Obituaries
PERCY GOLDBERG
Percy died peacefully at his home in Winnipeg on June 26, 2019 surrounded by the people who loved him most. He was 97 years old.
He is survived by and will be deeply missed by his four children, Hennie Corrin (Richard Corrin), Barbara Goldberg, Patrice Goldberg and Laurence Goldberg (Diane Spivak); seven grandchildren, Matthew Corrin (Kate Corrin), Rachel Nedelec (Adam Nedelec), Adam Corrin (Lexi Corrin), Jonathan Goldberg, Rebecca Goldberg, Eric Meche and Michael Goldberg; and six great-grandchildren, Annie and Whitney Corrin; Lyla, Charlie and Madden Nedelec; and Piper Corrin; and will be sadly missed by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Paul and Karen Morton and by his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Elaine Goldberg in 2016, his parents, Morris and Flossie Goldberg, his brother Stanley Goldberg, his sister and brother-in-law Eileen and Barry Tessler and his sister and brother-in-law Adele and Sidney Standil.
Percy had a certain something special that touched people he encountered in an endearing and indelible way. He was a great conversationalist and an engaged and deferential listener. Everyone he met felt embraced by his warm and welcoming nature.
He was born in Winnipeg on August 15, 1921 and spent his formative years in Altona, Manitoba. He attended the University of Manitoba (B.A. 1942) and then the University of Toronto (D.D.S. 1946). He returned to the prairies and spent the first few years of his dentistry career in Altona before setting up permanently at 807 Portage Ave. in Winnipeg. He practiced for 47 years and contrary to stereotype, enjoyed and was rewarded by the practice of dentistry and the people he encountered along the way.
Percy met Elaine Morton in the lobby of the Royal York Hotel before the 1953 Grey Cup game. They were married four months later and in less than five years they had four children. Theirs was a long and loving marriage and family was always the most important thing in both of their lives. He loved and supported and provided for his family and extended family until his last day.
Percy led quietly and by example. To all who knew him, he was a model of how to live and age gracefully. Many people relied on his wisdom and good judgment. He was fiercely independent, never uttered a complaint and always put his own needs last. He was even-keeled and patient, modest and dignified. “Everything in moderation” was an expression he used and lived his life by. He loyally supported the Jets and Bombers (and, at the end, even the Raptors), read widely and was intellectually engaged in life until the very end.
As his strength declined, there were many people who stepped in to coordinate his care and for whom he became a respected and trusted friend. The family would especially like to thank Edith Mendoza, Maryann Cuevas, Leonara Mamorno, Maria Taflan, Jasmin Lamsen and Issac Okunola and Dr. Kevin Coates for his exemplary and trusted care.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 28, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, 561 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg and followed by a gathering of friends and family at 622 Park Blvd. West, Winnipeg. Shiva will be observed in Winnipeg on Sunday June 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 622 Park Blvd. West, Winnipeg; and in Toronto on Monday, July 1 and Tuesday, July 2 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 226 Stibbard Avenue, Toronto.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Percy’s memory to the Elaine and Percy Goldberg Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (www.jewishfoundation.org / Tel. (204) 477-7520) or CancerCare Manitoba Foundation (www.cancercarefdn.mb.ca / Tel. (204) 787-4177).
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.