Obituaries
CLARA WIWIERSKI
We wish to announce the passing of Clara Wiwierski (Haya Pesia Gurvitz) on April 16, 2020.
She was born in Rovno, Poland on January 1, 1926 to Gavriel and Nehuma Gurvitz. She was the second of four children, sisters Ruchel, Dwora and brother Shlomo.
Predeceased by her parents and sister Ruchel who all perished in the Holocaust she was left with the task of caring and protecting her younger sister and brother when she herself was still an adolescent. With her great strength of character and determination she ensured that the remaining Gurvitz siblings survived the horror of the Shoah.
Near the end of the war she met Morris (Moishe) Wiwierski. In 1946 they married and immigrated to Israel along with Dwora and Shlomo settling in Haifa. In 1949 they had a son named David. In 1951 they immigrated to Canada settling in Winnipeg where Clara had family. Dwora and Shlomo remained in Israel.
In 1959 they had another son Garry.
Morris was a tailor in the garment industry in Winnipeg. Initially Clara was a homemaker. Over the years Morris and Clara saved enough money to buy a corner grocery store in the west end of Winnipeg. Clara would look after the store during the day while Morris worked at Jacob & Crowley garment manufacturers. After many years in the grocery business they sold the store in or around 1974. Morris continued with his employment at Jacob & Crowley while Clara basically retired.
In 1983 Clara and Morris attended the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington DC where they both recorded their experiences during the Holocaust.
In 1995 Morris passed away as a result of long-standing heart disease. Clara lived with her son Garry until 2010 eventually moving to the Simkin Center in 2012 due to health reasons.
She was predeceased by her sister Dwora in 2015 and her brother Shlomo in 2019.
Throughout Clara’s life she endured pain, suffering and hardship that most people will never know. Her will to live can be exemplified by the fact she survived the Holocaust having lost both parents, grandparents and a sister; she also lost a newborn baby girl in 1947; had significant medical issues in her later years having survived 2 strokes and the loss of a leg. She was a very determined and strong-willed lady who overcame many life changing obstacles living to age 94!
Clara had a unique or rare gift of attracting strangers who would become lifelong friends, from the Safeway grocery clerk, to the home care workers, to neighbors. She had this knack or flair that attracted virtual strangers to befriend her.
One of her great passions was going to Assiniboia Downs to watch and bet the races with her aunt Rose. She also loved to go the casino at the Fort Garry Hotel, seldom if ever losing. She also loved to play poker and Blackjack or 21 as it was known at the weekly card games with friends and relatives.
The family would like to thank the staff on Weinberg 3 at the Simkin Centre for their care and attention to mom’s needs especially Jane, Evelyn, Roma, “Bong” and Connie the dietician.
She is survived by her sons David and Garry, daughter in law Susan and grandchildren Jared and Shayna.
Her funeral took place on April 19, 2020 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetary with Rabbi Annibal Mass officiating.
Pallbearers were Andrew Brick, Rob Trachtenberg, David Wiwierski, Garry Wiwierski, Jared Wiwierski and Shayna Wiwierski.
She will be sadly missed!
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.