Obituaries
LESLIE S. LITMAN 1936 – 2023
eacefully, at the Simkin Centre, Leslie Litman passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023, with his family nearby. Burial was at the B’nay Abraham Cemetery where he was laid to rest next to his mother and father, Gertie and Peter Litman. Pallbearers at his funeral were Lorry Litman, James Litman, Ethan Morantz, Sean Morantz, Jeremy Morantz, and Michael Litman. Honorary pallbearers were Richard Morantz, Marty Morantz, and Harvey Turbovsky.
Leslie had a long and successful career as a Chartered Accountant. He was highly respected by his clients and his colleagues at KPMG, where he was a partner for many years.
A kind, gentle, and charming man, Leslie was a good neighbor and friend. He was always dependable and ready to help others. He believed in the importance of volunteering and doing good in the community. He was a member of the board of the B’nay Abraham Synagogue, and served as its president. He was a longtime member of the Masons, serving as the Treasurer for several years. He was also a founding member of the FortWhyte Centre. Leslie was like a country doctor. He made house calls to his elderly clients to do their taxes and was available to them as needed. They showed their appreciation by sending him home with home-baked pastries.
Leslie and his wife, Carol, enjoyed travelling in their RV around Canada and the United States. They later spent their summers in their RV at the campground in Gimli, Manitoba, where many longtime friends also had trailers and where Leslie’s two favorite pastimes were fishing and socializing. Ardent fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, he and Carol had season tickets for a number of years. Leslie loved Tai Chi and was dedicated to its practice for many years. In his 70s Leslie learned how to play the flute. He loved playing the flute; he enjoyed his weekly flute lessons with his teacher, Monica, and looked forward to participating in the annual recital she held for her students. Most of all, Leslie adored his forever furry friends, first Charlie and then Tao. Three times a day, every day, he took his dog out for a walk. He would encounter neighbors and stop and chat. He and Charlie and Tao were well loved in the neighborhood.
Leslie was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Gertie Litman; his in-laws, Lorry and Shirley Turbovsky; his daughter, Kathy Robin Litman; his son, Michael Richard Seth Litman; and his sister, Pearl Morantz; as well as his dogs, Charlie and Tao. Left to mourn him are Carol Litman, his wife of 52 years; his children Lorry Litman, James Litman, Nancy Litman, and Maureen Litman; his grandson Michael Litman; his sister Judy Diamond, and his many friends and relatives.
The family would like to thank Dr. Phil Garber, Leslie’s cardiologist, for his many years of caring for Leslie. They would also like to thank all the staff of the Palliative Care ward at the St. Boniface Hospital for their exceptional care during the two and a half months Leslie was there as well as the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Team and the staff of Weinberg 2 at the Simkin Centre for their care in Leslie’s final days.
May his name be a blessing and the memory of his life remain a cherished legacy to all who knew him.
Contributions in Leslie’s memory can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, the MS Society of Canada, 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.