Obituaries
GITEL MORRISON December 14, 1930 – March 23, 2020
Our beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and aunt died peacefully at her home on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 89 years old.
She was a true force as told in the book “Fugitives of the Forest” which recounted the story of Jewish resistance during the Second World War. Born in Lodz, Poland, she and her family and future husband survived with the Bielski partisan group for the last three years of the Holocaust after escaping from the Lida ghetto. She recorded her story of survival for the Steven Spielberg USC Shoah Foundation. https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn511138
She maintained her wonderful way of life after leaving a displaced persons camp and settling in Winnipeg with her parents and younger brother, Simon.
Her warmth and generosity were like a beacon of light to her extended family and friends. Her door was always open to everyone and she only saw the cup as half full. She lived fully in the present, never really looking back to the past or worrying about the future.
Her favourite piece of jewelry was a necklace that read “Live, love, and laugh”. People were attracted to her honesty, warmth, and openness. She was a strong, independent, and a beautiful woman who valued family above all else. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
She leaves behind:
Her daughters Rosy (Phil Chodirker), Sheila (Danny Rother) and son Jeffrey (Shayla); her brother Simon (Shelly); her grandchildren Lisa Chodirker (Mark Osten), Paul Chodirker (Lainey), Lainie Weinstein (Scott), Marissa Rother (Joey Caccavo), Megan Morrison (Aaron Clarfield), and Brooke Morrison; her great grandchildren – Ben, Logan, Reese, Eden, Sloane, Jayden, and Emmy. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Lazar and Leska Zelcovitch, her brother Yosel, and the love of her life, her husband Morris.
Donations in her name may be made to the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies.
https://www.friendsofsimonwiesenthalcenter.com/donate
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.