Obituaries
ESTHER KATZ
With deep sadness we announce the sudden and peaceful passing of Esther Katz on December 15, 2022, at the age of 92. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Fay-Lynn Katz, (Martin Krawitz), her grand-children, Matthew (Desiree), Cara (David Coodin), Jonathan (Rachel), great-grand-children, Miles, Lyla and Phoebe, sister-in-law, Thelma Shore, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Edie and Minnie Shore, her husband, Morris, her two sons, David and Philip, and her brother, Victor Shore.
Esther was born in Winnipeg and had a happy childhood. She grew up alongside her big brother in a family home where all Jewish customs and traditions were observed. As a teenager she joined a Jewish youth group, where she met the love of her life, Morris. They married in 1951 and shared a wonderful life, blessed with the company of family and friends. Together, Morris and Esther ran Y-Not Grocery across from the University of Winnipeg, where the store still stands. They enjoyed travelling, especially with Victor and Thelma. Esther and Morris lovingly raised their two sons, providing them with Jewish education and instilling in both strong Jewish values.
Esther was a brave, resilient and independent woman. Although she suffered a number of tragic losses, after each she found the strength to move forward. Her youngest son, David, died suddenly in 1982; her husband, Morris, in 1985; and her son, Philip, in 2014. Throughout all of this adversity, Esther bravely soldiered on.
Esther maintained many lifelong friendships through neighbourhood activity, mah-jong, Bnai Brith Women’s bowling, National Council of Jewish Women, the YMHA Stay Young Club , the Shaarey Zedek seniors group and volunteer work .
Esther loved to walk, do crosswords, read, play cards and play games on the computer. She taught her grandchildren many card games. She was an amazing baker and shared her cookies with everyone. She loved to travel and visited many continents in her lifetime. Esther also enjoyed annual summer visits with her Toronto relatives at their cottage on Lake Muskoka. Above all else, Esther loved her family and, after the loss of her youngest son and husband, her focus became her son, Philip, daughter in-law, Fay-Lynn, and triplet grandchildren. Along with Fay-Lynn’s parents, Toby and Mayer Gutwilik, with whom she shared a very close friendship, Esther partnered in assisting to raise the triplets.
Esther was a wonderful and devoted grandmother who spent much of her time with her grandchildren, babysitting, crafting, playing cards and games, reading and driving them wherever they needed to go. She was blessed to have been at the triplets’ important events growing up, to have attended their b’nai mitvah, graduations, to have danced at their weddings and ultimately, to have met her great- grandchildren, Miles, Lyla and Phoebe.
Esther’s warm smile, her loving and sweet nature will be forever missed and remembered by her daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family would like to extend its appreciation and gratitude to the Shaftesbury Retirement Residence, the Simkin Centre, and to special caregivers, Merlyn and Lisa.
Graveside funeral services were held at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park on December 19, 2022, officiated by Rabbi Leibl. Pallbearers were Matthew Katz, Jonathan Katz, David Coodin, Ian Shore, Sheldon Mindell, and Bernie Adelman.
For those wishing, donations in Esther’s memory may be made to the Morris and Esther Katz Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
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.