Obituaries
JANET BOONOV
Janet Boonov was born January 6, 1937 in Winnipeg and passed away peacefully on March 11, 2019.
Janet was predeceased in 2015 by her beloved husband of 58 years, David, her parents Max and Evelyn Olin and sister Coreen Koz. She is survived by brother Jack Olin; brother and sister-in-law Peter and Roz Olin; loving children Sharon and son-in-law Albert Yanofsky and Stuart Boonov; grandchildren Noah, Jocelyne, Aaron (Faye-Rae) and Evelyn (Chris) and many nieces and nephews.
To Janet there was nothing more important than the well-being and accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, family and friends. Sunday night dinners and holidays were a way that Janet was able to spend time with her loved ones and you had better have a good excuse if you could not attend. Janet enjoyed spending time with her new “family” at River Ridge 1 and they loved to share stories and they supported each other through good and bad. We cannot thank cousin Roz Nairn enough for all of her love and support for Janet over the decades, but especially since David passed and during her short illness
Janet proudly attended St John’s High School as a student and returned to spend many years there working in the Science Department. Janet was extremely organized and used those skills to chair the school’s 75th Reunion Committee held in 1985. She also loved to help students at the school and supported science fairs in the Winnipeg School Division, Manitoba Schools Science Symposiums and Canada-Wide Science Fairs, with the highlight being her trip as a chaperone for Team Canada to London, England.
Mom was proud of being Jewish and, together with David, were one of the founding families of Temple Shalom Synagogue, joining in 1966. She was a member for 53 years and looked forward to Friday Night Live services led by Len Udow. Janet had a contagious smile and a great sense of humour. She leaves behind a legacy of strong values and commitment to her family, traditions and heritage.
Services were held March 12, 2019 at the Temple Shalom Synagogue with internment at Hebrew Sick Cemetery. Pallbearers were Albert Yanofsky, Aaron Yanofsky, Gerald Olin, Elliot Olin, Alan Daien and Jeff King. Honorary pallbearers were grandchildren Noah Boonov, Evelyn and Chris Clarke, Jocelyne Yanofsky and Faye-Rae Brooks. The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff, caregivers and her special friends at River Ridge 1 and entire Grace Hospital healthcare team. In Janet’s memory, donations can be made 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.