Obituaries
CLARA STEINBERG
Clara Steinberg (Spigelman) peacefully passed away on March 3, 2019 at The Simkin Center.
She is survived by her children Michael (Joanne), Lawrence and Deborah Aronstam (Peter), her grandchildren Daniel (Diana), Hayley, Ashley, Julie, Jonathan, Lauren and her great-grandchildren Damon and Romy, numerous nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces, and her dear sister Shirley Book. She was predeceased by her parents, Moishe and Esther Spigelman, her brother Irvin Spigelman and her husband Abram (Sonny) Steinberg.
Clara was born on April 22, 1922 in Roblin, Manitoba and moved to Winnipeg as a teenager with her family. Clara married in 1947 and raised her family on Waterloo Street. She was blessed by a truly amazing circle of friends who, with Sonny, shared her interests in playing bridge (at which she excelled), golf (not so much), and attending plays at MTC. She derived special pleasure from years of attending WSO concerts. She maintained a traditional Kosher home, preparing fabulous meals for family and friends. The Jewish holidays and observance of Shabbat were especially important to her. Her “first day” Rosh Hashanah brunches were legendary. Clara was a life member of Hadassah-WIZO. She enjoyed travelling with her husband and friends to many foreign lands and loved wintering in Palm Springs, California for several years.
It was during her time while in residence at The Simkin Center that Clara’s gentleness shone. She never spoke an unkind word to any staff member or resident and had a smile for all. She appreciated a story or joke at any time and always had a sparkle in her eyes.
A graveside service was held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on March 5, 2019. Pallbearers were Messrs. Daniel Steinberg, Jonathan Aronstam, Leon Pincovitch, Sheldon Rosenstock, Joel Remis and Dr. Brian Book. The family appreciates the loving care provided to Clara by all of The Simkin Centre nurses, aides and staff over the past few years and wishes to especially thank Clara’s companion Sonia for treating Clara with dignity and compassion.
In recognition of the vital service it provides to the community, the family asks that donations in Clara’s memory be made to The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, 1 Falcon Ridge Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3Y 1V9 (Phone: (204) 589-9027; aviva.tabac@simkincentre.ca) or to a charity of your choice.
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.