Obituaries
RITA VINE
After a life long lived, it is with loving memories and sad hearts we announce the passing of Rita Vine on June 23, 2022 at the age of 91.
Left with treasured memories are her children Marty and Pam, Cindy and Marc, and grandchildren Jordan(Tali), Riley(Bev), Amy(Liam), Jesse, and Seth. Rita was predeceased by her devoted and much loved husband of 60 years, Alec, who passed in 2014, parents, Rose and Nathan Garfinkel, and by her brother and sister-in-law Irv and Shirley Garfinkel.
Rita was born in Winnipeg on September 7, 1930, and grew up in the South End of the city. She lived with her parents and various members of extended family in their family grocery stores, and attended Kelvin High from which she graduated. Rita worked as a secretary in the Legislative Building until she married the love of her life Alec in 1953 and became a housewife and stay at home mom to Marty and Cindy. She was a devoted mother to her children, and a loving and caring daughter to her mother who she looked after for many years. When faced with difficult times throughout our dad’s lengthy illness, she demonstrated a strength and devotion that was an inspiration to all, first looking after him at home, then spending every day with him at the Simkin Centre where he spent his last years.
Rita enriched the lives of her family, friends, and acquaintances with her love, caring, and humour. She enjoyed watching her children mature, succeed in their careers, and start their own families. She took great pride in her grandchildren and so enjoyed hearing about their lives and accomplishments.
Rita and Alec were a wonderful team and had a loving 60 year marriage. They had a close circle of lifelong friends and were engaged in numerous activities. Saturday nights out ‘for a bite’ with the group went on for years as did travels to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Mexico with various members of their gang. Rita was proud of her Jewish heritage and volunteered with ORT and other organizations over the years. She made long lasting connections and still cherished her childhood friends from Kelvin High. She remained close with her Maj group and developed new friendships in her later years as she navigated her new normal, living on her own with Alec a resident in the Simkin Centre. Credit to her for being able to reinvent her life and welcome new friends and experiences at this later stage of her life.
Although we are saddened by the loss of a loved family member, we celebrate the life of an accomplished women, wife, mother, and grandmother. It is said in the Jewish faith that people never leave as long as you remember them. We will cherish the long life she lived and the memories we made with her, rather than ask why we cannot have more. She lived a beautiful life blessed with family and friends and leaves us with many loving memories to hold in our hearts.
As a family we are grateful and extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff on Weinberg One at the Simkin Centre where our mom spent her last years, and to Leizl whose caring and compassion are so appreciated. Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Monday June 27, 2022. Pallbearers were Jordan Vine, Riley Streifler, Amy Vine, Jesse Streifler, Seth Streifler and Harvey Garfinkel. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Shaarey Zedek, The Simkin Centre, or a charity of your choice.
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.