Obituaries
HAROLD RUBIN December 2, 1932 – March 21, 2024
It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Harold (Hal) Rubin peacefully with family at his side at age 91.
Harold was predeceased by his parents, Israel and Tillie Rubin, sister Eva Reidberg and brother David Rubin. He is survived by Sandra Rubin, his wife of 64 years; sons Charles (Janice) and Evan (Susie), daughter Lisa (Emanuel); grandchildren Tyler, Erin, Jacob, Zachary, and Daniella, and by his sister Lily Cohen and sister-in-law Clara Bernstein.
Harold was a loving, caring son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. After losing his father at a young age, Harold was utterly devoted to caring for his mother and later his brother.
Harold married Sandra in 1959. According to her, both her and her mother knew they would marry after their first date. Together they raised three children.
Harold worked for CN Rail for 43 years. Upon retirement he continued to work for the Winnipeg Free Press, getting his morning walk delivering the newspaper well into his 80s. Harold always worked a second job while he was with CN as providing a private school education and recreational activities for his children was his utmost priority.
Harold had a strong sense of social justice, always advocating for those he saw in need and always looking to help. Countless neighbours and even strangers were the beneficiaries of his kindness and generosity. One example in particular was his annual tradition of having his children make a pile of their Halloween treats for him to take to Children’s Hospital the next day to be distributed to the children in the hospital.
Harold was very intelligent and well-read. He had strong opinions on everything from politics to sports and was more than happy to share them. He ensured that his children read often and were well informed. In his later years Harold was struck with dementia and spent his final years at The Simkin Centre. The family is grateful to the incredible staff at The Simkin Centre for their dedication and compassion, especially during the pandemic.
Harold was laid to rest on March 25, 2024, at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his warmth and compassion. Pallbearers were Tyler, Erin, Jacob and Zachary Rubin, David Nelson, and David Goldenberg.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or to any charity of choice.
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.