Obituaries
RAE SIMCES
Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Rae Simces, passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, not quite reaching her 103rd birthday.
Rae is predeceased by her loving husband, William Simces, and her son-in-law, Bernard Vigod. She leaves behind a family that loves her dearly: Daughter, Zena Simces (Simon Rabkin) and Son, Neil Simces; Granddaughters, Simone Vigod (Daniel) and Michelle Vigod (Jonathan) and Grandson, Zev (Simces) Faintuch; Great Grandchildren, Abigail, Robert, Cole and Bari.
Rae was born on November 29, 1916 in Poland. She survived World War II by escaping to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and made her way with her husband and their young child, who was born in a displaced persons camp in Linz Austria, to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Rae was a woman ahead of her time in many ways. She believed that women had a role to play in society and the economy and encouraged her daughter and granddaughters to pursue higher education and contribute inside and outside the home.
She was totally devoted to her children. She loved her granddaughters and was so proud of their accomplishments. When her great grandchildren were born, they became the apples of her eye adding to the fulfillment of her life. She moved from Winnipeg, to Fredericton, to Toronto and finally to Vancouver to be close to her children and grandchildren.
She was generous and selfless, and when she gave her word, she was adamant about keeping it. She was feisty, and had a good sense of humour. Cooking, baking and sharing food were an integral part of her life. You could not go over to her house without her insisting that you have something to eat. She never went to visit anyone empty handed, she always brought food.
Several phrases from the poem – Eishet Chayil (Woman of Valor) – in the Book of Proverbs, describe her well:
Her worth is far beyond rubies She opens her hand to the needy And extends her hand to the poor She is clothed with strength and splendor She opens her mouth with wisdom Many women have done superbly But you surpass them all.
May her soul rest in peace and be reconnected with her beloved husband and soulmate.
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.