Obituaries
IRENE ODWAK
It is with deep sadness that we share the sudden and unexpected passing of Irene Odwak, on November 28, 2020, in Dollard Des Ormeaux, Quebec. She was 87 years old.
Irene died as she lived, surrounded by family.
Irene was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. She moved to Winnipeg in 1951. Two years later she met and married her husband Sam and together they raised their four devoted children.
Irene and Sam worked together, side by side in the produce business. They ran the well-known Minneapolis Fruit and later joined forces with their cousin Joe to create California Fruit, a Winnipeg institution on the corner of Euclid and Main. Irene was a welcoming proprietor. Her caring ways were exemplified in the connections she had with customers throughout the family’s years in the fruit business and even long after the business closed.
Irene and Sam and their children lived on Anderson Avenue in the north end of Winnipeg. Irene created a household that was welcoming and loving to all. Her family and extended family gathered for holidays and meals embraced in the warmth and love of Irene. Her home was not only a gathering place for family, but also a gathering place for her children’s friends. Her barbeques were memorable and of epic proportions!
Irene had a gift to be able to make people feel wanted and cared for.
She had deep kindness and respect for all those who had the good fortune to know her.
In Irene’s later years she spent time both in Quebec and Winnipeg. This time was very special for her and her children. It was a time when her children had the opportunity to care for her as she had done for them – with deep devotion.
When we remember Irene or think of her legacy, it will be her deep kindness, her goodness, sincerity, and the gentle way she touched all those who loved her. Her quiet wisdom and loving heart is something we will always cherish.
Irene was predeceased by her loving husband Sam, beloved son Richard, parents Minnie and Max, sister Molly, and brother-in-law Max.
She is survived by her: children, Roxy (Gary), Hersh, Alan, and daughter-in-law Darlene; grandchildren, Ricki (Joseph), Avery, Chad (Melanie), Melissa, and Josh (Katie); and great-grandchildren, Emily, Grace, Cassidy, Lucas, and Swayze.
She remained in close contact with her nieces, nephews, many cousins and friends across the country.
May her memory be for a blessing.
If you so desire, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or the Jewish Family Child and Family Service of Winnipeg.
Private funeral and shiva.
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.