Obituaries
ANNA FRANCES SALTZBERG March 26, 1962- May 23, 2019
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Anna Frances Saltzberg on May 23, 2019 at the age of 57. Anna was born and spent her entire life in Winnipeg. Anna was lovingly named after her father’s mother who perished in the holocaust.
Anna attended Garden City Collegiate and graduated high school at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate.
Anna suffered from Schizophrenia for most of her life. She was in and out of hospital for many years until she was stabilized such that she could live on her own. Anna was able to live independently with the help of an incredible organization called PACT, that supported those with mental illness to live on their own in the community.
Anna was a sweet kind and generous soul. She had a childlike demeanor that was so endearing to all those she met. She brought a smile to everyone as she shopped in her neighbourhood daily. She gave away mostly everything she bought as her greatest passion was to give to others. Anna would send weekly envelopes to her brothers, cousins and friends filled with items that included paper, pencils, elastics, garbage bags, Kleenex and stickers. Wherever she went she filled her shopping bags with these items and gave them away to people she met on her way. It was difficult to refuse her gifts as she would not take no for an answer. The only hope was that a compromise would be reached and that the recipient would accept one rather than 6 items.
Anna cared deeply for animals and especially dogs and cats. She constantly bought cat and dog food and would place it under garbage bins so stray animals would have something to eat. She was well known and loved by the team at the Winnipeg Humane Society. She loved visiting and spending time with the animals waiting to be found or adopted. Anna loved music and would spend her days calling radio stations making song requests and attempting to win prizes.
Despite her illness Anna was the essence of what is good in this world. Her heart was full of pure love for other people and animals.
The family are extremely and eternally grateful to her amazing care team from PACT. They helped Anna to live on her own with dignity. They cared for her with love and compassion as if she was their family.
Anna was predeceased by her beloved and devoted parents Joan Carole Gordon and Walter Saltzberg, her grandparents and her fur brother Corky.
She is survived by her brothers George and Jack, her brother-in law Timothy Swift, her fur nephew Benny, her aunt Jean Shnier and her cousins, Myrna Shnier, Patrisha McLean and Penny Stern and their children and grandchildren. She is also survived by many other extended family members and friends.
Funeral service was officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl and held on Monday May 27th at the Chesed Shel Emes followed by burial at the Shaarey Zedek cemetery. Pallbearers were Karen Vickar, Jonathan Fine, Zev Rumstein, Dan East, David Rubenfeld and Albert Yanofsky.
Donations in Anna’s name can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.
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.