Obituaries
BEN RYKISS
It is with great sadness that the family of Ben Rykiss announce his passing, at the age of 97, on Monday, September 21, 2020.
Ben leaves to mourn his loving wife of 72 years, Fay, sons, Mark (Barb), Neil (Susan) and Les, his grandchildren, Jared, Caleigh (James), Sarah (Ira), Matthew (Yaffa), Dave (Olivia), Shaun (Amanda), Rebecca (Jeff), Marissa (Camilo), Michaela and Jaron, as well as many nieces and nephews. Ben was predeceased by his parents, Nathan and Dora Rykiss, Samuel and Clara Fink, his brothers, Max (Belle) and Hy (Adele), as well as his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Manny and Pearl Fink.
Ben was born May 25, 1923, in Winnipeg. A strong believer in education he graduated from University of Winnipeg with a bachelor of social work and then went on to gain his masters in social work from the University of British Columbia. Upon graduation he and his wife Fay returned to Winnipeg where he began his career in social work at the Deer Lodge Hospital. In 1969 he accepted the position as the Director of Social Work at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre where he essentially remained until his retirement at the age of 65. It was during this time period that he became heavily involved with the Jewish Child and Family Services, an organization very near and dear to his heart. It was there that he was able to volunteer his professional skills to best help those in need.
Ben was an athlete his entire life. From his youth through his late senior years, he played a multitude of sports including football, hockey, curling, swimming (with his famous green bathing cap), softball, downhill skiing, but he was mostly passionate about golf, fitness and tennis. He was a founding member at Bel Acres Golf and Country Club where he played for many years, until he replaced it with his true passion, tennis which he played religiously well into his 90s. To the people who knew him best, Ben was a fitness legend. He was an effortless long distance runner, and had a daily regimen of exercise that included 200 push-ups a day into his 90s.
His greatest joy however was his family. He was a fabulous grandparent and was adored by every one of his grandchildren. Zaida Ben had a special, unique relationship with each grandchild which will leave them all with lasting memories for a lifetime. That was his true legacy!
The family wishes to thank the wonderful and dedicated staff at Misericordia Hospital, Cornish 6 including Dr. Reda, David Rowe, nurses and aides – Dorothy, Amanda, Wendy, Tracy, Yves and others for doing everything they could to keep our father safe and as comfortable as possible to the very end.
A special thank you to Dr. Sheldon Permack along with his fabulous team including, Scott, Sandy and Chelsea for their unbelievable dedication to our dad’s care.
We would be remiss if we did not thank all of our family and close friends for their humbling outpouring of love, support and generosity.
Pallbearers were Mark, Neil, Les, Jared, Matthew and Jaron Rykiss. Honorary pallbearers included Shaun Rykiss, David Fink, Steven Fink, Alex Katz, Brent Rykiss, David Marantz, James Byers and Ira Lindenberg.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ben Rykiss Memorial Fund at the Jewish Child and Family Services in Winnipeg (204)477-7430, or any charity of your choice.
Dad we will always love you and miss you.
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.
