Obituaries
DR. HARRY PROSEN June 27, 1930 – June 21, 2021
Peacefully, on June 21, with family by his side, Harry Prosen sadly passed away at his home in Mequon, Wisconsin.
Harry is survived by his four children, Patricia and her husband Doug, Jory and his wife Lolita, Deidre and her husband Michael, his son David; his sister-in-law Jean Prosen; and nieces, Leandrea and Jennifer; and nephew Jonathon. Harry was predeceased by his wife Yvonne; his parents, Felix and Ruth Prosen; and his brother Melvin Prosen.
Harry was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to Felix and Ruth Prosen. He lived the first part of his childhood in Calgary and then moved to Winnipeg where he worked from a young age to put himself through medical school. He met his wife, Yvonne, on a blind date and they were married for 60 years. Harry was an outstanding student who received his MD from the University of Manitoba in 1955 and completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Chicago studying under Heinz Kohut. He went on to lead two departments of psychiatry for 28 years, first in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba (1975 to 1987) and then in Milwaukee at the Medical College of Wisconsin (1987 to 2003). He retired in 2003 and was bestowed with the Distinguished Service Award by MCW. His professional legacy includes an ardent dedication to his patients, advocating for mental health awareness, producing numerous books and publications, helping to build the departments and their reputations, while promoting research and overseeing the training of many future psychiatrists. He was an Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Medicine and a past president of the Canadian Psychiatric Association (1978 to 1979). He also had leadership roles with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Psychiatric Association. More recently he became interested in organizations focused on advancing a more humane and empathetic world (World Transformation Movement in Australia) as well as working with zoos to improve the lives and mental wellbeing of primate species in captivity – something he was tremendously proud of.
Harry was an avid reader, a lifelong learner and continued to keep active and intellectually engaged with friends and family. He loved fishing in Vermillion Bay, Ontario and travelling all over the world. He loved to drive and frequently made the trip back to Winnipeg to visit family and friends once he was retired. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. His greatest joy came from having his wife, children and grandchildren around. Nothing made him happier. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them – Benjamin, Mathilde, Leo and Jaevin. In October 2020, Yvonne sadly passed away and Harry recently told his family that he just missed her too much. He leaves his family and friends blessed by his memory and immense love.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association in Harry’s name. You can reach them at mbwpg.cmha.ca . Click the three little lines to get to donations and in the additional comments box please state that it is for Harry Prosen. Thank you.
We will be making arrangements for a memorial.
Obituaries
ETTIE (EDDY) WERIER
Ettie Werier passed away in her sleep on July 25, 2025, at the Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence in Winnipeg.
She will be hugely missed by her many friends and her family. Eddy was predeceased by her husband Lawrence, her younger sister Naomi (Wolfe), her older sister Sherry (Chochinov), her parents Max and Annie and her beloved grandson Koby.
Born Ettie Rubinfield in Ustryke Dolne, Poland in 1928, Eddy arrived in Winnipeg in 1931. She spent her childhood in the North End, where her parents ran a little grocery store on Alfred Avenue. She grew up to be a beautiful young woman with a warm smile and a quick mind.
She met Lawrence Werier, the love of her life, on a train ride to Winnipeg Beach. Eddy obviously wanted adventure, otherwise she would not have chosen Lawrence to be her beloved husband of more than 75 years, because he was always unconventional, but somehow this fit her perfectly. They were married in 1949 and started a family in 1952. While raising three children in River Heights, Eddy often travelled the world with Lawrence, visiting countless out-of-the-way beaches and dozens of countries.
Eddy had a quiet charisma. Maybe it was the mischievous sparkle in her eye or some droll bit of storytelling but all were attracted to her goodness, kindness and wit. Eddy was known for her intelligence, competitive spirit, and love for her family. She was an accomplished bridge player, and whether competing online or with her “bridge ladies,” she played to win, even on her last day. She was never an athlete, but at the age of 50 she took up tennis and became a force to be reckoned with until she retired her racket due to bad knees at the age of 85.
Eddy spent the last few years of her life enjoying the community at the Shaftesbury Residence and developed a strong and loving relationship with her companion and caregiver Tess Braun who is grieving the loss alongside the family, including Eddy’s surviving brother Jack Rubinfield. The family will especially miss the generous love and support she gave her children Kerry, Clifford and Jodie and their life partners Suzanne, Sabrina and Michael, and her grandchildren, Cynthia, Alex and Koby. Whether chatting with Grandma on Facetime or hugging her in her Shaftesbury suite, her family treasured the moments when we could come together in Winnipeg and bask in her smile. If you feel inclined to make a donation in Eddy’s memory, please choose 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.