Obituaries
LEYA TAPPER (née COGAN) March 30, 1946 – August 15, 2019
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our mother, baba, sister, and aunt at the age of 73.
Mom will be missed greatly by her loving family: husband Bernie, daughter Heather (Jeff) Koplovich daughter-in-law Lauren Tapper , brother Harvey Cogan, sisters – in- law Nessie and Marcia Cogan and Roslind Olin, brother -in -law Peter Olin grandchildren, Anna Aaron, Addison, Gabriel, and Alyssa, nieces and nephews as well as extended family and friends.
Mom was predeceased by her parents David and Bertha Cogan and by her son Richard.
Mom was born in Port Arthur, (now Thunder Bay), and moved to Winnipeg to be with her brothers when she was 16. She graduated from Garden City Collegiate. She then worked at Bnai Abraham Synagogue. She met my dad shortly after and they decided to work for her father who at the time owned a clothing store on Marion Street called David’s Men’s Wear. A few years later the name was changed to David’s His & Hers. After some tough times, they decided to close the store. Mom then stayed home for awhile to raise her family. When Richard and I were in school she decided to go back to work. She worked at the Royal Bank for many years. She enjoyed her work there and met many friends along the way. During that time, her and her brother Louie went into business together and started a property management company called C & T Holdings Ltd. They purchased properties and kept them as rentals. She loved to buy and sell properties; it was her passion. She enjoyed every aspect of the business. She also liked to travel, and she and my dad spent time in Palm Springs in the winter. It was her favorite place to go.
Mom was the most kind, considerate, loving, and compassionate person. Her family was her one and only priority and she made sure we were taken care of. Mom’s huge smile and positive attitude even through the most difficult times will be forever missed by all her friends and family.
The family would like to thank all the nurses and doctors that took wonderful care of her while she was in hospital. Especially a great big thank you to Dr Allan Schaffer who was there for my mom as a doctor and a friend.
Services were held on Monday August 19, 2019 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl and the staff at the synagogue.
Pallbearers were Allan Cogan, Joel Cogan, Gerald Olin, Elliot Olin, Hart Poskar and Jordan Farber.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to The Leya Tapper Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation 204-477-7525.
She will be missed by all, but her memory will live on in us forever.
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.