Obituaries
ESTHER GOTFRIED (née BRASS) January 25, 1930 – November 19, 2020
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Esther Gotfried, November 19, 2020, at the age of 90 years, at The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre.
Esther is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Lillian, sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Rabbi Don Berlin, her brother-in-law, Isaac Gotfried (Hilda z”l) and many nieces and nephews and their families. Esther was predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Lillian, her husband, Bernard, son, Howard and brothers, Morris, Issie (Freda) and Abe (Rose).
Esther lived her entire life in Winnipeg. She was a devoted daughter to her parents and from a very early age helped them to operate their family-owned grocery store. This experience enabled her and Bernard to own and operate Gotfried Food Market, first on Trent and then Warsaw Avenue. Esther specialized in keeping the books and doing all the financials for both stores.
Esther was a warm and kind soul. She was an example of perseverance and the essence of positivity, generosity and grace. She cared so much for others and developed a loving community among her family, as well as her many friends. She took great interest and pride in all the milestones and accomplishments of her loved ones. She never missed an opportunity to send a card to recognize these important events. Esther actively participated in the community at large and especially enjoyed events at Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre.
Esther’s home for the past five years was The Simkin Centre. She took part in all programs. Esther especially loved the concerts and would be first at the door, waiting in line. She could often be found in the atrium, enjoying a bag of chips and a soft drink, chatting with everyone. Esther was touched and honoured by the special 90th birthday party that was held this past January. Her family expresses its gratitude to all the caring staff at The Simkin Centre and especially to the team on Weinberg 3, including her wonderful nurses, Jane, Darlene, Eveline and Cheryll. They all treated Esther with incredible dignity and respect and made her last days as comfortable as possible.
A graveside funeral service was held Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Thank you to the pallbearers from our community. The family is especially grateful to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his beautiful tribute to Esther, echoing the loving words of niece, Hannah Brass and nephew, Alan Brass. Rabbi Leibl read warm reminiscences by long time, close family friend, George Saltzberg of Toronto. Esther was also honoured with a moving eulogy from her devoted friend Maxine Zabenskie.
Donations may be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of your choice. Share your memories of Esther with her family at alanjbrass@gmail.com.
Esther touched many lives.
May her memory be for 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.