Obituaries
LUBA (KAY) CATES
Luba Cates, loving and beloved wife and mother, passed away October 20th, 2017 in Winnipeg at age 89, 9 days short of her 90th birthday.
Her husband, Theodore (Ted) predeceased her in 2006 after 56 years of marriage. Luba leaves her children Farley, Margo and Tara, daughter-in-law Lois, son-in-law Alan Roth, brother Zachariah Kay and granddaughter Zoe. Luba was the daughter of Samuel and Rose Kay.
Luba had a bigger than life presence yet was solid and grounded and believed deeply in equality and acceptance. Even though a private person, Luba had the unique ability to enter a room and connect with strangers, making them feel immediately at ease and valuable. She believed age was just a number and her mind and zest for life allowed her to bypass generations and communicate with others regardless of age and experience.
Luba’s greatest love was her husband, Ted. Together they created a foundation of family and set a table where any subject or issue could be discussed openly. They had a vibrant social life and their home was always a warm and welcoming environment. They exemplified the best of what a marriage and partnership are about: perseverance, dedication, deep love, respect, dignity and compassion.
Luba and Ted were passionately interested in exploring other cultures and in the arts – these passions were passed on to their children from an early and throughout their lives: a love for literature, music, theatre, film, travel, good conversation and thoughtful debate, humour and laughter but most importantly a will to weather life’s ups and downs with tenacity and strength.
Luba was devoted to the things in life that gave her purpose such as a lifelong love for volunteerism. She helped to establish the first pre-school daycare program in Appleton, Wisconsin, one of the first in the entire Midwest region. During her adult years, she was co-owner of an art business and an active member with Pioneer Women and the National Council for Jewish Women. In her senior years, she was devoted to the Gwen Sector Centre for Seniors, the Saturday Night Discussion Group and the Winnipeg Yiddish Group. She was dedicated to preserving family history and her commitment to celebrating Yiddish culture lead to her involvement as a translator on Arguing the Storm, a critically lauded collection of Yiddish stories. The group had the honour of receiving UNESCO’s World Treasure status.
Luba will always be remembered by family, friends and community as a woman of warmth, wit, and wisdom.
Funeral services were held October 22nd at the Chesed Shel Emes with burial at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Donations may be made to a charity of choice or to The Gwen Sector Centre (Winnipeg), Jewish Public Library (Montreal) or The Winnipeg Jewish Child and Family Services.
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.