Obituaries
NORMAN GOREN
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Goren on March 5th, 2021, at the age of 93.
Norman Goren was predeceased by his devoted wife Tillie Goren, his parents, Max and Fanny Goren, his five brothers and sisters, Ted Goren, Al Goren, Rebecca Hollander, Goldie Skidmore and Abe Goren. He is survived by his sons Monty Goren, Steve Goren (Donna Chudnow), Brent (Julie) Goren: grandchildren Rachel, Dayna, Jennifer and Cierra Goren; brothers and sister in law, Joe Elfenbaum, Sylvia Segal and Louis Elfenbaum.
Norman was a wonderful man, loved and admired for his kindness, generosity, and humility by everyone who knew him. Norman was truly one of a kind and there are very few people who were as nice and genuine as he was. The world was a better place with him and there is now a void in the world without him.
He was born in 1927 in a small homestead community around Estevan, Saskatchewan. Around the age of 23 years old, he was introduced to a young beautiful woman, Tillie Elfenbaum from Lipton, Saskatchewan. She thought he looked like Paul Newman and it was love at first sight. They were married on a rainy day in Saskatchewan on July 30th, 1950. Throughout their marriage, they were inseparable.
Norm was a creative, inventive and resourceful man, using these skills and talents to enhance all aspects of his business and family life. He was a proud entrepreneur, owning shoe stores in St. James, East Kildonan and St. Vital. Eventually, he concentrated on “Shoe Fair” in St. Vital and it became the go-to place for family fittings. He was honoured and humbled that people would come to see him from across the city because he fitted them with personalized care that kept multi-generations of families coming back year after year. Shoe Fair, St. Vital was an institution in the community until he retired from the shoe business in the 80’s.
Norm was an avid reader, reading almost all hours of the day and night until his last day on this earth. There wasn’t an espionage book that didn’t make it onto his list. He would read almost 90 books a year for almost 25 years and in his 93rd year, he read over 40 books on his computer. Reading was truly his passion.
In his early retirement, he loved to play golf with his buddies and celebrated his first hole in one at the age of 75. Norm was also a skilled card player, amassing quite the collection of quarters that he always joked would be a substantial inheritance for his kids.
Norm was a strong advocate of education and was proud that all of his children graduated from professional schools and were successful in their own right.
Norm loved his grandchildren more than life itself and even though he spent most of his life separated from them in different cities, he was intimately involved in their lives with extended trips and visits to celebrate their birthdays, Bat Mitzvahs, and graduations. The family celebrations and mitzvahs were the most important parts of his life. His grandchildren, over the years, have had a special bond with their Zaidy. He could not be prouder of them and was grateful to be able to watch them grow and become the beautiful women that they are today.
Despite the limitations and restrictions of the pandemic, Norm, his children, grandchildren and extended family found ways to continually connect. They would Facetime often during the day and even more so during the lockdown period. This intimate connection is what kept his spirits high during this most difficult period.
The Goren family would like to extend their gratitude to everyone at the Simkin Centre, especially the staff on Weinberg 2. They provided him with a wonderful home for his last few years.
Norm lived his almost 94 years of life surrounded by a love of family, leaving a memory that will be sustained within them eternally.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a direct online donation to The Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre Foundation Inc., click on or call (204) 589-9027.
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.