Obituaries
DAVID WIWIERSKI
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David Wiwierski on Friday, October 7, 2022 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
David was born in Haifa, Israel on December 24, 1949 to Morris and Clara Wiwierski, both Holocaust survivors. The family immigrated to Canada when David was 21 months old and ended up settling in the north end of Winnipeg, where he grew up and attended Luxton School and then Gordon Bell High School. David’s brother, Garry, was born in 1959, and although there was a 10-year difference between them, they developed a very close bond right up until the day of David’s passing.
With a knack for numbers, David graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), and went on to get his Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
David began his career as an auditor with the Credit Union Stabilization Fund and then went on to work for Revenue Canada for 32 years. Holding many positions throughout his long career with the CRA, he retired in December 2013 after being the manager of specialized audit responsible for tax avoidance, international tax, larger files and non-resident audits.
David met his wife Susan (nee Engel) in 1983 and it was love at first sight. They were married in May 1984 and had their son, Jared, in November 1985. Their daughter, Shayna, was born in 1988. David loved his children and was devoted to their happiness. His family meant everything to him.
As an animal lover, David also considered his beloved dogs, Chase and Ziggy, to be members of his family. He also had fond memories of his Siberian Husky, Blazer, who passed away in 1995.
David’s retirement years were spent enjoying life with his family, traveling to Lake of the Woods, gardening, cooking, and biking. He was an avid cyclist, accumulating over 60,000 kilometres over his lifetime. David was also a passionate fan of both the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (of which he was a season ticket holder) and the Minnesota Vikings.
David is survived by his wife, Susan Beverly; brother, Garry; son, Jared Tyler; daughter, Shayna Dara; and his dogs, Chase and Ziggy. He was preceded in death by his father, Morris, and mother, Clara.
The family wishes to thank the staff on GH4 who cared for David at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg before his passing.
The funeral was held on October 12, 2022 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. The pallbearers were Sid Rutman, Phil Halprin, Gary Yip, Joshua Vorstenbosch, Jared Wiwierski, and Garry Wiwierski.
The family asks in lieu of flowers for donations to be made to Darcy’s A.R.C.,where David adopted his beloved dog Chase.
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.