Obituaries
CLAIRE SHINDLEMAN
Claire Shindleman passed away peacefully on November 21, 2019 at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, one day after her birthday.
Claire was born in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba to Samuel and Anne Abells. Her siblings, all of blessed memory, were Rose Sarbit, and Bill, Hess and Charlie Abells. Claire is survived by her sons, Robert, Sandy, and Daniel, daughters-in-law Diane and Andrea, and grandchildren Edward, Henry, Annie and Anna-Lena.
Claire also leaves nephews and nieces, and a brother-in-law, Jack.
After a long illness with Alzheimer’s that sadly robbed Claire of much of life’s pleasures she is and will always remain missed tremendously. We cherish her memory, her unending love for family and friends, her selflessness and caring for the communities in which she lived. She taught well by example how to treat all others with respect and kindness, that a job worth doing was worth doing well, that you have to invest time and effort in whatever you do, and that success is a byproduct not an end goal of a life well lived. Claire lived selflessly to help others. She cherished the company of friends, loved to dance, took great care in being a gracious host, devoted wife, amazing cook and baker. As a woman in the first half of the 20th century, she was dissuaded from achieving her professional goals. Her first job was working in the family grocery store, and then after completing high school she worked at Palm Dairies in Winnipeg. Claire remembered these days with great affection for her colleagues.
Claire married Edward Shindleman and, after marriage, moved to Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. She quickly became a part of the fabric of Portage. She immersed herself in improving the school curriculum, she ran for school trustee, was on the Portage and District General Hospital Board, and all the while pursued golf (Portage Golf Club, and later at the Glendale Golf Club) and bridge (Life Master) with great passion. She was active with Hadassah Wizo. She welcomed the opportunities she had to travel including visits to Europe. She took an active interest in the family business activities. Claire took seriously the responsibilities of being a Canadian and a voter. She read extensively, informing herself on topics of the day, and formulated her own view. She supported and worked actively for charitable causes and the betterment of health care and research in Manitoba.
Gratitude to pallbearers Jerry Abells, Michael Golden, Michael Kowalson, Howie Raber, Michael Stronger and Fil Zimerman. Claire’s family also express their gratitude to Claire’s wonderful caregivers who showed respect and willingness always to assist. They include Lhyn, Patty, Melanie, Ivy, Milyn, Rothel, Maria, Lilyann, Joanna and Karla.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, Manitoba Heart & Stroke Foundation, or Gray Academy of Jewish Education.
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.