Obituaries
SHARON JACQUELINE VINSKY
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sharon on December 24, 2017.
Sharon was born on October 26, 1944 in Edmonton, Alberta.
She is survived by her husband Morley and their children, Debby (husband Kevin and their children Ryan and Jared) and Rory (wife Tara and their child Hayden). She is also survived by her sister Eileen and her children and grandchildren.
Sharon had one goal in her married life of 52 years, and that was to live her life according to the two words that were on a necklace she proudly wore around her neck, “Yiddasha Momma”.
Those two words were the badge of honour that would govern her life. Her duty, as she saw it, was to ensure that she gave her husband and children every ounce of devotion that she was capable of and more. When times were tough she only got stronger by pitching in and doing what had to be done. She worked by my side in good times and bad and never complained.
When special events occurred such as birthdays, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and Chanuka she would always make sure that cards were sent or given. Not satisfied with what was printed inside the card, she would always add her heartfelt feelings in what could only be described as short essay.
She loved to travel to see her grandchildren and to vacation in Palm Springs.
She was very close with her sister and her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed talking and visiting with them.
Her passing left a deep void in the hearts of all the people she touched and that was evident in the support we received and continue to receive.
A special thanks goes out to Dr. Jeremy Lipshitz from Health Sciences Centre, Dr. Christina Kim at Victoria Hospital and Dr. Candace Bradshaw and to the staff at the Oncology Department at Seven Oaks and Victoria Hospital.
The Palliative Care nurses from home care and the Palliative Care doctors and nurses from Riverview were the angels that guided us on a difficult journey and provided comfort and care for Sharon and our family. God bless them all.
Her funeral was held on December 27 at Etz Chayim Synagogue with interment at Rosh Pina Memorial Park. A very special thanks goes out to Cantor Tracy Kasner who will always be my Rabbi.
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.