Obituaries
LEN WEINBERG
It is with a great deal of sadness and sorrow that our family announces the passing of Len Weinberg on Monday, September 24th, 2018.
Len fought heroically through the past 18 months to overcome several serious medical issues including two major surgeries and a heart attack which no one, including his surgeon, thought he would survive. As was so often the case with Len, he surprised everyone. He soldiered on and regained a foothold on life giving us all a few more precious months with him in our lives. In the end however his body could not withstand all that had occurred, and he died peacefully at the hospital with his eldest son Lloyd at his side.
Len is survived by his children Lloyd, Garry (Asha) and Shoshana (Jack). Len is survived as well by his wife Addie and his step-sons Doug Jason and Todd Jason, and his beloved grandchildren Hannah, Myer, Jacob, Maya, Amit and Briana.
Len practiced law for more than 50 years, having graduated from the U of M in 1960. Following his call to the bar, he spent the early part of his career under the tutelage of the esteemed Harry Walsh and Archie Micay. He was a senior partner at a number of firms including McJanet Rich and of course at Myers Weinberg LLP for over 25 years. At the time of his death, Len had moved his practice to the firm of D’arcy & Deacon LLP where he worked in the capacity of Senior Counsel.
Over the length of his career, Len (one of the most easily bored people who was always looking for a new challenge) dabbled in most every area of law. This included criminal, real estate, domestic and civil litigation law in his early years to the areas of practice where he really made his mark involving corporate/commercial law, franchising and related trade-mark and copyright matters.
Len was a lateral thinker, and his ability to think outside the box to find unique and innovative solutions to complex issues that invariably arise in the business world was one of his greatest assets.
Of the many accolades he has received during his career, including being appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1981 for his work in both the legal community and the community at large, Len was most proud of being known in the community as a “lawyer’s lawyer”. The profession can bestow no greater honour to one of its own.
Of course Len’s life was a lot more than just a distinguished legal career – he was also a father, a grandfather, a husband, an uncle and a friend to all. He cherished family time at the cottage at West Hawk Lake and provided a loving, welcoming and well fed environment to all who came there and to his home in town. He loved learning and always had a new book in hand. He was a product of the north end Jewish community having attended St Johns High School where he made lifelong friendships that survived to the end. He was loved and cherished and will be sorely missed by so many.
We will miss him very very much.
Len’s funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Thursday, September 27th, 2018 and he is interred amongst family at the Shaarey Zedek cemetery. The family would like to thank Rabbi Matthew Leibl for the time he spent with our family and for the lovely eulogy he delivered.
Pallbearers were Len’s sons, Lloyd Weinberg and Garry Weinberg, nephews Elliott Richman and Earl Raber and cousins, David Perlov and Danny Globerman. .
Honorary Pallbearers include Jack Andress, Doug Jason, Todd Jason, Alex Richman, Vincent Richman, David Eisenstat, Paul Henteleff, Yude Hentelleff, Joel Dudeck, Frank Short, Don Bass, Morris Raizen.
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.