Obituaries
MAX MARMEL May 30,1926 – September 6, 2019
Max passed away on September 6, 2019 at the age of 93 in Toronto, Ontario. Max grew up with his family in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. Eventually, he moved to Winnipeg to become a pharmacist, a career which spanned over 50 years.
He built and operated Seven Oaks Pharmacy, the first drugstore in West Kildonan. Max went on to run the Astra Dispensary and manage the Kobrinsky Clinic. While his day job was a pharmacist, Max always had a business on the side, from owning hair salons, importing wigs and dental supplies from Japan, to manufacturing medicine and inventing a medical diagnostic test for detecting urinary tract infections. Max went on to win a Canadian Innovation award for this work.
Max later moved his business to Toronto, where he was introduced to Natalie and was welcomed into a whole new wonderful family. As if he hadn’t had enough careers already, Max decided to transition into a career in real estate to work along side Natalie. He thoroughly enjoyed this business adventure until his retirement in his late 80’s.
Max lived life to the fullest, and enjoyed travelling the world, reaching every continent, including Antarctica. He had a passion for scuba diving (which he passed on to Allison) and spent many of his vacations exploring the natural wonders of the sea, eventually earning his Diving Instructor Certification.
Max was incredibly driven and extremely generous to his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who cared for his loved ones deeply and unconditionally.
Max will be greatly missed by his wife Natalie, son Lawrence (Tam), daughter Rosalind, Bernice Marmel, sister Bonnie Tregebov, stepchildren Dr. Larry Barzelai (Dr. Rhona Gordon), Dr. Rick Black (Wendy), Cindy Black-Goldstein (Richard),grandchildren Shane Marmel, Dr. Allison Marmel (Dr. Yale Michaels), step-grandchildren Dr. Morry Black (Alisa Belshaw) Ari Black (Shoshana), Joshua Black, Melissa Silverberg (Michael), Jake Goldstein, Laura Barzelai (Sean Caners), Nadav Barzelai, (Naomi Kassel), Avi Barezelai, Dr. Ira Barzelai, step-great grandchildren Alex, Leah, Aerin, Halle, Ethan, Matthew, Dan, Avigail, and close friend Clara. Max was predeceased by his parents Sam and Seema Marmel.
Services were held on September 8, at the Etz Chayim Synagogue in Winnipeg. Pallbearers were Lawrence Marmel, Shane Marmel, Dr. Rick Black, Morry Black, Ari Black and Joshua Black.
Donations can be made to the Max Marmel Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. (204) 477-7525.
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.