Obituaries
KEN TENNENHOUSE
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Ken Tennenhouse on February 27, 2025 at the Riverview Health Centre. Ken passed surrounded by his family at the age of 66 after an eight month battle with cancer. He will be deeply missed by his wife Reesa, children Lana (Erik), and Emily (Connor). He will also be mourned by his siblings Karen, Ron (Elaine), and Marsha (Doug) and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ken was predeceased by his parents Samuel and Gertrude.
Ken was born on June 8, 1958 and was a lifelong resident of Winnipeg. Ken loved life and had so many passions, but his first priority was always to his family. He married Reesa (née Reinhorn) in June 1988 whom he shared the rest of his life with. Ken was the best husband and father. He doted on his family and always put everyone’s needs above his own. He loved to spend time with his family travelling, watching silly TV shows, attending his girls sporting events and just being with each other. He would make sure the family had supper together at least once a week, often accompanied by one of his Saskatoon pies. He never stopped providing advice and support, helping his daughters prepare for work papers, interviews, moves, and more. He was so proud of his daughters and marvelled as they grew into accomplished women.
Ken had so many hobbies. He loved to garden and he spent countless hours growing his vegetables, raspberries, roses and other flowers. Sunday mornings meant a hot cup of coffee, CBC radio and the New York Times Crossword Puzzle. Ken could do a crossword puzzle faster than seemed humanly possible. Ken was also a winemaker and produced a sweet red wine from grapes each year meticulously following his dad’s recipe. Research of the Tennenhouse Family Tree was another one of Ken’s endeavors which he spent years undertaking and managed to go back as far the 1700’s. Ken had a passion for history and archeology and had a library with numerous historical books. Ken was an avid Winnipeg Jets fan and never missed either attending or watching a game on TV. He spent countless hours discussing and dissecting the current state of the team.
Ken had an amazing professional career as a lawyer. He worked for 36 years at Manitoba Hydro. Ken started his career as an in-house counsel for Manitoba Hydro, he was then promoted to the head of the law department and then became the Vice-President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. In 2016 Ken was named to the General Counsel Power list as one of the top 500 general counsel lawyers in Canada. Ken retired in 2020 and thoroughly enjoyed travelling to Palm Springs with Reesa over the cold winter months.
Funeral Services were held at the Chesed Shel Emes on March 2, 2025. Our heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Kliel Rose and Cantor Tracy Kasner who officiated the service.
Special thanks to all of Ken’s medical team including Dr. Green, Dr. Moltzan, Dr. Ogaranko, Dr. McClure and a very special thanks to Nurse Maureen at Riverview.
Pallbearers were: Jesse Searle, Josh Kimelman, Sam Kimelman, Martin Reinhorn, Arthur Reinhorn, and Leslie Reinhorn.
Donations in Ken’s name can be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, the Riverview Health Centre Foundation directed to 3E Palliative Care, or 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.