Obituaries
HARTLEY EDWARD CHISICK
January 3rd, 2024, Hartley “Hart” Chisick passed away with his daughter Becky and partner Betty by his side, after a brief illness. Hart was 77 years old.
Hart was predeceased by his parents Max and Tamara Chisick. He is survived by his brother Mark (Haderra), daughter Becky, granddaughter Lily, partner Betty, stepson Andrew (Jennifer), grandson Cooper, as well as nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Hart grew up in Winnipeg’s north end with a “tough guy” reputation. He was a protector of those he loved and to others, known as a guy you shouldn’t mess with. Hart grew up in the family scrap business, but his passion was for hunting and fishing, spending most weekends on fishing trips and hunting trips with the boys. Once Becky was old enough, he took her on many of those fishing trips. He later introduced his passion to Andrew and his grandchildren Lily and Cooper. Hart met Betty 23 years ago. This time in his life had a huge impact on him. Betty brought out the softer side in Hart. They had a wonderful relationship full of silly spats and many tropical vacations. Hart was welcomed into Betty’s family with open arms. He made many new lifelong friends and gained a son in Andrew. Hart and Andrew spent two decades outdoors fishing and hunting. Hart truly embraced the role of Grandpa. When Lily was born, he loved having a baby to play with, and as Lily grew up, he loved to kibitz with her and tell her some of his extraordinary stories. He loved spending every Sunday with Lily, his dad Max, Becky, Betty, Mark, and family at the Pancake House. When Cooper arrived, he loved that he had another set of ears for his stories. Hart loved when his blended family would gather for holidays and special mitzvahs. As Cooper grew up, Hart was able to pass on his hunting skills and they too shared many outdoor adventures.
Hart was a sports fan. He didn’t miss a Winnipeg Jets game on tv. During the Canadian anthem, he shouted “True North” from his chair in the living room, which he referred to as the best seat in the house. He would call Becky before every game to discuss the plan for the game, often more than once for updates.
The family would like to thank Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his magical words at Hart’s service. Thank you to the doctors and nurses on the 8th floor at St. Boniface Hospital for their excellent care. Funeral Services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on January 5th, 2024. Donations can be made in Hart’s memory to the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre, 1588 Main Street, or to a charity of your 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.