Obituaries
ETHEL CHOCHINOV March 28, 1933 – January 17, 2024
Ethel was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan in 1933, and moved to Winnipeg as a young girl with her parents, Beatrice and Isaac Shnider and her brother Sol. She grew up on Glenwood Crescent on the east side of the Red River, ate raspberries and apples from the garden, loved school, and played with her best friend, Audrey Vineberg who lived down the street, She had a happy girlhood. As a smart, talented and driven young woman, she dreamed of becoming a doctor, but was talked out of it by her brother (women weren’t all that welcome into Medical School back then), so went into Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba instead. She graduated in 1955 with the silver medal, losing out to Audrey for the gold by only one point.
But she won the biggest prize anyway, because that’s where she met Earl Chochinov, a fellow Pharmacy classmate. They locked eyes and began the next, best and lasting chapter of Ethel’s life. Married in 1956, they became partners in love, life and business. Starting with the purchase of their first store—Eldorado Drugs on Henderson Highway—they retired 30 years later as the proud owners and operators of a successful chain of four retail drugstores across the city. Ethel was a full partner, controller, office manager, and decision-maker with Earl in their enterprise. She worked hard and loved being an independent career woman. Later as a retiree, she used her proven management and financial skills in both paid and volunteer capacities. From 1987 – 2000, she was a part-time Management Services Program Advisor to family businesses with the Business Development Bank of Canada. As an active and committed volunteer, she was secretary/treasurer of her strata council for many years, and held many executive roles at the Jewish Community Centre of Victoria – her beloved organization that became like a second home to her and Earl for over three decades.
Ethel had a rich and active personal life – family, friends, tennis, golf, volunteering, and then a major move across the country to Victoria, BC in 1994. Always in the company of Earl (except for one single night when he went on a business trip to Flin Flon, and when one of them was in the hospital), they created a glorious life on the west coast that became their cherished home ever since. The years were full of adventures in travel, a community of wonderful friends that became their “fRamily”, winters in Palm Springs, pilates, more golf, tennis, entertaining, Mah Jong and late-night online poker.
Ethel was a devoted mother and bubbie, always so supportive of her kids’ many interests, educational pursuits, and very proud of the careers they chose and the marriages they made. She had a special bond with her only grandchild, Bronwyn, who made her heart even bigger with every visit and conversation. She was a woman whose sharp mind, unwavering loyalty and dedication to supporting others were the defining attributes of who she was in this world. Her enduring and devoted love story with Earl will one day be made into an Oscar-winning movie.
Ethel is survived by Earl, daughter Deena (Eric Posen), son Allan (Victoria Brown), and granddaughter Bronwyn.
The family sends their endless gratitude and thanks to Drs.Ted and Priya Rosenberg of Home Team Medical, and the entire staff at Amica Douglas House. These compassionate and expert professionals took outstanding care of Ethel, and offered her their unwavering support and kind attention every single day.
Funeral services were held at Hatley Jewish Cemetery, Victoria, BC on Friday, January 19.
Donations to honour Ethel’s blessed memory can be made to the Jewish Community Centre of Victoria https://jccvictoria.ca
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.