Obituaries
SANDY CHOCHINOV
It is with profound and overwhelming sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Sandy Alan Chochinov, Sunday, March 14, 2021, at home in Winnipeg surrounded by his wife Lori and son Joachim Storm.
Sandy leaves his loving and supportive family to mourn: Mom Gertie Chochinov; his sister Heather Chochinov, (Terry Calof); his brother Barry (Sharla) Chochinov; nieces and nephews, Jesse, Mallory (Justin), Lindsay (Colin), Kai (Lauren); great-nephew and nieces, Jayden, Harper and Maverick; his in-laws, Lorraine and Pete Harder; and the Harder and Sinclair families.
Along with many, many relatives, friends and colleagues.
He was predeceased by his one-of-a-kind father, Stormin Norman Chochinov.
A Canadian musician since 1968, Sandy bravely followed his passion for music – which was like breathing for him. He played the electric bass with his own unique style, sound and tone unlike any other.
He toured, recorded and performed across Canada until the late 1990s.
Sandy taught himself the art of recording, editing and mixing his own music in his home studio for the last 20 years. He continued to create and record music, playing bass, beats, guitar and keys, along with many of his musical brothers and sisters, producing 17 projects to date.
Sandy worked for Child and Family Services as a family support worker for 20 years where he inspired many young people and their families to never give up and to always follow their dreams.
Sandy was a champion for the vulnerable and the less fortunate and he honestly and fearlessly advocated for every single one of them. He continuously put others first and lived and enjoyed every moment of his life to the fullest.
He loved being outside in nature, leaving only his footprints behind.
He was full of peace, love, humility – a kind and gentle soul.
A loyal lifelong friend to many, a loving, funny and dedicated son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle.
An unconditional father to Joachim Storm and the love of Lori’s life.
Sandy made the world a better place just by being him and he will be deeply missed by all.
“ …all we have is this moment to be alive
reach out before it passes and it’s gone.
BE STRONG”
-Sandy Chochinov, 2020
Donations can be made to Winnipeg Harvest or Siloam Mission.
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.