Obituaries
DAVE SINGER
Dave Singer passed away peacefully at the age of 101 on April 27, 2015. He was predeceased by his wife, Anne, parents, Louis & Esther, brothers, Harry, Nathan and Charlie and sisters, Annie and Ethel.
Dave was born on a farm in Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan in 1913. He grew up there, riding a horse to school. Eventually he worked fulltime alongside his parents. Once his parents left the farm in the late 30’s, Dave assumed control. He farmed during the spring, summer and fall and spent his winters in Winnipeg. There he met his future wife, Anne and, after a whirlwind courtship, married her in April of 1940 and immediately took her to Ratcliffe. Together they worked there until 1946 when they moved permanently to Winnipeg. Never one to shirk hard work, Dave had an entrepreneurial spirit and ran many small businesses to support his young family. He was the sole owner of Carter grocery store, Fruit Row Lunch on Ellen Street and Hart Lunch on Fort Street and finally turned to the scrap metal business in his later years. Dave was adept at repairing anything and always made himself available to fix small appliances, lawn mowers or cars for neighbours, friends and relatives. Dave and Anne were married for 66 years and were devoted to each other. They always helped each other in life whether it was working in Dave’s businesses or with the household chores. Dave became adept at cooking and in Anne’s last years was her devoted caregiver.
Left to mourn are his sons, Earl (Mimi) and Herb (Myrna), grandchildren Leslie (Sheldon Glow), Marnie (Darren Law), Sheryl (Kevin Segall), Fay-Lynn (Eric Muraven), Marla (Adam Levene), Marshall (Rebecca Greenberg), great grandchildren Josh and Sari Glow, Justin and Hayden Segall, Zachary and Hannah Muraven, Ethan and Annie Levene. Dave always bounced his grandchildren on his knees while he sang to them. In his later years, his great grandchildren provided a twinkle in his eye when they visited with him.
The family is grateful to the staff at the Simkin Centre who cared for Dave with compassion and dignity during the years he resided there and especially at the time of his passing.
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.