Obituaries
MARVIN DAVID MELTZER
Marvin David Meltzer, beloved husband of Ruth Meltzer, peacefully passed away January 24, 2022, at the age of 71 years old. He leaves to mourn his son Steven Meltzer, his daughter Nina Meltzer Ross and her husband Mike Ross, his brother Dr. Charles Meltzer and his wife Juanita Meltzer, his sister Sheila Fox and her husband Arthur Fox, and most importantly, as we were reminded by Marvin on several occasions, his dog Hogan.
Best known for his sharp witted sense of humour, in combination with his kind heart and welcoming personality, Marv leaves us with a warming memory of a man who successfully achieved his commitment to making this world smile. For family or friend, Marv always made time to lend his heart and house. Whether it was sharing thoughts or challenges, or simply to enjoy his company or cooking, whatever the occasion be, his sharp witted humour prevailed leaving a smile on the face of anyone graced with his company.
Marv graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto and received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba. Having graduated with a passion for marketing and advertising Marv spent his first few years working for a local advertising agency. Shortly thereafter Marv formed his own advertising agency called MDM Advertising. With a passion for business and a yearning for new challenges, having made his mark in the marketing industry, Marv turned his attention in an entrepreneurial direction, which new challenges included but weren’t limited to introducing the Great Canadian Bagel to the Winnipeg market.
Notwithstanding having a variety of successes as an entrepreneur through the different ventures he undertook in his life, it was his family and friends in which brought him the most happiness in life. Hand in hand with his best friend and true love, Marv and his wife shared a life together with worldly experiences including cycling trips through Canada, the USA or even Israel, safaris through Zimbabwe, trips to Mexico or winters in Palm Springs. But in stride with Marv’s commitment to not just his wife, but in the company of his children or siblings, with nieces or nephews, or of course his friends.
Having brought warmth to the hearts of so many people who shared his company throughout the course of his life, his memory will always be with us, and will continue to make this world smile.
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.