Obituaries
BETTY GOLDIE GILFIX
It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Betty Goldie Gilfix on June 11, 2021 (1st Tammuz) in her 99th year. The funeral was held on June 13, 2021 under COVID restrictions.
She was the beloved wife of Joseph, for over 65 years and mother of Brian (Eleanor) Gilfix of Montreal and Debby (Brian) Sussman of Edmonton. She was predeceased by her parents, Maurice and Mary Kleiman, her brother, Harvey Kleiman, and her sister, Ruth Selby (late Louis).
She is sadly missed by her brother Jack Kleiman of Calgary, sister Ruth Aisenstat (late Bennie) of Winnipeg, and Ann Eist (late Harold) of Bethesda.
She is also sadly missed by her four grandchildren, Reisa Gilfix, Marshall (Sabrina) Sussman, Darien (Carrie) Sussman, and Charlotte Sussman; six great-grandchildren, Ella, Sophie, Noah, Marlee, Max and Ben; and nieces and nephews.
Mom was born on October 23, 1922 and grew up in Hirsch Colony, Saskatchewan, one of the Jewish Farming settlements founded by Baron de Hirsch. Mom attended the Saskatchewan Normal School where she obtained her teaching certificate in 1942. After teaching a short time in Saskatchewan, she moved to Winnipeg where she met Dad at a “Hard Times Dance”. They were married in Winnipeg in 1947 and soon started a family. In 1950, they moved into a new home on Rupertsland Avenue.
On Rupertsland Avenue, she made many friends, some life long. She and Dad played in a bridge group that developed on the street that lasted many decades.
Mom and Dad remained in the house for 64 years before first Dad and then Mom moved into the Simkin Centre. Fortunately, they had a period there together until Dad’s passing later in 2014. They had celebrated their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary on October 19, 2012.
Mom had returned to teaching in the 1960’s to help support the family and served as a supply teacher in Seven Oaks School Division No. 10 and later in Winnipeg School Division No. 1 until she retired in 2004. She always treasured the many friends and acquaintances she made over the many years teaching. She even took driving lessons at a later age in order to go to the various schools.
Mom dedicated her life to her family and especially to her children. She always took great pride in speaking about her children and would do anything for them. She enjoyed nothing better then making her special chocolate cookies for her children.
Mom’s last years were very challenging. Yet she showed great resilience and stamina even surviving a bout of COVID.
We wish to thank the staff of the Simkin Centre and especially on Weinberg 2 for their care over the years.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Simkin Centre or to the charity of your choice.
“An accomplished woman, who can find
– Far beyond pearls is her value.”
The unveiling of a monument will take place on Monday, May 23, 2022 at noon (12 p.m.) at the Bnay Abraham Cemetery, 4639 Main Street.
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.