Obituaries
LARRY WINESTOCK
Larry Winestock was born in Erding, Bavaria on the 29th of August 1946 to Holocaust survivors Max and Rae Winestock. After a couple years they moved to start anew in Canada, where they lived in West Kildonan, Winnipeg.
Larry made most of his friends in the halls and cafeterias of Garden City Collegiate and United College, but he never stopped. His friends were his family, as has been attested to thoroughly over the past week.
Larry worked four decades with Manitoba Family Services, traveling the province and taking in its vastness. Established in that career he met Barbara Block and after a whirlwind courtship that lasted only a handful of months, the two married on the 26th of October 1980. They traveled the world in planes, trains and automobiles, taking long cruises and picking up new friends a long the way.
Later in life Larry’s health gradually but dramatically declined, plucking away the few hobbies and passions he had one by one. Though his mind was still sharp as a tack and the puns flowed like the mightiest of streams, he struggled until he could no longer navigate his suppressed mental turmoil.
Larry died in the presence of his family on the 25th of October 2022, a day prior to his 42nd wedding anniversary. Mourning his death are Larry’s wife Barbara, son Gabriel, his wife Kylee Regier, daughter Bailey, her husband Noah Moscovitch, his granddaughter Layla, and godson David Miles.
Funeral services were held graveside at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on the 28th October and can be viewed on youtube by searching his full name. Pallbearers were Aaron Steinberg, Bruce Sarbit, Deanna Cutler, Jerry Spinak, Kylee Regier and Noah Moscovitch with help from Daphne Super and Harlyn Silverstein.
In lieu of any donation or gifts the family asks that everyone consider for a moment the men and boys in their lives. They are not perpetual rocks of emotional stability. They will always require a listening ear, a loving touch and shoulder to cry on just as anyone else. Emotional suppression can only ever be a hindrance. For too long boys have learned to be as stone and this must end. Encourage expression, expose options and ensure a means. This should be the legacy of Larry Winestock.
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.