Obituaries
BARRY ALVIN GREEN August 15, 1952 – August 4, 2020
With profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our dear brother and cherished uncle, Barry Green, on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, a few days shy of his 68th birthday.
Barry overcame many hardships and obstacles during his lifetime. Although he struggled with physical and cognitive challenges from birth, he accepted his lot in life with happiness and positivity.
Barry was employed with the Manitoba Government Postal Services for 25 years.
Barry enjoyed many years of supported independent living, at the Rosh Pina Housing Co-op. It was there that a special person noticed Barry required more care and support. Wendy Weisbrodt, Home Care Coordinator of Winnipeg North, made the connection with Nancy Hughes, Executive Director of Shalom Residences, which began the process for Barry to have the most wonderful, meaningful and caring independent life. Barry travelled to Vancouver, Toronto, Las Vegas and more, and attended all of Shalom’s celebrations and events. Barry was happy, busy and fulfilled. He also fulfilled a dream and travelled to Israel with the support of Rabbi Shalom Rappaport, OBM.
Barry was the consummate Winnipeg fan – the Bombers, the Jets, the Wesman as well as Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman, two of his all-time favourites.
The last two and half years of Barry’s life were spent at the Simkin Centre where he blossomed into the “Official Greeter / Ambassador” of the Centre. Always in a Jets t-shirt, jersey or t-shirt with favorite slogans, Barry had his place in the lobby and was always up for a good game of Jewish geography and a warm welcome for visitors and residents of the Simkin Centre.
Nothing was more important to Barry than his family, whom he always spoke of with love and pride. We would look forward to Barry’s daily calls, which now are sorely missed.
As a brother, it was he who taught us by example the most important, basic lessons in life; to appreciate what we have, to love our family and to show compassion and empathy to others.
Barry was predeceased by his devoted parents, Rowena (July 1976) and Irwin (June 2007) and by his adoring grandparents, Manly and Goldie Rosenblat and Harry and Ida Green. Barry is survived by his sisters, Sharon Zalik (Gordon Kay) and Marsha Friedman, as well as his loving nieces, Ronit and Kari Zalik and Shira and Hadara Friedman, all special and adored in his eyes.
Gratitude and appreciation to the caring staff at Community Living Disability Services, home care, all the staff at Shalom Residences, with special mention to Natasha and Darren, to the warm and compassionate staff on Weinberg 2, as well as Barry’s buddies in the Administrative Offices and front desk at Simkin.
Thanks to Dr. Cara Katz for her expert medical care and for giving Barry a new lease on life.
Barry was laid to rest on Thursday, August 6 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Rabbi Avrohom Altein officiated.
If desired, donations in Barry’s memory can be made to Shalom Residences, the Simkin Centre or to a charity of your choice.
Rest in peace dear brother and Uncle Barry. We will miss you and love you forever.
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.