Obituaries
EARL ARRON HELTAY Dec. 30, 1944 – Feb. 11, 2022
Earl Arron Heltay passed away at Foothills hospital in Calgary, Alberta after a short illness, on Friday February 11, 2022 at the age of 77.
Born in Calgary, his family moved to Edmonton when he was five, where he went to school until coming back briefly to Calgary to finish high school at Mount Royal.
He returned to Edmonton for a few years where he married (Bonnie Warhaft) and had his daughter, before moving to Winnipeg where he lived for over 30 years as an active member of the community and where both of his sons were born. He returned to Calgary, where he spent his last years.
Earl loved sports: Curling, baseball, football, basketball, hockey, squash, tennis, and skiing – both as a spectator and a player.
Earl was an entrepreneur, a voracious reader and a lover of jazz.
He is mourned by his three children and eleven grandchildren: Jenni Menashe (Nir), BenZion, Tzofia, Netanel, Rivka, Yedidya and Avraham Shlomo – Israel; Evan Heltay (Shaby), Aviva, Ezra, Nehemia, Akiva and Ayelet – Israel; and Matthew Heltay – Calgary. As well, Earl leaves behind his older sister, Cleo Barron, and younger brother, Mike Heltay, both of Calgary, and many nieces and nephews.
In March of 2020, Earl went to Israel for his grandson’s Bar Mitzvah and was there for six months, due to the Covid pandemic, allowing him a fantastic opportunity to get to know his grandchildren and the country which he grew to love. He had planned to make Aliyah in September of 2021 but unfortunately was diagnosed with cancer and his plans changed.
He was cared for by the Tom Baker Centre since his diagnosis in June 2021 and fought a hard battle.
Earl spent his last month in the IPCU 47 at Foothills and received amazing care. The family would especially like to thank the medical team and compassionate staff who tried their hardest to help him in every way.
The family would like to thank Rabbi and Rebbetzin Matusof, Rabbi Daniel and Adina Shimonov and the community for their help and support during such a difficult time.
Funeral services were held graveside at the 37th St. Cemetery, Calgary, Alberta
on Tuesday, February 15th 2022.
Any friends and family who would like to make a gift in his memory are asked to do so via the Chabad/Lubavitch of Alberta website https://www.chabadalberta.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/3587808/jewish/Donate-Online.htm
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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.