Obituaries
MIKE WOLFSON
Mike was born in Winnipeg on May 14, 1924 and passed away peacefully February 20, 2020. He was predeceased by wife Sadie, mother Mary Glass, father Sam Wolfson, brother Arnold and sister Rose Sarbit.
Dad was an All Star football player with the St. John’s Tigers. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and later took his Vaudeville act on the road. A knack for entertaining never left Dad. He was a real character, always ready with a joke or a story. Dad met Mom, the love of his life for over 62 years, in Vancouver. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren filled his life with overwhelming love and precious memories.
Dad was a great provider and had a long career in furniture sales with celebrity spots on the radio telling all to come and see “Uncle Mike” for a great deal! This trait carried over to our household, where Dad was always on the lookout for the best deals for all of us. Dad’s success in sales took him on many exotic trips with Mom. They later continued to enjoy many winters in Hawaii and Florida.
We were blessed to converse with Dad and listen to him reminisce right up until his passing as his mind stayed sharp to the end. One memory that Dad created for us is the cottage at Winnipeg Beach. Dad loved the cottage, the closeness of family and of course fishing. This will live within us forever as we continue to enjoy this tradition with our own families.
Dad is survived by his children Rick (Debbie), Elaine (John), Merril MacKay (Rick), and Shari (Ron). Grandchildren, Michelle (John), Carly (Geoff), Ben, Sarah, Matthew (Madison), Crystal (Nick), Kyle (Laura), Lauren (Rob), & Kelli. Great-Grandchildren, Lincoln, Olivia, Mackenzie, Charlie, Fletcher, William and Grace. Dad will be fondly remembered by many close nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends. For the last 12 years Dad lived at Portsmouth and we would like to thank everyone for their care and friendship.
Funeral was held at Temple Shalom on Sunday, February 22nd, burial at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Donations can be made in memory of Dad to Temple Shalom.
Dad we find comfort you are reunited with Mom and that you will continue to guide us as we carry on your traditions with love.
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.