Obituaries
ISIDOR M. WOLFE
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Isidor M. Wolfe, age 82, surrounded by his loving family in Vancouver, British Columbia on Saturday March 31 after a courageous, eight-month battle with brain cancer.
Funeral services took place at the Schara Tzdeck Cemetery in New Westminster, BC on Monday, April 2nd, 2018.
Known to all as Isy, he was a lifelong resident of Vancouver, born on May 28, 1935, the youngest of three sons of Louis and Esther Wolfe.
Wolfe attended Talmud Torah Day School, Cecil Rhodes Elementary School and King Edward High School. He graduated high school a year early. While growing up in Vancouver he attended Camp Miriam on Gabriola Island and was active in Habonim and B’nai B’rith. He served as president of the Talmud Torah day school when his daughters attended. He continued his education at UBC where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce and Business Administration in 1958 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1959.
Wolfe had a distinguished career in corporate and business law. He was admitted to the bar of British Columbia in 1960 after articling at the law firm McRae Montgomery. In 1960, with his law school study partners, they created the firm Ray, Wolfe, Connell, Lightbody and Reynolds. In 1992 he joined the firm of Harper Grey, where he stayed until retirement in 2002.
Wolfe served as Director of the Canadian and International Bar Associations from 1970-72 and was also a member of the Law Association of British Columbia. He was an active member of the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists and a past president of the Canadian Jewish Congress, pacific region. He was a member of British Columbia’s Medical Services Commission from 2005-2011.
Wolfe and his wife Harriett traveled extensively and maintained homes in Israel for many years and more recently in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. He sat on the Schara Tzedeck Cemetery Board until his death.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years Harriett (Dashevsky) Wolfe, daughters Dana Wolfe (Scott Rocco) of Cresskill, NJ, and Marni (Trevor) Scheftz of Irvine, CA, grandchildren Joshua and Noa Rocco, and Jordan, Erin and Charly Scheftz, and his brother Harry Wolfe of Lexington, MA. He is preceded in death by his brother, Jack Wolfe.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations may be made in the memory Isidor M. Wolfe to the Vancouver Jewish Food Bank at Jewish Family Services.
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.