Obituaries
LIBBY GREENFIELD
Peacefully on January 22, 2017 Libby passed away, surrounded by family, at the age of 88 years.
Beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, mother-in-law, babie, aunt, cousin and friend to many.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 32 years, Bill, parents Margaret and Chaim Bookhalter, and her brother Herschal.
Libby will be deeply missed by her children Stuart (Kathi) Greenfield, Shauna (Darryl) Levy, and Murray Greenfield; her grandchildren Sara, Shae (Sara), Jory (Jessie), Will and Megan, great-grandson Jack, and her sister-in-law Elaine Bookhalter.
In her 88 years Libby lived a full life. She was born in Winnipeg and raised in Invermay, SK. Libby returned to Winnipeg to pursue a science degree at the University of Manitoba. After her second year, Libby left to run the family business during her father’s illness. Libby’s career included work at the Winnipeg Film Exchange, Astral Alliance Films and later managing the family business, The Remembrance Shop.
Family was central to Libby’s core. She met and married Bill, the love of her life, in October 1963. Libby embraced with all her heart Bill’s seven-year-old son Stuart as her own.
Libby and Bill together built a new life and a wonderful home for Stuart, Shauna and Murray filled with Jewish tradition and love. They opened their home and made everyone feel welcome and special. Their house became a gathering place; a social hub where many lifelong friends and family would come to share stories, laughter and long lasting Sabbath dinners and holiday meals.
Libby grew close to a number of family members and lifelong friends that remained a special part of her life. A day did not go by that they did not share the goings on of their lives as if they were sisters.
Libby loved sharing in her children’s successes whether they were children or adults. Her happiest moments were hearing of her grandchildren’s and great-grandchild’s milestones, adventures, school progress and just watching them grow up. The grandchildren made Libby young again.
For her children and grandchildren, they had a wonderful Mother and Babie who they could share their lives with, confide in, would always listen, and always provide encouragement. A calming voice to everyone, Libby was a sage, a provider of wisdom and advice, always with a reassuring manner.
Libby was a dedicated member of her community. She volunteered and supported numerous organizations, including Talmud Torah/JWC, the Israel Pavilion, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and Cancer Society. All her life she was actively involved in B’nai B’rith Women as a member, Chapter president and fundraiser for the Children’s Home in Israel. As recognition of her community involvement she received numerous awards including an appointment to the Multicultural Council of Canada.
Libby will always be remembered for her inner strength in facing life’s challenges, her great smile and the volumes she spoke with her beautiful expressive eyes.
A special thank you to Marga, Odelia and Winta who took such wonderful care of our mother.
Funeral services were held on January 24, 2017. Pallbearers were Shae Greenfield, Jory Greenfield, Will Levy, David Bookhalter, Jeff Goldstein and Marshall Zaitlan.
Mom and Dad rest in peace together.
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.