Obituaries
DR. MONTE HOWARD KOWALL November 9, 1928 – April 17, 2024
He will be dearly missed by his wife of almost 68 years, Cecile (nee Pollock); children, Pamela (Gary Brooker), Paul (DD), Feryn and Sheri (Robbie Weisz); grandchildren, Alana (Matt Joudrey), Ivy, Rachel, Sarah, Lainey, Nayce and Sienna.
Monte grew up with his older brother Bernard in the North End of Winnipeg. He attended school at Machray, St. John’s and the University of Manitoba where he received his medical degree. After completing specialty training in Boston, MA, he established his pediatric practice, first at the Mall Medical Clinic and then in the Boyd Building, enjoying a rewarding 45 year career. He served on staff at several hospitals and volunteered decades of service to the St. Amant Centre, Cerebral Palsy Association, Mount Carmel Clinic and in northern Manitoba at Indian Lake and Norway House. Monte and wife Cecile were very involved in their synagogue, Herzlia-Adas Yeshurun. Monte also had many hobbies. He was an avid reader, stamp collector, culinary expert, gardener and handyman. Most of all he enjoyed being with family and friends and truly enjoyed the special times with his grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews.
Monte and Cecile travelled to many destinations including Italy, Russia, Hawaii, Mexico, Dominican Republic, California and Florida. Monte really enjoyed the lake at Winnipeg Beach where he and Cecile eventually decided to reside during the summers, while wintering in Margate, Florida.
Monte enjoyed life and was blessed to have remained in his own home until his last day. He lived with dignity and humility and will always be remembered by the many patients he cared for over the years, as well as by his loving family and many friends.
Funeral services were held on April 21, 2024, at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Martin Pollock, Ethan Pollock, Jayden Pollock, Charles Morris, Liam Pollock and Harlan Morris. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to dedicated caregivers, Nelly, Eddie, Marietta, Ann, Connie and Gizelle for the kind, caring and respectful manner in which they attended to our father over the last few years.
Donations may be made to the Monte and Cecile Kowall Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to 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.
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.