Obituaries
MARK ALAN BERNSTEIN
Born Dec. 1, 1926 in Winnipeg. Died Feb. 25, 2019 in Loulé, Portugal. Beloved father of Sandra, Tamara and Mariam Bernstein. Loving Zaida to Miranda and Cinna Baran.
Predeceased by his soul-mate, wife and partner of sixty years, Zita Bernstein, his parents Sara and J. Maurice Bernstein, and his dearly loved sister, Babs Asper. Survived by nieces/nephews David Asper (Ruth), Gail Asper (Michael Paterson) and Leonard Asper (Susan) along with the many members of his large extended family; Zita’s relatives, with whom he enjoyed a particularly close relationship; Joan Baragar, his friend and companion of recent years; and the many friends around the world with whom he maintained frequent contact and about whom he cared deeply.
A proud graduate of Queen’s University’s department of engineering chemistry, Mark spent most of his working life in the family business, Phillips Paint Products, which he bought from his father and uncle in 1968. His long career, first in the lab and later management, was marked by both technical excellence and unwavering integrity. Many of his employees worked with him for decades; he was respected for his business acumen, and loved for the genuine care he had for those with whom he worked. He served as the president of the Canadian Paint Manufacturers’ Association, among other volunteer positions in his industry.
Mark felt a strong bond with the Jewish community both in Winnipeg and in Israel. He supported projects from the Rady JCC in Winnipeg to Magen David Adom in Israel and served on the board of Technion Canada. He loved travelling, especially to London, Italy, and the Algarve, and cherished time spent at Caddy Lake for over fifty years. A passionate supporter of the arts, he frequently attended concerts, plays and operas. He read voraciously and widely almost to the end of his life, displaying remarkable intellectual acuity that belied his age. His marvelous sense of humour, no-nonsense approach to life, and the great wisdom he acquired in his life will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
The family wishes to thank Mark’s doctors and nurses, notably Dr. Alexander Singer and Michelle Allard in Winnipeg, and all the caring staff at the Hospital de Loulé; as well as all the aides who helped him so much in the difficult final phase of his life, with particular mention of Valerie Pohl, Mikko Ignacio, and Ola Adeyemi, who were with him from the beginning of his decline.
Mark’s funeral was held on March 4, 2019. Pallbearers were David, Gail, Max and Ruth Asper, Sam Brask, Murray Palay, Jonathan Paterson and Michael Shnier. Honorary pallbearers were Leonard Asper, Per Brask, Michael Paterson, and Michael Susser.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, designated for the Mark Bernstein 90th Birthday Youth Enrichment Fund at the Jewish Child & Family Services in Winnipeg; The Mark A. Bernstein (Science ’48) Prize in Engineering Chemistry at Queen’s University at Kingston; 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.