Obituaries
MYRA JOAN WOLCH 1933 – 2021
Myra Joan Wolch passed away in Winnipeg on January 25, 2021, at the age of 87. She was predeceased by her parents, Bertha and Gordon Kliman, and her beloved partner Saul Cherniack.
Cherished and loving mother to Sara (Julian Zuckerbrot), Mark (Sandra) and Jonathan, and grandmother to Ari Zuckerbrot and Jackson Wolch. She is also lovingly remembered by Saul’s family: Lawrie (Bea), Howard (Laurie Kahn), grand-daughters Katie (Grant Prairie) and Jennie (Matthew Williamson), and great-grand-children Isaac, Oliver and Sybil. Myra was the eldest cousin in a very large and loving extended family that ensured she was an only-child in name only.
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Myra moved to Winnipeg at the age of 17. Her job in a record store in her teens began her life-long love of music: from Broadway hits to Jacques Brel, Lenny Breau and Classical. A true patron of the arts, she held season tickets to the Winnipeg Symphony and Manitoba Theatre Centre for more than 50 years. She adored the visual arts and design and had a special love for Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” series. Her heart sang when she was finally able to travel to Monet’s home in Giverny, France, to walk among the flowers and grounds that inspired such timeless beauty.
Myra was strong, smart and incredibly glamorous, all in equal measure. She was a voracious reader and devastating Scrabble opponent, a lover of CBC radio, and devourer of the New Yorker Magazine. She loved to entertain and joked that her table was always elastic, easily accommodating more food and more chairs. Her homemade toffee and brownies, which she claimed contained “love” as their secret ingredients, brought smiles to everyone.
A graveside ceremony and private shiva have taken place.
The family wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation to: Rabbi Matthew Leibl, Estelle Raber and Rena Secter Elbaze of Shaarey Zedek Synagogue; our dear cousin, Dr. Sarah Kredentser, for her compassion and guidance; Dr. Susan Robillard; and Dr. Peter Bialy, along with the nurses and staff at Seven Oaks General Hospital.
Heartfelt thanks to Marilyn Roldan, of Blossoms Senior Care, for her gentle presence and loving-kindness as Mom’s caregiver.
Donations in Myra’s memory may be made to:
The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s Endowment Fund Tel: (204) 949-3973; and, Online at https://my.wso.ca/donate/contribute1?ct=13
The ‘Myra Wolch Fund’ at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba Tel: (855) 284-1918; and, Online at www.jewishfoundation.org
Or the 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.