Obituaries
ELSIE WEINSHENKER
Peacefully, in the early morning hours of October 13, 2022, Elsie Weinshenker passed away at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre at the age of 96.
Elsie was predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Sol Hazan, and her husband, Isaac (Izzy), in 2004. She is survived by her three sons: Brian (Vivian) of Charlottesville, Virginia; Harold (Renee), of Winnipeg; and Allan, of Winnipeg. She was blessed with six grandchildren: Elliott, Daniel (Shivaun), Colin, Nathan, Laura (James) and Adam (Jayme-Lyn). She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren: Maya and Chloe. She also leaves nieces and other relatives in the U.S. and Israel.
Elsie was born in Winnipeg, the only child of Sephardic Jewish parents. She maintained contact with the Jewish community through music; she played violin in the Jewish Orchestra of Winnipeg that thrived during the post war era and also sang in the Jewish Choir. It was through the violin that she met her husband, Izzy, who also played violin. They married in 1954 and raised three sons in the Garden City area. Elsie worked for the Winnipeg School Division, first in the Science Center and later in the payroll division. She was a wonderful mother and excellent role model for her children, all of whom completed 12 grade Jewish education and attained university degrees.
Elsie was always of sharp mind and offered thoughtful advice and encouragement to each member of the family.
In later years Elsie faced some health challenges that forced early retirement.
After the passing of her husband, Elsie was active at the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre where she enjoyed social outings and reconnected with an old acquaintance, Sam Deshell, with whom she found companionship for several years prior to his passing. Sam’s son, Murray, continued a close connection with Elsie until her passing.
Her final year of life was spent in the Simkin Centre. Her family was devoted to her throughout her stay, visiting often. She also had the benefit of visits from a special devoted friend, Jacque Sourkes, who filled Elsie’s final months with conversation and stories. Her involvement had a special place in Elsie’s life.
The funeral was held graveside on October 14, 2022 with interment at Bnay Abraham Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Brian Weinshenker, Laura Cowtun, Jeff Beyer, Liat Vendrasco, Yehuda Tcherni and Gord Steindel. Donations can be made in Elsie’s name to the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre, Winnipeg.
May Elsie’s Memory Be a Blessing.
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.