Obituaries
GERALDINE “GERRY” BAKER(née SHATSKY)
Sadly, on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at 102 years young, Geraldine “Gerry” Baker, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away in her sleep at St. Boniface Hospital.
Gerry will be lovingly remembered by her son Les; grandchildren Steven (Bonnie), Bryan (Kristin), Scott (Jess) and Andrew (Jenn); great-grandchildren Rylie, Jada, Seth, Karys, Amy, Zoey, Logan, James and Delylah; family friend Karen; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband Dave; daughter Pam; daughter-in-law Lylene; son-in-law Jack; sisters Bessie and Millie, and brother Bert.
Gerry was born in Winnipeg on January 27, 1921 in the home of her paternal grandparents by a midwife, and was raised in both Pelly and Kamsack Saskatchewan. As a young woman, she was en route to Windsor, Ontario to attend nursing school and made a short stop in Winnipeg. It was there where she met her husband Dave on a blind date at the Half Moon, and landed her first job at Wolch’s Department Store, beginning her life-long career in retail. They were married in Winnipeg on Halloween in 1943, and with Dave in the Navy, they moved to Sydney, Nova Scotia where Pam was born in 1945. When the war was over, they returned to Winnipeg and lived at 440 Smithfield Street. Gerry thought she lived in a mansion! Their son Les was later born in 1950, and in 1954 they moved to 299 Hartford where they enjoyed 45 years in their cherished home. During those years, they celebrated Les’ Bar Mitzvah, Pam’s wedding to Jack, Les’ wedding to Lylene, and the birth of their four grandchildren. They spent their last years together before Dave’s passing at their condo at 2000 Sinclair Street.
Gerry’s family and friends were her greatest joy in life. Nothing brought her more happiness than seeing the smiles on the faces of her grandchildren and hearing the laughter in the voices of her great-grandchildren. She was Gerry Baker – the classiest of ladies; one in a million, everyone knew her, and everyone loved her. We were so blessed to have her with us for as long as we did, and life will never be the same without her. We will carry Gerry’s memory in our hearts forever.
Thank you to the wonderful staff of River Ridge 1 and St. Boniface Hospital 4E for their kindness and compassion, and a very special thank you to Sandy Slonosky and her home care staff for their wonderful care to Gerry over the years.
A Graveside Service was held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 11:00 am at Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Gerry’s grandson Scott, and great-grandchildren Rylie, Jada, Seth, Karys and Amy.
Donations in Gerry’s memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or Parkinson Canada.
Rest well Gerry – you’ve earned it. We love you!
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.