Obituaries
PEARL PALAY
1930 – 2017
With great sadness we announce the passing of Pearl Palay (nee Hollander), suddenly on Tuesday morning, March 14, 2017 at Grace Hospital.
Pearl was a loving mother to her children, Linda (Norman), Murray (Ivy), Michael (Kathy) and Andrea (Noel). She adored her grandchildren Ilana (Bram), Jennifer (Nathan), Matthew, Leo, Max, Josh, Zachary, Samantha, Rachel, Alexa and Eli. She also was great-grandmother to Brody, Reid, Noah, Stella and Evie. She leaves behind her sisters Clarice Rayter and Sheila (Izzy) Moskovitch, many nieces and nephews, and Kathy’s children Everett and Amy who all adored her. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Syd, and her daughter-in-law Elana. Pearl was born 86 years ago in Winnipeg, living in the North End for most of her life, and moving to the South End later in life to be near her children and grandchildren. They were the focus of her life, and her world revolved around them. The unsolicited devotion of her children and grandchildren are testimony to the special person she was. Never wanting to trouble anyone, she was always happy with her lot in life, and grateful for everything. She was renowned as a baker, her specialties now a lost art. Pearl’s compassion for others went beyond her immediate family, she cared for everyone, and anyone who knew her cared equally for her. She was devoted to our father, Syd, and didn’t leave his side during his final four months in hospital. Although the last few years presented health problems and Pearl was not as mobile as she wanted to be, she remained supportive, open minded, and generous to others. She was a very clever woman and until her final day had her full wits about her. In the end, Pearl handled her pain as she handled her life, without a complaint, quietly and with dignity. We will all miss her dearly. We would like to thank Mom’s physicians, Dr. Claire Jaeger, Dr. Charles Bernstein and Dr. Stephen Corne. Donations in Pearl’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba to the “Eli Solomon Special Needs Fund”, or to Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
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.