Obituaries
RUTH CLAMAN (RUSEN) June 22, 1925 – November 21, 2023
On November 21, 2023, 8 Kislev 5784, Ruth Claman, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and mother-in-law, passed away peacefully at her home in Zichron Yaacov, Israel, surrounded by her children, at the age of 98 years. Ruth will be deeply missed by her children, Aba (Pamela), Beatrice, Marsha (James), Yael, David (Brenda), Debbie (Talor), Aaron (Tova), Barbara, Adele (Drew), Keterina and her 19 grandchildren (Zol, Gil, Barr, Lee, Alex, Baruch, Amanda, Amit, Barry, Samuel, Benjamin, Louie, Zach, Josh, Noa, Daniel, Sarrah, Gabriel, Talia) and 13 great grandchildren (Nathan, Caleb, Hannah, Coby, Mika, Noa, Adam, Max, David, Eli, Aspen, Yehonaton, Daniella), and her many nieces, nephews and in-laws. Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband, Zalman Barry Claman; her brother, Aubrey Rusen (Shelley), her sister, Beatrice Short (Harvey); and her parents, Eva and Louis Rusen.
Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband, Zalman Barry Claman; her brother, Aubrey Rusen (Shelley), her sister, Beatrice Short (Harvey); and her parents, Eva and Louis Rusen. Ruth grew up in Winnipeg, where she excelled in music and developed lifelong friendships. Her love of all music began at an early age. While attending St. John’s High School in Winnipeg, she sang the leading role in several Gilbert & Sullivan Operas and distinguished herself at many musical festivals. At 18 years of age, she was the first contestant from Winnipeg selected to sing in the “The Singing Stars of Tomorrow” in Toronto. Moving to Swift Current in 1949, she was the soloist in Swift Current Philharmonic Society’s production of the Messiah and was a soloist for almost every organization in the city, including band concerts, and Mrs. Towns Melody Maids. Ruth loved fishing, hunting, babies and travelling the world. She took pride in her Jewish heritage and was an active member of her Synagogue and the Israeli Philharmonic Choir. A strong believer in tzedakah, Ruth volunteered throughout her life at the Jewish Homes For the Aged in both Los Angeles and Israel. She always opened her home to those who needed a home, and taught English to IDF Officers and assisted immigrants in Israel. Above all, Ruth was a devoted wife and mother. In 1945, she married Zalman Claman, which marked the beginning of a love affair and partnership that lasted only 21 years due to his untimely death. They had ten children together and Ruth’s love for all of her children was limitless and unconditional; there was absolutely nothing she wouldn’t do for them. Ruth was also fortunate to have numerous lifelong friends with whom she shared many special times. Her love of Israel motivated her to move there in 1976, where she remained. She was buried next to her husband in Har ha-Zetim, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel.
Expressions of condolence can be sent to Barbara Claman: bclaman@hotmail.com.
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.