Obituaries
BARBARA LEVY 1955-2020
On November 1st, Barbara Levy passed away peacefully, but far too soon, with her family by her side.
There will never be another Barbara Levy. Anyone who had the good fortune to have spent time in her company could tell you the unmistakeable presence she had. Her every decision was dictated by her strong sense of self, governed by her passion, and guided by the boundless love she had for her family. Barbara was the very embodiment of unconditional love, her generosity of words and actions matched only by her sharp wit and sense of humour.
As a teenager, Barbara was an avid reader. Inspired by the great literary works, she became an English teacher and educated and inspired young minds during her long career. She was devoted to her students and imparted on them her fondness for Canadian literature by taking them on field trips to Margaret Laurence’s home in Neepawa.
Barbara met her husband Moses (Moe) at the age of 19. She was his confidant, best friend, and love for almost 46 years. She was the bedrock for her Moses throughout his career; a steadfast supporter of all his pursuits, she was exceptionally proud of all he had done to reshape his adopted city.
With Moses, Barbara had three children who were the light of her life: Adam, Sam, and Sarah. From an early age to adulthood Barbara instilled in her children the joy of imagination, the value of integrity, the virtue of duty, and the power of resilience. Nothing brought her greater joy than nurturing them into the caring, giving, and accomplished people they have become.
As the Levy family continued to expand, Barbara spread her wings to welcome beloved pets, Allie and MacDuff, the partners of her children, Tanya, Sandra, and Robin, and in recent years, her beautiful grandchildren, Benjamin and Maya. She could simply not help herself but to be a dedicated mother to them all, for her heart and soul has no limitations.
The dedication that Barbara showed to her husband and family was likewise present in her relationship with Judaism, embodying Jewish values and maintaining a Jewish family. Of the countless things she did to make simchas and observances celebratory and meaningful, Barbara’s embrace and assurance of the Shabbat will remain in the hearts of those around her. Each week, she created an island in time on Friday nights, filled with unforgettable food, songs, heated debate, and laughter.
Barbara demonstrated her characteristic tenacity and poise during her two-year battle with cancer, fiercely determined no matter how difficult the road was. Throughout her entire life, Barbara was the epitome of elegance and strength at once. That did not change when she became sick.
Barbara had an unmistakeable grace and class that elevated those around her, that made any moment spent with Barbara one worth living. She will be profoundly missed by her entire family: her husband Moses, her children Adam and his wife Tanya, her grandchildren Benjamin and Maya, Sam and his wife Sandra, Sarah and her partner Robin, her mother Inge and her sister Ursula, and all of her extended family. Barbara was predeceased by her father, Arthur.
The funeral was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on November 4, 2020, and shiva was observed privately by the family. We wish to thank Rabbi Yosef Benarroch for officiating Barbara’s funeral, and honourary pallbearers Rabbi Shmuly Altein, Matthew Adelman, Michael Goldberg, David Lipnowsk and Jeff Morry. Minyan participants were Abe Anhang, Jack Craven, Hart Kaplan, Jeff Kliman and Shawn Wolk.
We also wish to thank Dr. Paul Daeninck, Shawna Castillo, and the entire team at the Victoria Hospital CancerCare for their support, attention, and care over the last year and a half.
Donations in Barbara’s honour can be directed to the Barbara Levy Scholarship Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
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.