Obituaries
GERSHON DAVID SUCHAROV September 6, 1942 – July 17, 2019
Gently, surrounded by his family, Gersh left this world in St. Boniface Hospital ICU due to systemic infection. His body and spirit fought hard but this time there was no reprieve.
He was born and raised partly in the fabled North End of the city of Winnipeg, and partly in West Kildonan and went to Talmuh Torah School for his first six years then transferring to West Kildonan Collegiate Institute for junior high until Graduation. He held a special fondness for his classmates from Talmuh Torah maintaining lifelong friendships with some. Gersh started work in the historic Exchange District after high school, first in the grain and then garment industry at Silpit before joining his father in the Insurance business at his firm Robins and Sucharov. That was followed by some years in retail management ending his career with Revenue Canada Taxation, called CRA today.
Gersh married the late Molly Vinsky in 1964. Although the union did not last, he was beyond grateful for the daughters it produced and was proud of their accomplishments. But he was lucky in love the second time round, determined to avoid the mistakes he made in the past. They met through his volunteer work. Margaret, his “bashert” (destiny) and he built a life together.
In retirement he looked forward to the days we would pick up our oldest granddaughters – Amber and Simone from school. After lunch on those days, he would stand at the kitchen counter measuring out gummi bears and wagon wheels for their after school snack. He missed those days after they started driving and no longer needed our pickups.
While not able to be physically active with the youngest granddaughters, he sat in his recliner giggling as the twins, Macey and Miley, gleefully covered his entire body with stickers or tissues. We found manageable activities that allowed him to engage with them.
Gersh was renowned for his sense of humour, always ready with a joke or a quip. He loved golf, and the Blue Bombers. How he would have loved to watch them win The Grey Cup last fall!! After Grey Cup he turned his attention to NFL and Superbowl. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Mafia and particularly Myer Lansky and the history of Las Vegas. He was always on the lookout for any movies or documentaries on the topic. He looked forward to phone calls from Max; discussing the latest people news with Bev. And lunches with the Sucharov cousins!
But what he looked forward to the most were visits with his family; catching up on family news with Brenlee;, community news with Al; Betty’s newest endeavors; and watching his grandchildren grow, whether 27, 26 or 7. He tried to be there when they needed him. At the end of his life he needed them.
Gersh was a grateful member of the Winnipeg Group and had 36 years of continuous sobriety in A.A. when he died. He valued the friendships he formed there, too many to mention. His last years he became active in JACS, particularly with Scott and Riva, and Rick.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Margaret, daughter, Brenlee, son-in-law, Al Benarroch, daughter Betty (who passed away six weeks after his death), and granddaughters, Amber, Simone, Macey and Miley; brother Max Sucharov, sister-in-law Rebecca Toolan, her children Michael and Sarah, niece Mira Sucharov (Stephen Gluck), Rory and Lev; the Sucharov cousins; and the Kay cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Myer (Moe) and Rose Sucharov (nee Bershadsky).
He was grateful for the attentive care he received at the HSC Pain Clinic from Dr. Howard Intrater and the nurses there – Sharon, Jackie, Judy, Donna and Marcie. Also he was indebted to his neurosurgeon, Dr. Neil Barrington at HSC.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at St. Boniface ICU, his long time cardiologist Dr. Phil Garber, Dr. Claudio Rigatto , Dr. Assad Junaid and especially for his exceptional care, his family physician, Dr. Grant Goldberg; additionally, Anat of Homecare who went above and beyond in her assistance to Gersh and the family.
Funeral service was held July 19, 2019 at Chesed Shel Emes. Interment followed at Shaarey Zedek Cemetary. Pallbearers were Al Benarroch, Joel Kay, Jeff Morris, Marvin Garfinkel, Scott McWilliam, and Rick Green
Honourary Pallbearers were Myrna Charach, Miriam Segal, Bernie Sucharov, Bev Goulding, Laurie Foster, Garth Darraugh, Mira Sucharov, Sadira Garfinkel, Ara Morris, Merle Garfinkel, and Jeffery Garfinkel.
The reason for this obituary’s appearing at this time is that the author was hospitalized for several months around the time of Gersh’s death.
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.