Obituaries
DR. MOE LERNER
Dr. Moe Lerner, MD, FCFP, FACEP, CCFP(EM) died peacefully on January 9th at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 64.
He was predeceased by his parents, Pearl and Art Lerner. He is survived by his siblings, Yale (Carol), Anne, Meda, Michèle and Cara (Jonathan). He was a loving and devoted uncle and great uncle to 10 nieces and nephews and 7 great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Marie-Anne and Giselle and their families.
After graduating from medicine and working as a primary care physician at the Health Sciences Centre for several years, Moe became Director of Emergency Services at Seven Oaks Hospital and held that position for over a decade. During the same period, he was medical director of the City of Winnipeg Ambulance and Paramedic Services. Moe went on to work in a variety of different health institutions and served on numerous boards, task studies, commissions and similar groups. He served as a consultant to the Health Reform Office, which helped to fashion among other things, the regional health authority system, and served for a time as the medical director of the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre. He was a lecturer and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, and appeared at numerous conferences both in Canada and the United States.
Moe was a man of many talents who had a strong presence and was generally the life of the party. He was a certified lifeguard at a young age, and utilized this skill as an administrator and counselor at Camp Massad. He was active in sports including tennis, volleyball and curling, and was a talented artist, cartoonist and musician who played the guitar, banjo and ukulele, leading many a sing-along. He combined his comedic and musical talents with his medical knowledge to become a highly successful medical expert on CBC radio.
Moe loved, and was loved by, so many friends who have remained loyal to him throughout his life. Moe’s compassion knew no bounds. He was always available when anyone needed medical help or moral support. He was a leader in the fight for the rights of the obese and was internationally renowned for his work. Moe appeared on numerous television and radio shows in Canada and the US, and his many writings and broadcasts can still be seen online. He was featured in a National Film Board documentary titled “Fat Chance”.
While Moe’s mobility was severely limited in the past few years, he maintained his advocacy for the obese. Dr. Jon Gerrard, in speaking to his introduction in the Manitoba Legislature of Bill 207 in 2016, said: “Madam Speaker, I want to begin my remarks on Bill 207 by acknowledging the contributions of Dr. Moe Lerner to this bill. He’s helped me to understand the nature of the prejudice and discrimination which those who are obese can be subject to”.
Many thanks to the staff at St. Boniface and Deer Lodge Hospitals and especially to his friend and physician, Ian Maharaj.
Moe will be missed by so many.
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.