Obituaries
SAM MINUK
Sam was born on June 19, 1947, and passed away on March 22, 2020.
He was predeceased by his parents, Max and Edith Minuk. He leaves to mourn his loss: brothers, Gary (Cheryl) and Yosel (Lindsay), sister Maureen Pollock, special friend Darlene Francis, and many nephews and nieces.
Sam grew up in Winnipeg’s North End where he attended Luxton and St. John’s High School. He received his BA (Hon) at the University of Winnipeg and Masters Degree in History from the University of Waterloo.
Immortalizing the essence of a relative in an obituary is a task that hurts the heart and fatigues the mind. On the one hand, one wants to memorialize our loved one, but at the same time, we know that often the words we put to paper feel inadequate and cannot do justice to feelings of loss and sorrow.
No one could have written a better obituary than Sam himself. It would have been full of cartoons ad doodles, but it would have been eloquent and articulate. He had a way with pen and paper, a turn of phrase, and capturing the essence of a story. His birthday cards, silver screen synopsis and book, Minuk’s History of Canada, are just some of the many examples of his many talents.
Simplicity was the core of his personality. He was genuine, kind an humble. He went about life without ulterior motivation, and without expectation.
Beyond his love of family, there are at least three absolutes about Sam that anyone close to him could assert without reservation: he adored animals, the silver screen and teaching. His love for the three was endless. He showed compassion and kindness towards animals that was unmatched.
When Sam spoke about the Silver Screen during his lectures at the University of Winnipeg, Rady Centre or on occasions at the Centennial Concert Hall, his passion and excitement were palpable. He had an unmatched way with both the written and spoken word.
Sam first taught in England, subsequently at Winnipeg’s Peretz School and in later years served as a school principal in rural Manitoba. He was a master teacher who left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to be in his class. His many students will always remember the cartoons he drew on their assignments and tests.
Sam was extremely well read, a lifelong learner and had an encyclopedic knowledge of trivia. If he was on your team for Trivial pursuit you were assured a win.
In one of life’s worst ironies, a man so well read and eloquent was stricken with Semantic Dementia, a disease that robs you of your ability to read and understand words.
Due to concerns with the Coronavirus, a graveside service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with Rabbi Altein officiating. Pallbearers were Mark Chisick, Glen Keddy, Myron Love, Gary Micfliker, Richard Pollock and Yale Shaffer.
Special thanks to Noel Pascua and Trudy for their care and devotion during his difficult years at the Simkin Centre.
In honour of Sam’s memory, donations may be made to Winnipeg Humane Society or the charity of your choice.
We lost one of a kind.
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.