Obituaries
JERRY JULIUS MOSCOVITCH
March 5, 1940 – January 2, 2025
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jerry Moscovitch, beloved husband to Gloria, father in loving memory to son David, daughter Susan and partner Gustavo Lecman, son Dan and wife Melanie Shell, and Zaida to his cherished grandchildren, Darrel Kilburn and partner Sarah Bradley, Taylor Kilburn and partner Ruben Kalra, Michelle Lecman and Ezri, Leila, and Oscar Shell-Moscovitch.
Jerry will also be remembered by his nieces, nephews and cousins in Winnipeg, Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Jennie (Kankewitt) and Morris Moscovitch, his sister Betty and husband Joe Wohl, his brother Earl and wife Adele Moss and brother Walter Morris, Jerry’s in-laws, Harry Allan and Millicent (Hallis) Adler, brother-in law Aaron Udlar and his nephew Craig Moss.
Jerry lived a full, wonderful life and looking back, he had many accomplishments.
Jerry’s career was dedicated to our youth and their education and to his love of music.
Jerry taught for many years at Churchill High, Hugh John McDonald and at his alma mater St. Johns High. Throughout his career, he shared his love of learning with students teaching Math and Science. Jerry also served as a Guidance Counselor, started and led a school choir at Hugh John McDonald and was a soccer and a volleyball coach and took his team to win the finals three years in a row.
His impact on his students was immeasurable and he will be remembered by them for his unwavering support and encouragement.
In addition to his teaching career, Jerry had many passions. He was the youngest Master of his Masonic lodge, a founding member of the Bnai Brith Yachad Couples group and on the advisory and executive committees of many groups.
Many will remember Jerry for his love of Music and for his amazing singing voice and his stage presence. Jerry was a singer and an entertainer, he was an active participant with the Manitoba Opera for 38 years, the Festival Opera group, the Rosh Pina Synagogue choir, the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue choir, the Rady Sholem Choir, the Macs Chinese choir, the Winnipeg Symphony, the Winnipeg Golden Chordesman for the last 16 years and had also entertained many times at the Simkin Centre, Riverview, Shaftesbury and the Portsmouth Personal Care Homes. Music brought Jerry joy and allowed him to connect with others who shared his passion.
Jerry was always ready for adventure, he never said no to trying something new and loved exploring the world. He enjoyed travelling, going on cruises with Gloria and a group of close friends and spending summers in Gimli. Jerry enjoyed discovering new cuisines but, his all-time favourite was always Chinese food.
Some of his favourite times spent were with family celebrating the high holidays, gathering for dinners and special occasions, watching the Jets and Blue Bombers and his favourite Hudson and Rex on TV and he especially enjoyed when the board games or cards came out.
Time spent with Gloria, his precious children and grandchildren were the special times that Jerry loved the very most.
The legacy of Jerry Moscovitch is one of kindness, generosity and strength. His work, music, love and his contagious smile have left an undeniable mark on all of us – his family, his friends and the countless students whose lives he touched over the years.
While we will deeply miss Jerry, we can take comfort in knowing that the lessons he taught, the love he gave and the spirit he shared will live on in each and everyone of us.
We would like to thank the wonderful staff – Jane, Sara, Cathy, Evelyn, Wenga, Stacey, Jimmy, Ian, etc. on Simkin W 3 and also Esther and Alan for their care and all the smiles well shared.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jerry’s name to the Simkin Centre, (204-589-9027) (for recreation and the love of music), the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue (204-452-3711) or to a designation 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.