Obituaries
ESTHER REBECCA REMIS (née Shnier) June 15, 1918 – July 16, 2021
A remarkable journey spanning 103 years ended on July 16, 2021, with the passing of Esther Remis. Esther was predeceased by her husband, Leonard (Lanny) Remis, in 2007, after 67 years of marriage.
She is survived by her children, Paul (Maureen), Carla (Ken), and Joel (Susan), nine grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
The journey began on June 15, 1918, when Esther was born, the middle child in what would be a family of 12 brothers and sisters. She grew up in Emerson and Winnipeg, and came of age during the Great Depression.
In 1940, she married Lanny, the love of her life. Lanny had enlisted in 1939, and the war years took them across Canada, before they returned to build a home in Winnipeg. For Esther, family was always at the centre of her universe, as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and as an aunt to 33 nieces and nephews.
Esther remained close to all her siblings, and enjoyed nothing better than family simchas with her brothers and sisters in attendance. Esther was the last remaining member of that Shnier clan. She was also predeceased by Lanny’s brother and sister and their spouses, Bernie and Elaine Remis, and Gloria and Roy Brown.
Esther loved to laugh and play tricks. If something was fun, then she needed to share it with family and friends. The more the merrier. She and Lanny travelled extensively, with summers spent at Falcon Lake and winters in Palm Springs, with many trips to more distant locations in between.
Her creative talents were many. Her sculptures, paintings and needlepoint decorated her house. Esther’s athletic passion was golf. With Lanny, she travelled worldwide with their clubs. And she remained an avid golfer into her nineties.
Funeral service was held on July 19 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Michael Remis, Jonathan Remis, Ben Goldstein, Lauren Goldstein, Adam Rosner, and Gary Shnier.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Esther’s caregivers, Fe, Sally, Lucilla, Mary Ann, and Tesvita. Their care and attention to her well-being was exemplary. And special thanks to Jan, the nurse at the Shaftesbury.
Donations in Esther’s memory may be made to the National Council of Jewish Women, Winnipeg Section, The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.
When we remember Esther, we’ll always think of the last two lines of one of her favourite poems:
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
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.