Obituaries
MAX PRESSMAN
Jan. 2, 1924 – Dec. 
20, 2014
On Dec. 20, 2014 at the Simkin Center, Max Pressman passed away at the age of 90.
He was predeceased by his wife , Molly, all six of his siblings and their spouses. Lovingly remembered by his children, Selma (Murray), Faye (Warren), and David (Marilyn), his grandchildren, Daniel and Greg, Hilary, Deborah (Michael) and Kayleigh. He also had two great-grandchildren, Hugo and Marcus. He will also be missed by his sister-in-law, Annette Albert and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dad was born in Winnipeg, the youngest of seven and lived his early years on Flora Ave. When he was ten years old the family moved to the farm in Grosse Isle, Manitoba. Dad finished high school in rural Manitoba and continued to farm, eventually moving into his sister and brother-in law’s home in the city and commuting daily.
He loved to sing and had a beautiful tenor voice. He started singing in various choirs, ultimately singing in the Rosh Pina Synagogue choir where he met our mom in 1953. By Dec. 27, 1953, they were married and started their family. Dad continued to make choir a priority and derived so much pleasure from it for over fifty years. He participated for many years in the Seniors Stay Young program and choir every Tuesday at the Rady Center.
He worked very hard to support his family through the tough times and then made a risky decision to buy a Sam The Record Man franchise and established the first store in Winnipeg at the Garden City Shopping Center which he ran with Mom followed by a second location at Unicity Shopping Center. This proved to be a successful endeavour.
He never had a bad word to say about anyone, a true Mensch! He was always surprised that everyone wasn’t as honest as he.
Devoted to Mom even more in the last difficult years of her life, he came daily to be with her once she entered the Simkin Center and then he joined her there in July 2011. They had an adjoining room and spent the rest of her days living together. Mom passed away Jan., 2013 and Dad became a frequent participant at all programs held at the Center. He continued to do this until he recently became too weak to attend .
The family would like to thank everyone who looked after his needs and loved him so much.
Funeral was held at Etz Chayim Synagogue with interment at Rosh Pina Cemetery officiated beautifully by Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves. A thoughtful and loving eulogy was given by his granddaughter, Hilary Book. Pallbearers were David Pressman, Murray Gilfix, Greg Gilfix, Warren Book, David Shapera and Perry Gilfix.
Donations in his memory will be gratefully accepted at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Center, The Stay Young Program at the Rady JCC, 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.