Obituaries
MONTE NATHANSON February 24, 1931 – June 15, 2024
We are heartbroken by our father’s death. Monte is survived by June, his wife of nearly 70 years; his kids, Sherryl, Gail (Warren), and Janice (Joel); his grandchildren, Ashley, Julie, Amy (Zach), Lindsay (Mathew), Jonathan and Kate; and his great-grandchildren, Mia, Hannah, Benji, Jake and Noah. Nothing made him happier than the entrance of the latest baby.
Monte was born to Ida and Max Nathanson in the North End of Winnipeg. He arrived on the scene late, 12 years after his brother Sidney and nine years after Cecil. Their house on O’Meara St. was a centre of cultural life where Yiddish writers, artists, actors and thinkers from everywhere gathered, talked, performed and ate (of course).
Monte’s young life was much a lot like other kids in the neighborhood: Peretz school, then St. John’s Tech, then the University of Manitoba. But our dad’s kindness stood out even as a young boy. Cecil was deaf and back then there was no technology. So, every week, Monte took his brother to the movies and signed the dialogue for him. He stayed by Cecil’s side the rest of his life.
Our parents got engaged in 1954, six weeks after they met. They married the same year. Monte was working in his father’s mattress company when, one day, he saw a plot of land. He borrowed the money, bought the land, and his life’s work began. He was a business force. He loved building buildings. He was everywhere: Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto.
But more important to him was his community. Max was the first chair of the UJA campaign, and at age 28, Monte was its youngest. He went on to become the president of the Winnipeg Jewish Community, a governor of Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and a stalwart supporter of Jewish education and Israel. When his father died, our dad built a kindergarten in his honour in Carmiel. It’s still there, serving kids from tough backgrounds. He took all of us to visit not that long ago.
And then there was the golf. What a player. A four handicap. That’s not easy in Winnipeg, given our winters. He would not be derailed. As he was a teenager, he built a putting green on his front lawn. He had his golf gang at Glendale they called the mafia. He played the world’s great golf courses, including Augusta. The last time we saw him, as we stood at his bedside, he was wearing his Master’s golf shirt. So perfect.
Above all, it was family first. Our mom was the centre of his life. Their unfaltering bond lasted nearly 70 years. Together, they built homes, travelled the world, and had amazing adventures. They had huge circles of friends. But it was really all about the kids. Nothing was as important to our parents than us. Our happiest moments were summers at West Hawk, road trips to Grand Forks (yup), winter vacations. As long as we were together, we were good.
When we talk about our dad though, we remember not what he did, but who he was. Everyone seems to describe him the same way: Elegant, dignified, larger than life. So many people have reached out to talk about his kindness and his graciousness. He made people feel special. When he walked into a room, you just knew everything would be okay.
Our father made our lives great. Because he was great. Right now, it’s hard to imagine our world without him.
Funeral services are being held on June 18, 2024, in Boca Raton, Florida. Shiva is in Toronto. Donations may be made to United Hatzalah Canada at https://www.uhcanada.org/. Click the donate button for a dedicated memorial page to Monte Nathanson.
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.