, husband Morris Vickar, sister Rose Phillips and twin sister Eva Epstein.
Ann was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan and lived her early years in Nipawin before moving to Melfort with husband Morris. In 1965, the family relocated to Winnipeg. Her loving husband of 36 years passed away far too soon in 1984 following a long battle with cancer. Ann was by his side, as his partner and advocate throughout the entire process.
Known widely for her wonderful baking and cooking, Ann was always one to host a wonderful feast for family and friends. Her shortbread cookies and almond florentine, as well as cheesecakes, were legendary. Needless to say, homemade gefilte fish, komish bread, corned beef and pickled tongue were family favourites. Ann was a wonderful mother, whether feeding her family with wonderful wholesome home cooking or wise and timely advice, all blended with her fine sense of humour. She was a whiz with numbers and bookkeeping and even in her later years, a computer tutor for her friends.
She was an avid curler at the Maple Leaf Curling Club as well as a golfer at Glendale. Her golfing continued almost to the age of 80 years…the only one in our family to score a “hole in one”! She was active in Hadassah for many years and always a willing volunteer to help out a good cause.
Ann spent her final years, following a stroke, in the Simkin Centre. The family would like to thank the staff of the Simkin for all of their loving care during that time. In addition, a huge thank you to the loving and compassionate companions who not only cared for Ann, but also became such good friends to her and the entire family. Josey, Alicia, Clemens, Emma, Hazel, Juliette, Lovely, Priscilla, you are wonderful.
Ann will be fondly remembered forever by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as her many friends and relatives. In her memory, providing an act of kindness to others or contributions in her memory to the Simkin Centre Foundation in Winnipeg, would be greatly appreciated.
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.