Obituaries
MARLENE HOCHMAN-GOLDEN
Marlene Hochman-Golden passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on October 21, 2020 at the Misericordia Hospital.
She was 84 years young. She was predeceased by her mother, Betty; father, David; brother, Martin (Jeanne); sister Sylvia; her beloved husband Gordie, and son Stewart. Marlene leaves to mourn her loving sons, Michael (Donna) and Larry (Moraina); her grandchildren, Stacey (Jeff) and Sabrina (Sean), her great-grandchildren, Emma, Lexton, Maddex and Kendrix; brother-in-laws Greg, Sam (Jackie), Ben (Phyllis); sisters-in-law Claire and Betty; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Marlene was larger than life. She was warm, friendly, caring, loving, generous, and had a great sense of humor. She had a zest for life and led it with dignity and grace. She was always smiling and had an infectious personality. She was a social butterfly, young at heart, and a role model to many.
Marlene grew up in the north end of Winnipeg and married the love of her life, Gordie, in 1955. They had 3 children; Larry, Stewart and Michael. She brought up her boys and helped Gordie establish Superior Food Importers. She travelled the world with Gordie. The family was extremely close and even with Marlene and Gordie’s busy schedules, family always came first. They always enjoyed fishing, camping and picnics on the weekends.
Tragedy befell the family on April 10, 1977. During this time Marlene’s strength was what held the family together. She continued to raise her children, run the household, and take over the family business. Marlene re-married in 1980 and spent her life creating a wonderful home where she had many gatherings. Marlene was a fantastic cook and had a recipe column in the Jewish Post & News. She enjoyed needlepoint, knitting, mahjong, exercising at the YMHA, line dancing, as well as belonging to numerous Jewish organizations. She even completed a half marathon. Marlene always looked great, was into all the latest fashion and was a snappy dresser. Marlene enjoyed her later years at River Ridge Retirement Home where she was loved by all. She participated in all the activities and enjoyed family visits and outings. Those who knew her, know that she was a special person. She really lived life to the fullest and loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren tremendously. She would proclaim “this is what it’s all about”. She was very involved in their lives and would do anything for family.
Despite all of her hardships, she would always say, “I’ve had a great life”. She will be deeply missed by all. We love you to the moon and back and will cherish all the great memories.
A private burial was held at the Bnay Abraham Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on October 23, 2020. Rabbi Kliel Rose officiated. In honour of Marlene’s memory, donations may be made to a Jewish 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.
