Obituaries
IZZY SHORE
Izzy Shore passed away suddenly at his home on August 5, 2024. He was 85.
He is survived by his daughters, Marilyn (Roberto), Carla, and Sheryl, by his partner Sonia Kaplan, and by his grandchildren, Emilia, Silvio, Ethan, Kevin (Quinn), Lila, Noa, Hugo and Joseph. He was predeceased by his wife Rachelle and parents, Hymie and Rose.
Izzy was born in Winnipeg, an only child. He was surrounded by many aunts and uncles and many cousins who became his close friends.
He graduated from St. John’s High School and completed his engineering degree at the University of Manitoba. Meeting Rachelle (Shelley) at a party when she needed a ride home led to a courtship and their marriage in 1962. After Marilyn was born, they moved into a house in Garden City where they raised their family and lived until Shelley’s death in 2007.
Izzy spent all his working years with Manitoba Hydro as an electrical engineer. Retiring early, he then volunteered at the Manitoba Electrical Museum and the Fringe Festival. He had many leadership roles, including president of his condo association and computer club, and board member of his credit union. Keeping up to date on computers, Izzy was the ‘tech support’ guy for his friends.
Izzy thrived after retirement and pursued activities that brought him joy. He was enthusiastic about the arts, and held season tickets for Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Warehouse, the symphony and the opera. He was an integral part of the Jewish community, and enjoyed his daily Kildonan Park walking group, breakfasts and lunches with friends.
He had the opportunity to travel extensively with Shelley, as well as with his daughters’ families. He traveled to Vancouver and Montreal regularly to visit his children and grandchildren, being there to celebrate birthdays, enjoying adventures and quiet moments, always with a silly story to share.
Izzy was fortunate to find Sonia in his later years. They shared a love of theatre that blossomed into a lovely relationship.
A quiet man, Izzy was a big thinker and an avid reader, particularly of mystery novels. His daily routine included reading the New York Times, the Globe and Mail and the Winnipeg Free Press. He was well liked, helpful and respected.
Izzy was a patient, dependable, generous, kind, supportive father, Zaida, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
Funeral was held on August 8 at Temple Shalom.
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.