Obituaries
MEYER RYPP
It is with great sadness that we announce that Meyer Rypp passed away suddenly on April 19, 2022, at the age of 84 years.
Meyer will be missed by his partner Cherie Archer, his brother Morley Rypp, and Morley’s kids: Howard and Beatriz Rypp and Family in Israel, Robyn Rypp and Arnie Usiskin and Family in Winnipeg.
Meyer was born June 11, 1937 in Winnipeg to parents Joseph and Rose who predeceased him. Growing up, he attended schools in his beloved North End of Winnipeg. His journey to find himself in some form of occupation led him to the Insurance and Investments Business, which became his passion. He excelled in these endeavors, and kept in business for over 60 years and continued to work happily up until the end. He did it his way, just like the song. Meyer was very proud to be a member of the Million Dollar Round Table for many years, which involved going to conventions all over the world. He particularly loved attending the one in Japan.
His love of the NBA, especially the Raptors, began in his youth with his experience playing basketball for the WLI, as well as being the Mascot for the Dominion Championship Winnipeg Stellars Basketball team. There was no more devoted fan of the NBA than Meyer!! His couch and a big screen kept him happy during COVID.
Attending the Blue Bombers games at the Winnipeg Stadium and IG Field was a highlight of his life. He was a season ticket holder for over 50 years.
Meyer had a love of four-footed furry friends, especially dogs. They always put a smile on his face. He had a real attraction to them, which was reciprocated.
No simple words can describe Meyer, but here goes. Each person and client that came across Meyer was treated with dignity, respect and compassion which forever bonded a relationship and ongoing trust. “No one has endurance like the man who sells insurance”, “Meyer the Flier”, “Who Loves Ya Baby”, “and that’s the bottom line” were well known phrases Meyer used often to describe himself.
Meyer will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Meyer’s Funeral Service was graveside at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetary on Thursday, April 21, 2022. Many thanks, to Rabbi Anibal Mass and Estelle Raber from the synagogue. Special thanks to the Pallbearers Gordon Steindel, Jerry Pritchard, Leon Pincovich, Howard Kideckel, Robert Freeman, and Arnie Usiskin.
May his memory be a Blessing and we who are left…be grateful for time spent with Meyer.
Donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society 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.