Obituaries
MIRIAM FLEISHER
November 05, 1941 – May 21, 2017
Miriam Fleisher, 76, peacefully passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2017, corresponding to the 25th of Iyyar, 5777, in the comfort of her own home.
She is survived by her brother William, sister-in-law Doreen, nephews, Ryan, Gideon, Zach and Ben, and nieces Dara and Raisa. Miriam lived a full and fruitful life as an independent woman, till the very end. She was predeceased by her father Samuel (Simcha), mother Regina (Rivke) and brother Frank.
Miriam was fortunate to survive the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust, thanks to the ingenuity of her parents, who placed her in a Catholic convent. After her parents were separated and miraculously survived the atrocities surrounding them, they somehow were reunited and returned to gather their daughter. Miriam, who had in her first few years been raised Catholic, recalled she was not initially pleased to learn her fate or faith. She was returned to her parents on the condition that she be raised Catholic, an agreement that soon fell by the wayside, as she and her newly born brother Frank came with their parents as refugees to Canada and started a new life. Her brother William was soon to follow and the family entered the wholesale cattle and meat business. She graduated high school, took some post secondary education at the University of Manitoba and soon moved to Toronto for work.
Miriam subsequently moved on to California, working in real estate, property management and at IBM. She was a trailblazer for women in the workforce, and built a full life on the west coast. She kept in touch with many of her friends from that period of her until her death.
Miriam was truly the life of the party, and a social force with which to be reckoned. Her penchant to find trouble and mischief made for a great many tales. When asked at a cocktail party in California by Ronald Reagan, the future American president, if he had her support in the upcoming election, she remarked that she wasn’t an American citizen, but if she was, there was no way she would vote for him. Suffice it to say, her friend at the Associated Press didn’t invite her to many more such parties. While many of us today have become increasingly sensitized and filtered, Miriam was not afraid to speak her mind.
Because of her financial success and close attention paid to the market, Miriam was able to retire in her late 40’s, returning to Winnipeg to care for her mother, who was alone after her husband’s passing. She cared meticulously for her mother while at the same time taking on new responsibilities with nieces, nephews and extended family.
Her love of the arts, cinema and theatre knew no bounds. She read voraciously; history, politics, fiction, nonfiction and her favourite newsmagazines. She strove to stay current in politics and world events, and enjoyed her connections with the Chavurat Tefilah and the Jewish Reading Circle.
While she appeared to be a larger than life persona, Miriam was also a very private individual, one who was able to speak volumes without really letting you in to the struggles that she faced. She emanated warmth and left an impression on everyone she encountered.
Her family is comforted in knowing that her memory and dedication will continue to inspire us for years to come.
She was laid to rest at the B’nai Abraham Cemetery on Tuesday May 23. Donations in Miriam’s honour may be made to the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre ( http://gwensecter.com/donations/ ) or to a charity of one’s 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.