Obituaries
MOJLUF MUYAL z”l
Surrounded by his loving family, Mojluf Muyal z”l passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Sunday, July 9th, 2023 (20th day of Tammuz, 5783) at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. Mojluf is predeceased by his parents, Yamin Muyal and Rachma (Bensoussan) and his sisters Esther Levy and Mary Benarroch. Mojluf is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Mary Muyal, son Yamin (Karla), siblings Anita Muyal (Mojluf z”l), Moses Muyal (Darcy z”l), and grandchildren Josh and Hannah.
Mojluf was born July 29th, 1932 in Casablanca, Morocco. Mojluf & his family eventually moved to Tangier where he grew up. Mojluf left high school early in order to work and help support his family. In 1957, at age 25, Mojluf decided he and his family deserved better, and alone, set sail on a long, strenuous trip to Canada, arriving many days later in the town of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Once in Halifax, Mojluf eventually made his way to Winnipeg where he began working as a long haul truck driver, in order to save money to bring the rest of his family over from Morocco. After a few years of saving up, he sent for his sisters and parents to come to Canada.
While driving truck was paying the bills, Mojluf had higher ambitions in life and eventually discovered his love for electronics. Mojluf decided to become a licensed electrician and opened up his own TV & radio repair shop called Yuma Television on Maryland St, eventually moving the business into the basement of his home on Inkster Blvd.
In 1967 while attending “Festival 67” in Montreal, Mojluf met a beautiful young Moroccan girl named Mary who happened to be from the same town he was born in. It was truly love at first sight and Mojluf knew right then and there that Mary was going to be his wife. Within a matter of weeks, the two were married.
Mary eventually left Montreal and moved to Winnipeg with her now husband Mojluf where they had a son, Yamin, in 1970. Mojluf and Mary raised their son Yamin in an orthodox Jewish household, sending him to the private Jewish school Mary happened to teach at, Talmud Torah.
As time went on, and Yamin got older, Mojluf got to welcome a daughter in-law Karla, and two grandchildren, Josh and Hannah. Mojluf absolutely adored his grandchildren, and loved being their Abuelo. Whether it was taking Josh fishing at the Selkirk docks, or making Hannah’s favourite pancakes, Mojluf dedicated the last 20+ years of his life to his family. Hosting many Shabbat dinners, taking the grandkids to Talmud Torah synagogue and just spending time with his family.
As time went on, and Mojluf and Mary got older, they sold their home on Inkster Blvd after 60+ amazing years. Mary moved into the Simkin Centre where she could receive extra care, and Mojluf moved into his son Yamin’s home. During the last few years of Mojluf’s life, he went daily across the city, to sit and be with his wife, Mary, at Simkin. Nothing was more important to him at this time, than being with and spending all the time he could with the love of his life.
In mid June of 2023, Mojluf went into the Grace Hospital for a hip replacement, but quickly endured some medical complications, and passed away peacefully in the ICU with his family by his side.
Mojluf’s family would like to take a moment to thank the amazing staff at Grace Hospital, especially nurse Marie, who went above and beyond in Abuelo’s care (or as he was known on the ICU ward, “Mo”) We are eternally grateful to all of you.
Abuelo. The path that you paved for your family, is one we are proud to take with your memory in mind. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us, we love you so much. May your Neshama have an Aliyah.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Mojluf’s memory to your local synagogue.
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.