Obituaries
FRANCES SETTLER (BOOKBINDER) – 1st Yahrzeit
Frances was a wonderful person. She excelled as a mother and left a wonderful legacy for all who knew her and loved her. Her homes were teeming with all variety of books, classical music, opera, and most loved Broadway shows.
She loved to cook for her family, loved watching everyone eat and loved to talk about food and try new recipes. Frances had undeniable love for her family… it was constant and unbreakable. She kept her thoughts to herself. Never was critical of anyone, especially her children.
Frances would frequent the WSO as season ticket holders with her husband Moishe and, after Moishe died, would continue to attend with friends or by herself. Whether it was the ballet, symphony, MTC, PTE, Opera she would be there: energetic, sharp, inquisitive, ageless in her nineties, and often with her car parked outside to drive herself home. She was a spectacular woman, exuberant, with a ferocious independence of mind, and totally unwearied investment in the world. She loved discussing world events and always had an opinion which she would share but not before she listened to what you had to say. Frances was always friendly to new faces, she took great pleasure in meeting new people and was always so warm, tolerant, accepting and inviting.
Frances “lived,” in the full sense of the word, nearly a century. She expressed an interest in everyone and everything; she traveled the world with Moishe and they gave their grandchildren indelible experiences. One such trip was a ski trip to Banff, driving in December (along with a giant icebox of food), and taking 4 grandchildren skiing to Banff. In her later years, she played with and fawned over a growing multitude of 13 great-grandchildren. She made so many new friends, whom she kept over a lifetime; she opened herself to art, purely for the love it. She was well known as a valuable volunteer at Art Rental at the WAG. Frances loved working out and was well known at the Rady JCC track, with extra weights on her shoulders, plugged into CBC Radio .
What defined Frances? Her intelligence, her interest in everyone and everything, her thoughtfulness, her smile……
She is survived by her children: Len , Seymour, Miriam, and son-in-law Gary; her 10 grandchildren: Laine, Courtney, Jonah, Jess, Janna, Leslee, Carly, Melissa, Michael, and Maddy; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Mom, you died only a year ago but you are still with us every day. The sweet thoughts of you bring a smile to our faces.
Your memory is 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.