Obituaries
NAOMI CHAPMAN
With deep sorrow and in gratitude for the memories we have of her, we announce the passing of Naomi Chapman (née Romalis), peacefully on March 15, 2019 at the age of 84.
Naomi is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Arthur and Jo-Ann, Stephen and Sima, and Kenneth and Michelle as well as her grandchildren Shari, Jess and Grant Morgan, Yael, Daniel, Orli, Leora and Noa and her great-grandson Mikel as well as her brother and sister-in-law Brian and Miriam Romalis. She was predeceased by her parents Morris and Sophie Romalis and her beloved husband of 55 years, Jack Chapman.
Naomi was born on November 7, 1934 in Winnipeg. She grew up on Mountain Avenue and she was educated at Faraday School and St. John’s Tech. Following that, she attended the University of Manitoba and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Throughout all her years of education, Naomi was a dedicated scholar and was cited many times as a brilliant student. Soon after her graduation, Naomi and Jack were married and together raised three sons. The home on Sweetwood Bay was a gathering place for family and friends and many happy occasions were celebrated there.
Naomi had a life-long passion for the arts. Symphonies, books, plays, movies, operas and Saturday afternoon ballet performances with her beloved Aunt Rita Sarbit were attended on a regular basis. In addition, Naomi was a fabulous cook and many memorable meals were served. Whether it was for two or forty, she always served meals that were delicious and skillfully presented.
Naomi and Jack enjoyed travel both with their sons and each other. We have fond memories of our trips to California, Chicago, Israel and even just to Grand Forks.
After her sons were capable of taking care of themselves, Naomi decided to enter the workforce, first as a volunteer for the United Way and then to positions with ACTRA, the Manitoba Theatre Workshop (now the Prairie Theatre Exchange), CKY Radio and the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Upon her retirement, Naomi embraced the role of grandmother and, after three sons, thoroughly enjoyed shopping for her granddaughters. Naomi and Jack had many Sunday night dinners which have created countless happy memories for all of us.
Funeral services, led by Shames Bill Weissmann, were held on March 17, 2019 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Active pallbearers were Shari, Yael, Daniel, Orli, Leora and long-time family friend Jeff Slusky. Honorary pallbearers were family friends Michael Lazar, Howie Gilmore, Marvin Hendin, Brian Shuster and Lawrence Goldstine.
We gratefully thank the staff at Maples Personal Care Home for the excellent care they provided Naomi over the past eight years.
Donations can be made in Naomi’s honour to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba or 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.