Obituaries
CORINNE ELAINE ACKERMAN (nee NAIRN) 1944 – 2021
With deep sadness, after a lengthy illness, with her loving husband Harvey by her side, Corinne passed away on January 20, 2021.
Corinne will be sorely missed by her son Corey (Amanda), grandsons, Mitchel, Warren and Ian, brother Ernest (Bernice), sisters-in-law, Roslyn Nairn and Lois Ackerman, cousin Sharon Ostin, nephews and nieces, Ron, Karen, Ruth, Marshall, Jackie, Shannon and Richard, and countless other family and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Morris and Frances Nairn, in-laws, Clara and Morris Ackerman, older brother Harvey Nairn, brother-in-law Sid Ackerman, and her beloved daughter Debra Wesa.
Corinne was born in Winnipeg, having lived in Ituna and Buchanan, SK, eventually moving to Waterloo Street in Winnipeg. Corinne attended Brock Corydon School, Balmoral Hall, then United College before heading out into the work force. Corinne had many successful jobs. She was especially proud of her accomplishments running two “DollarStorePlus” franchises successfully with no formal management training. Her business and organizational skills came to her naturally for which she was admired.
Corinne and Harvey always enjoyed special times together at their favourite summer getaways to Detroit Lakes, Minneapolis, then finishing off in Fargo for a shopping spree. A monumentous trip to New Zealand to see Corey and Amanda fulfilled one of their life dreams. Their winter vacations to Hawaii, Mexico, Florida and California to meet up with loved ones garnered countless other memories to cherish.
Corinne’s baking and cooking was unsurpassed. Everyone who knew her never hesitated to make special requests for cheesecakes, meringues, cinnamon tortes, yom-tov chicken or egg salad. She would make extras of everything just in case, to avoid possible shortages.
The word “NO” was not in Corinne’s vocabulary when it came to anything or anyone. It mattered not if she was well or ill, Corinne somehow made things happen. She was an exceptional woman who had patience and compassion whose beauty was seen both inside and out. She was a strong graceful lady who loved fiercely and unconditionally. She had a lovable sense of humour and a smile that shone so bright that people gravitated to her. Corinne had a heart of gold.
The family would like to acknowledge the many caregivers that supported Corinne’s journey over the past few years. Our sincere thanks to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his most meaningful and descriptive eulogy that he delivered at the graveside funeral that took place at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Corinne’s pallbearers, Ron Ackerman, Marshall Naruzny, Jerry and Dustin Roitelman, Ian Wesa.
Family and friends are encouraged to make a donation in memory of Corinne to Jewish Child and Family Services, Diabetes Canada or a charity of their choice.
MAY HER MEMORY BE A BLESSING
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.