Obituaries
SAMUEL LOUIS “SHOM” ROITENBERG
Our beloved father and grandfather left us on Tuesday November 27, 2018 at 93 years.
Shom was predeceased by his loving wife Sheila (2008), his beloved son Kerry (2017), his parents Isaac and Rose, his brothers George and Pinny and his sister Sylvia. Shom is survived by his children Janis, Evan & Audra, and his granddaughters Lindsay and Jillian. Shom is also survived by his nieces and nephews, his companion Bobby, and a litany of friends.
Born and raised in Winnipeg’s north end, Dad attended Aberdeen School and St. John’s Tech before joining the Air Force in 1943 as a mechanic. Luckily, we won the war anyway. Following his service, Dad went to work. First as a cutter in the clothing industry, then embarking on his 37 year career in the insurance business. Dad managed a top sales team with London Life and made lifelong friends, which is no surprise as Dad made friends wherever he went.
Dad was an accomplished baseball player. A first baseman, Dad would describe himself as having a good glove. Asked to describe himself as a hitter, Dad would remind you of how good a fielder he was. He played, and later managed, in the 20th Century League for the Whirlaways. Proving that one should always be young at heart, Dad continued to play into his 80’s with a group of senior all-stars, and renewed his gym membership this past summer.
Mom and Dad married in 1951. They created a home filled with love and raised a family together against a backdrop of humour and music. Mom could sing, Dad could not. Mom performed on stage, Dad applauded. Dad performed in the insurance world, Mom supported. They each played to their strengths and, together, taught their children to do the same. Even through adversity, humour and a desire to lead the best life possible guided the journey. Dad offered wisdom and quietly led by example. Dad was an extremely proud father and, if possible, an even prouder zaida…or, as he was known: a proud Yaya.
For the last 9 plus years, Dad enjoyed his companionship with Bobby. They travelled together, enjoyed dining out with friends or a simple evening playing cards. They helped keep each other young and enjoyed their grandchildren together, extending the good life.
And it was a good life. If being a mensch, a fine person, is the goal, then Dad exceeded all expectations. Dad was an extremely warm, caring and charming man. Not only a gentleman, but a gentle man. It is rare to hear of a man of whom no one can say a bad word. Shom Roitenberg was such a man. Always humble, he never understood the impact that he had on those around him. Yet, impactful he was. If you served Dad in a restaurant, helped him at the bank, or even scanned his groceries, he left you with a smile on your face. And in everyone’s memory of Dad, there is a smile on his.
Funeral services were held November 29 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Pallbearers were Ian Cramer, Jacob Cramer, Norman Yusim, Daniel Yusim, Jeff Hirsh and Michael Conner. Honorary pallbearer was Randy Cramer. A special thank you to Debby and Norm for always making Dad feel welcomed and loved. If desired, donations can be made to the ‘In Memory of Sheila and Kerry Roitenberg Fund’ at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, to the Luther Home Corp. of Winnipeg, or to a charity of your choosing.
Dad, Yaya in our hearts you will live forever. We will always love you.
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.