Obituaries
EDNA JOYCE GUNN
Feb. 9, 1940 –June 28, 2017
The family of Edna Joyce Gunn is saddened to announce that she passed away peacefully on June 28, 2017 with her husband and children at her side,
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Jerry, her son Arthur(Rhonda) of Northbrook, IL, her daughter Dr. Annilea Gunn (Carol) of Tampa, FL, her granddaughter Melanie (Anthony) and grandson Eric, both of St. Louis, MO. She was the daughter of Abe and Bessie Silverman of Winnipeg, both of whom predeceased her. Edna was a graduate of St. Johns High School, the University of Manitoba and in the first graduating class of the University of Winnipeg. She taught in the
Winnipeg School District until the birth of her children, and in later years taught as a volunteer at the St. Amant Centre until illness caused her to stop. She was a proud supporter of her husband in the Masonic Fraternity and was an active member of The Daughters of The Nile and the Khartum Ladies Auxiliary until
her death.
She was known as Mom to her daughter’s friends in Florida, when she visited yearly. She was called Hurricane Edna as she stormed into Tampa and became the centre piece of the activities during her stay. She adored her grandpup Natasha, who stuck by her side whenever she saw her. During her visits to Arthur and Rhonda in Northbrook, their pup Jackson as well became attached to her. She loved spending Passover with Arthur and Rhonda and was welcomed at Rhonda’s family seders. She commented oseveral times how much she enjoyed the seders and how they brought her back to her youth.
Children and dogs went to her without hesitation; it was an mutual love affair at first sight. She was Baba to her beloved grandchildren and doted on them as only a Jewish Baba could. Her love was reciprocated by them in many ways.
Edna loved to travel and travelled throughout Canada and the States with her husband or by herself when she visited the children during the winter months to get away from the cold. She was a supporter of numerous charities and donated generously to support them. Her biggest disappointment was that she could not donate her time as she once did, due to her debilitating illness.
Her love and devotion to her parents, her husband, children and grandchildren and family generally was unconditional and was evident throughout her life. As her life came to an end, the love and devotion of her family and friends to her was visibly apparent. She indeed was a wife, mother and grandmother of excellence and will be remembered as such.
Funeral services were held at the Chesed Shel Emes Chapel with internment in the Shaarey Zedek Cemettery. The family is grateful to and thanks Rabbi Yosef Benarrroch of Herzlia-Adas Yeshurun for attending to our beloved Edna in her final moments and in conducting her funeral service.
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.