Obituaries
KENNETH BRIAN ZELICKSON Feb 22, 1954 – July 4, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ken Zelickson. Kenny passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2021, surrounded by his family at the Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg.
Predeceased by his mother and father, Bessie and Cyril Zelickson, Kenny leaves behind his loving wife, partner and friend of 44 years, Magda Zelickson, his son and daughter-in-law Kory and Lynsey Zelickson, his daughter and son-in-law Michelle and Adam Chisick, and his four beautiful grandchildren, Layah, Ari, Zev and Penelope, who were the joy of his life. He will also be greatly missed by his sister and brother-in-law, Pamela and Howard Kowall, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Sam and Rhonda Kupfer, and his nieces and nephews, Sarah and Nick Adamson, Ira Kowall, Remi and Andrew Kupfer.
Ken had a natural zest for life and he leaves a long trail of friendships and family who loved him deeply. He was charismatic, funny, and a pleasure to be with, but most of all he was a kind soul with the best sense of humour.
Ken and Magda, young and passionate, founded the family business, Interior Illusions, and built it into the modern home furnishing store it is today. Customers always enjoyed coming to the store to be entertained by his jokes and fun loving personality. It was never long before customers became friends.
Kenny could often be found cooking amazing food with a glass of wine in his hand, listening to great music and celebrating life with his family and friends. His passion for the things that he loved was so evident in the way that he chose to live his life.
We are grateful for all the moments and experiences we shared together. While his family has suffered a deep loss, we find strength in remembering all of the good times, the laughs and the beautiful moments we had together. Ken was a true blessing to those around him. He may not have been here for a long time, but certainly a good time.
Kenny’s funeral was held on July 6, 2021. Pallbearers were his very close friends and family: Adam Chisick, Yale Shaffer, Mark Chisick, Ira Kowell, Arthur Maister and Arthur Fox. For anyone wishing to honour him donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Jewish Child and Family Service or a charity of your choice. We want to thank all of the staff at the Seven Oaks Hospital for the care and kindness they expressed during the last number of months.
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.