Obituaries
MANUEL SOUSA
It is with deep sadness and much too soon that we announce the passing of Manuel (Manny) Sousa, peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2020, after a brief illness at the age of 59.
He was surrounded by the love of his wife and partner Sheara Waxman and his family.
In addition to Sheara, Manny is survived by his parents, Carlos and Liliana de Sousa of Toronto, his brother and sister-in-law Carlos Sousa and Tessy Muscat Sousa and their children, Joshua (Jen), Katherine (Hutch) and Adam Sousa of Toronto, his sister-in-law Gayle Waxman and her daughter Alexandra of Winnipeg, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Martin Waxman and Maureen Judge and their children, Jacob (Mawr) and Rebecca Waxman of Toronto. Manny was predeceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Myra and Alexander Waxman.
Manny and Sheara were together for 31 years, making memories that will last a lifetime. They walked hand in hand through life, partners in every way. Nothing made Manny happier than listening to Sheara’s laugh and making her smile.
Family was everything to Manny. He was devoted to his parents whom he loved and looked out for. Manny was always grateful to his parents for immigrating to Canada and making countless sacrifices so he and his brother Carlos could enjoy a wonderful life. Manny also had a deep affection for Sheara’s parents and treated them with love and respect.
Manny cherished the relationships he had with his nieces and nephews. He shared a special bond with each one of them and loved being with them. Joshua, Katherine and Adam all pursued careers in the arts and credited Manny as their inspiration. Everyone who knew them, knew that when one of them referred to “Uncle” they meant Manny. Manny always looked forward to talking about and playing hockey with Jacob and often said that the highlight of a recent trip he and Sheara made to Spain was the time they spent with Rebecca. Manny felt honoured and lucky to be a part of Alexandra’s day to day life. He shared in the joy of raising her and was so proud of the exceptional person she is today. Alexandra also considered Manny to be her inspiration.
Manny was a true people person, kind and warm to everyone he met. He had an incredible curiosity about so many things and was always learning and challenging himself. Manny’s passions were boundless and included playing hockey, cheering on the Winnipeg Jets, photography, travel, carpentry and most importantly spending time with family and friends. He approached every opportunity with a smile, a positive attitude and a zest for life.
Manny was born in Portugal and grew up in Toronto where he met Sheara and their life together began. Sheara and Manny relocated to Winnipeg where he pursued his career in photography and became a successful, creative entrepreneur. For almost 30 years, Manny captured moments and milestones in Winnipeg and throughout the world. He quickly became one of Winnipeg’s most accomplished, respected and innovative photographers. Manny was sought out as a mentor and admired for his work ethic, passion and knowledge, which he shared generously. He also extended his generosity to many community charities and causes.
In addition to his photography business, Manny travelled the world and used his lens to capture the wonder and beauty he saw around him, producing stunning images that were widely admired.
Manny appreciated all the messages of love and support that he received from family and friends during his illness. Sheara and family are also grateful for the outpouring of kindness and sympathy.
We will miss Manny’s smile, his laughter and his joy for life. Manny will forever be in our hearts.
A private remembrance has taken place.
Those wishing to honour Manny’s memory can donate to the Manuel Sousa Award for Excellence in Photography at the Children’s Heritage Fund, Winnipeg School Division by calling 204-775-0231
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.
