Obituaries
PAUL (FEIVEL) GRANOVSKY May 19, 1931 – December 26, 2023
Paul, of blessed memory, passed away the 15th of Tevet, 5784.
Paul is survived by his wife of 25 years, Claire Breslaw, his daughter Sharon, son Stephen (Ferne), grandchildren Kevin (Anna), Allison (Rob), Ben, Ava, and Sadie, great-grandson Maxwell, and his brother Bernie, as well by his stepchildren Susan (Tom) and Curtis (Sara), and step grandchildren, Sophie, Ethan, Malcolm, and Sam. He loved all deeply, without condition.
Paul was pre-deceased by his first wife of 32 years, Barbara, his sister Tybie, and his stepdaughter Shelley (Kevin).
Paul was proudly a life-long resident of Winnipeg. He was an icon on the Manitoba sports scene. Paul was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the infamous Stellars who won Canadian Championships in basketball in 1950 and 1951. He was also one of the best tennis players in the province, earning an athletic scholarship to Bemidji State for both tennis and basketball. At a time when few left Winnipeg for school, Paul went on to the University of Illinois to earn his Masters in Education and as a PhD candidate in Colorado.
Paul left Colorado before completing his PhD to tend to his first wife Barbara who had fallen ill. Barbara would recover. Paul fell in love with teaching and remained in Winnipeg as a high school teacher and coach for more than 30 years. “Mr. G”, as he was affectionately known by his students, was beloved for his totally approachable demeanour, quick wit, and his complete dedication to each student individually. He always was one who volunteered to staff student trips abroad and, while his focus was basketball, Paul also coached many sports teams over the years, mentoring athletes who would go on to represent Canada and participate in the Olympics.
Paul was active at Rosh Pina synagogue, spending a term as Vice President. He was fluent in Yiddish, proud of his daughter for carrying on the Yiddish legacy; while maybe a tad embarrassed of his son’s lack of “linguistic abilities”.
Paul’s humility was surpassed only by his achievements. He regaled nobody with his stories; even his children knew precious few details of his many accolades. Paul was content and his modesty defined him. Paul’s first wife Barbara fell ill again in 1994 and, as was Paul’s way, he left teaching to initially travel extensively with Barbara and then go on to support her by her bedside; twelve hours each day over her final months. Paul and Claire married in 1998. Theirs was a late in life love affair that lasted 25 years. Rarely apart, Paul was as dedicated to Claire as she was to him; together they brought the Breslaw and Granovsky families together as one.
Paul was not just a husband or partner to Barbara and to Claire. He was a true soulmate. Paul was simply an awesome role model for everyone who met him. The family is ever thankful to the staff of Grace Hospital, 5 North. As everyone, they loved Paul. They took great care of Paul in his final weeks and the family owes a debt of gratitude. A special thanks to Dr. George and Dr. Joshua.
Donations in Paul’s honor may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – The Breslaw/Granovsky Fund. (www.jewishfoundation.org/how-to-give) or to the Grace Hospital Foundation (www.gracehospitalfoundation.ca/ways-to-help)
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.