Obituaries
MORRIS CHAPNICK
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear father, zaida, zaida-zaida, uncle and brother Morris Chapnick on April 13, 2020.
He was predeceased by his parents Abraham and Edith, wife Thelma, twin sister (at age 3), and his sister Anne Girvitz.
He is survived by his children, Sid (Fern) and Sharon (Stan) Zynoberg.
His grandchildren, Michael (Lynn), Kelly (Dave), Marc (Tammy), Colin (Amanda), David (Jen). His great-grandchildren, Jacob, Juliana (Cam), Megan, Jamie, Hayley, Kirstyn, Brayden, Ethan, Caleb, Rory and Gabriella. Great-great grandchildren, Deklyn, Aleigha, Levi, Rose and Hunter. Brother Allen, sister Sarah Wilner, brother-in-law Gerry Girvitz, and sister-in-law Bernice Goldhar.
His death leaves us saddened but uplifted in spirit because of our many memories of a life well lived.
Morris was born in Poland on April 29, 1923. Morris met Thelma in their teens and married when they were both 19 years old while he was serving in the Air Force during World War II. They were soulmates and married for 62 and 3/4 years.
Morris was an accountant. During tax season he and Thelma worked side-by-side doing personal tax returns. Morris was one of a kind, a forward thinker. Unlike many of his contemporaries he didn’t recoil at the sight of technological advancement.
The two cherished the moment they became grandparents. They were hands on from babysitting to taking their grandchildren on road trips. Morris enjoyed many years of travel beginning with their first road trip in 1957 when he travelled with his family to Toronto. They continued this tradition for the next 50 years across most of Canada and the United States. Morris and Thelma also made their way to Israel on several occasions and Hawaii was one of their favorite winter spots. They brought their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with them to soak up the sun.
Morris was very involved in community life: a founding member of the Bnay Abraham Synagogue – on the board for many years, a board member of the General Monash Legion, and a member of the Gwen Secter Centre.
Morris was strong willed; he lived in his own home and drove until the age of 94.
Morris’s biggest delight was his family – they meant everything to him. Morris taught his kids and grandchildren love, patience, humour, and generosity. May we continue to be inspired by this wonderful role model.
A graveside funeral service was held at the Bnay Abraham Cemetery on April 14, 2020 officiated by Rabbi Kliel Rose. Pallbearers were Stan Zynoberg, Michael Chapnick, Kelly Singleton, Marc Zynoberg, Colin Chapnick and David Zynoberg.
Thank you to all of his many caregivers especially Alysha, Beata and Abdi Hakim as well as River Ridge II and Home Instead.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – Morris and Thelma Chapnick Endowment Fund, or a 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.