Obituaries
MARTIN BRICKER August 12, 1953 – June 26, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father Martin on June 26, 2022.
Martin was born in Winnipeg, a son to Lucille (Binder) and Irving Bricker.
Martin attended Talmud Torah and Joseph Wolinsky schools. He studied sociology at the University of Manitoba, followed by a special education degree in Toronto, and a diploma in Interior Design. He worked in Toronto for a year before returning to Winnipeg to join his father and sister in the operation of the family business, Winnipeg Drapery.
In 1980 Martin met his lifelong love and soulmate Debby (Roitman). They were married on August 16, 1981 and created a loving, warm and haymishe home. Martin was an avid reader and excellent cook and baker, and the Bricker household always had the scent of fresh cooking or baking. He loved to share recipes with his sister, sisters-in-law, and daughter. A lifetime of beautiful memories, of the most loving and devoted husband and father, will be cherished forever by Martin’s beloved wife, Debby; his children, David Bricker and Ivy Bricker-Ford; and son-in-law, Nicholas Ford. Martin is also survived by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lesley and Laurie Goldberg, and Harriet and Martin Glazer; brother-in-law Michael Perl; nieces and nephews, Rachel Goldberg, Mikaela Goldberg, Matthew Goldberg, Ryan Glazer, Tali Glazer, Eytan Perl, Aviya Perl, Sheila Novek, and great-nephew Jacob Perl. Martin is also missed by cherished friends Howard, Hope, Josh and Samantha Morry, and machatunim Diane and John Ford. He was predeceased by his Babee Teibel Binder, his parents Lucille and Irving Bricker, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Boomy and Sam Roitman, and sister Marilyn (Bricker) Perl.
Martin and his sister Marilyn enjoyed many years working side by side and took over the family business in the fall of 1984 following the death of their father. Martin and his sister sold their company in February 2020 and cherished the many years of working with wonderful customers, suppliers, and installers. Martin’s devotion to his community was evident in his charity work and his involvement in the Jewish Board of Education, Winnipeg Chapter of the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University and Holocaust Education. He was a Parent Advisory Council Chairperson and the President of the Board of Jewish Education. He co-chaired several events for Holocaust Education. Martin was very involved in the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University where he was the chairman of “The World Film Premiere of Einstein Tonight” and was the Chairperson of the Professional and Business Division from 1992-1993. Martin was the recipient of the “Harry Silverberg Leadership Development Award” from the Winnipeg Jewish Community Council’s Combined Jewish Appeal on December 7th, 1993, for his valuable contribution to his work in the Jewish Community.
His wife and children gave him deep fulfillment and joy until the day he passed. He enjoyed the planning and the celebration of Ivy and Nick’s wedding on May 1st, 2022. Martin fulfilled his greatest dream when he walked Ivy down the aisle and danced with her at the wedding. Martin passed after a long and courageous battle with cancer, eight weeks after Ivy and Nick’s wedding, and six months after the death of his beloved schvester Marilyn.
Thank you to Dr. Mayba for his excellent care over many years. A special thank you to Dr. Kidane, Dr. Gingerich, Nurse Cheryl, Dr. Bieko and the Gamma Knife nurses. Rabbi Matthew Leibl conducted a graveside ceremony at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on June 28, 2022. A private shiva was held at Lesley and Laurie Goldberg’s home. Pallbearers were: Eytan Perl, Laurie Goldberg, Matthew Goldberg, Evan Bloomfield, Josh Vickar and Lorne Stoller. Donations in Martin’s memory can be made to Cancercare Manitoba, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue or 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.