Obituaries
SARAH GOLUMBIA
Peacefully, surrounded by family, Sarah Golumbia passed away on Thursday, July 19th, 2018 at 99 years of age.
She was predeceased by her parents, Alice and Israel Kasloff, her beloved husband David and her brother Zachary Kasloff (Josephine). She is survived by her sister Shirley Garfinkel (Irvin) and many devoted nieces and nephews. She has left a great void in the lives of her loving and devoted family; daughters Reesa Niznick (Gerald), Elaine Golumbia and her son Sheldon Golumbia. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren; Lisa Leonard, Amy Konheim (Jon), Jennifer Stitz and Hart Stitz, and by her great grandchildren; Dana, Emily and Andrew Leonard, Ashley, Haley and Carly Konheim.
Sarah was born April 18th, 1919 in Winnipeg and was raised in a very warm and closely knit family. She married David in 1942 and they enjoyed a wonderful married life until his passing in 1995. Their legacy to our family is a treasured gift to us that will be passed on to our families for generations.
Our mom was a positive thinker, appreciating all aspects of her life. She loved and cherished her family and friends. By her zest for life, devotion to family and sense of humor, she was a role model and an inspiration to us. Although heartbroken, we are filled with love and appreciation for the many years of beautiful memories she created for us.
A special thank you to Trinidad Solano for her kindness, care and compassion provided to our mother over the past 9 years.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, July 22nd at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue with interment at Shaarey Zedek cemetery. Services were conducted by Rabbi Anibal Mass. Pallbearers were Gerald Niznick, Hart Stitz, Andrew Leonard, Jon Konheim, Ted Kasloff, Harvey Garfinkel, Alex Garfinkel and Joel Niznick. Honorary pallbearers were Irvin Garfinkel and Jerry Webb.
If so desired, contributions may be made in Sarah’s memory to the charity of your choice.
A very long life, very well lived.
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.