Obituaries
BARRY STEINFELD March 25, 1950 – Winnipeg, Manitoba July 20, 2018 – Foothills, Alberta
Barry was born in Winnipeg on March 25, 1950, the second son of Bluma and Morris.
His parents, who immigrated to Canada after World War II, instilled in him the values of having a goal, working hard, and respecting others. Barry never shied away from hard work. Whether it was his schoolwork, his professional work, or his recreational pursuits, he put in 120% all the time.
Barry graduated from the University of Manitoba Law School in 1974 and began his career in Winnipeg. He worked with three different firms over the years in Winnipeg, the last being Taylor McCaffrey. In 2002, he moved his family to Calgary and joined McLeod Law where he became a partner and worked until he fell ill. His clients and co-workers have a deep respect for Barry, and he worked tirelessly for them. He was well respected by the legal community in Winnipeg and Calgary and gave talks on personal injury law to his peers.
His hard work was also evident in his recreational pursuits. Barry ran marathons in Winnipeg, hiked to the base camp on Mount Everest, and did a cycling road trip in New Zealand. He played baseball in the law leagues in Winnipeg and Calgary. Barry “the lion of Zion”, trained and also fought in a semi-pro boxing match in Winnipeg as a fundraiser for the local Jewish Community Center.
Barry was active in the JCC in Winnipeg and in Calgary. He was a big supporter of Israel, of Jewish culture, and of the need to educate people about the Holocaust. He was dedicated to seeing that all people’s human rights were protected. He loved Canada and the opportunity and acceptance it provided his parents and family.
Barry leaves behind his beloved wife Mary Jo; his children Roz (Moshe), Ben (Maggie), Bryan (Amy), Eli (Rebecca), and Aidan; his grandchildren Danielle, Noa, Ori, Elad, Ella, Anissa, Copper, and Dylan. He will be fondly remembered by Mary Jo’s Children Joey (MJ), Heather (Kurt); and grandchildren Logan, Jackson, and Oliver. Also mourning his passing are his brothers Leo (Maureen), Sam (Karen); and his nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held at the Jewish Memorial Chapel, (North East Corner of Highway 22X & 37th Street S.W.) on Monday, July 23, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with interment followed at 37th Street Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
We would like to thank Rabbi Glickman for his support, spiritual guidance, and friendship. Thank you to Dr. Kelly, the neurosurgical staff and Cancer care staff at the Foothills Hospital, Dr. Wilson and the homecare palliative care team and nurse Clare for their dedication and care.
If friends do desire, donations in Barry’s memory can be made to The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada https://www.braintumour.ca/ The Canadian Museum of Human Rights https://humanrights.ca/ The Calgary Jewish Community Center http://www.calgaryjcc.com/
Arrangements in care of the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, Telephone: 403-244-4717.
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.