Obituaries
HARVEY ROSEN November 22, 1939 – December 22, 2022
After a brief illness and a prolonged battle with dementia, Harvey Rosen passed away peacefully on December 22, 2022. He is survived by his children, Pam and Kevin (Judi); his grandchildren, Stella, Jakob, and Emery; and his sister, Beverly Binder. He was predeceased by his parents, Morris and Sarah Rosen, and his brother-in-law, Bernard Binder.
Harvey was born in Portage la Prairie and moved to Winnipeg at the age of five. He grew up in Winnipeg’s north end, where he attended Luxton School and later graduated from St John’s High. He attended United College as well as University of Manitoba before embarking on a 33-year career as a full-time schoolteacher. That journey began in Carmen, then Winnipeg at Isaac Newton School followed by Andrew Mynarski School. Harvey taught junior high English, French, social studies and consumer education. He also coached the Andrew Mynarski boys’ baseball teams to tournament victories on multiple occasions.
Though teaching was his full-time gig, many people knew him for his side hustles: as a sports reporter for the Canadian Press covering the Jets, Blue Bombers, Moose, and other matches. And of course, as the weekly sports columnist for the Winnipeg Jewish Post, covering the achievements of local and non-local Jewish athletes for more than 40 years. Though Harvey retired from teaching in 1995, he continued his sports writing until dementia began to steal it from him in 2018. He loved watching and discussing all sports — so his part-time career was a dream come true.
As a family man, he was in a word: devoted. Harvey was a loving and affectionate father who, despite a busy schedule, made sure to spend time with his kids. He loved them dearly, had a close relationship with his sister Beverly, was married to Judy Goodman for 26 years, and later committed himself to long-term relationships with two subsequent partners.
Harvey was a mensch: a kind and decent human being. He was a truly empathetic person who took a keen interest in others. He was incredibly appreciative and grateful for everything he received. He often said, in reference to his family, that he felt like he won the lottery of life. He marked every family milestone with a generous gift and a beautifully heartfelt handwritten card.
Harvey had a great sense of humour and a singular way with words. His jokes were steeped in wry commentary, tongue-in-cheek observations, self-deprecation, and a playfulness that he retained until the very end.
When the onset of dementia became evident, Harvey moved first to an assisted-living facility and eventually to the Simkin Centre, where he resided since May 2022.
A funeral service and burial took place on December 26, 2022.
Harvey is dearly missed and fondly remembered by his children and grandchildren, friends, past partners, former colleagues, and extended relations, as well as the thousands of students and readers he inspired throughout his longstanding twin careers: school teaching and sports writing.
Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.
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.