Obituaries
MARILYN PERL Dec 24th 1956 – Dec 16th 2021
After a courageous battle with cancer, Marilyn Perl (née Bricker) passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2021. She was 64 years old.
Marilyn was pre-deceased by her parents, Irving and Lucille Bricker; grandmother, Teibel Binder; and in-laws, Mendel and Esther Perl. She is deeply mourned by her husband, Michael; children, Eytan and Aviya; grandson, Jacob Novek-Perl; daughter-in-law, Sheila Novek; brother and sister-in-law, Martin and Debby Bricker; and nephew and niece, David and Ivy Bricker.
Marilyn was born in Winnipeg on December 24th, 1956. She attended Talmud Torah School, Edmund Partridge and West Kildonan Collegiate. She also attended the University of Manitoba, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Marilyn joined the family business, Winnipeg Drapery, with her parents and brother. She and Martin carried on successfully running the business together after their parents’ deaths. She inherited a strong work ethic and talent for manufacturing from her father and loved her work, making custom drapes for homes and businesses throughout the city.
Marilyn is fondly remembered for her warmth, her smile, her friendliness, and her genuine care and concern for others. She loved cooking and baking for her family, and will always be remembered for her Shabbat dinners, which usually featured multiple desserts. Marilyn loved welcoming her children’s friends into her home as if they were her own, and especially loved spending time with her best friends, Bonnie, Leslie, and Sandy. Above all, she had a deep and unwavering love for her family – especially her grandson Jacob, who was the apple of her eye.
Thank you to Dr. John Mayba for his excellent care throughout the years, to Drs. Kidane, Maksymiuk, Kristjanson, and Anderson, and to the staffs at CancerCare and the Palliative Care program for their devoted care throughout her battle with cancer.
Our deepest gratitude to Rabbi Matthew Leibl, who held a graveside service on December 17th at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Steven Bernstein, David Bricker, Seth and Adam Nepon, Daniel Palitsky, and Mark Shuster. Due to Covid restrictions, a private shiva was observed by the family. Donations in Marilyn’s memory can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or the 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.