Obituaries
ROSALIND S. WATERMAN November 17, 1936 – December 8, 2021.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Rosalind Waterman on December 8th, 2021, at the age of 85.
She departed this world peacefully, surrounded by her four sons. Roz was a devoted wife, mother, and bubba. She is survived by her loving sons Jack, Bruce, David (Angela), Marc (Wylie), and her grandchildren Max, Joshua and Liora. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Daniel Waterman, to whom she was married for 51 years, her parents Marjorie and Jack Cristall, and sister Donna Cipin.
Roz was born in Edmonton and was the first woman to have had a bat mitzvah in western Canada. She moved to Winnipeg as a young woman to find her way in life.
In Winnipeg, Roz met the love of her life, Danny. They married and together raised four active boys. Family meant everything to Roz. She devoted her life to her husband and to raising her children in a Jewish home. She was known for her legendary cooking and baking and for always ensuring a fresh dessert with every meal. On Fridays, she would prepare Shabbat dinner for the family. Roz was a lifetime member of Hadassah-WIZO.
Roz was open minded and accepting. Everyone was welcome at her table. She had a wonderful sense of adventure and was fun to be around.
Roz enjoyed weekends at Gimli with family and friends, delighting her neighbors with her famous apple cake.
She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching hockey and football with her family. Over many years, her family managed to successfully change her allegiance from the Eskimos to the Bombers.
Roz and Danny loved bowling with their friends, enjoyed travelling the world together and spending time with family.
Once Danny passed away, Roz reinvented herself and developed a wider social group. She liked to gather with friends to play Mahjong and Mexican Train.
She spent a significant amount of time visiting her kids in BC where she was able to enjoy quality time with her grandchildren who meant the world to her. She was the best Bubba. The children always looked forward to her visits with excitement. They would always have so much to tell her, and she would love listening to their stories and playing with them.
The funeral and burial service was held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Friday, December 10. The pallbearers were Jeff Cipin, Jacqui Cipin, Caralyn Cipin, Marla and Aubrey Dan and Greg Tugg. Honorary pallbearers were Jennifer Tugg and Aviva Cipin. Donations in Rosalind’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
She will always be remembered.
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.