Obituaries
SHIRLEY CHOCHINOV
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Chochinov on July 2nd, 2022.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Florence Wolodarsky, siblings Doris (Fred) Lacovetsky, Jack (Shirley) Wolodarsky, Marilyn (Martin) Levitt, brothers-in-law Larry Usiskin, Sid Bagel, and Norman Chochinov, sister-in-law Claire (Harold) Shukster, and beloved daughter Ellen Chochinov.
She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Dave Chochinov, her children Harvey (Michelle) Chochinov and Brenda (Howard) Ryant, grandchildren Lauren Chochinov, Rachel (Cam Marr) Chochinov, Brad (Kelcie) Ryant, Jeremy (Rebecca Visser) Ryant, and great-granddaughter Sawyer Ryant, her sisters Rose Usiskin and Evelyn Bagel, brother Bill (Anne Marie) Wolodarsky, sister-in-law Gertie Chochinov, and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Shirley was born October 25th, 1930 in Winnipeg’s North End. Born the fourth of seven children, Shirley grew up on Boyd Avenue surrounded by her siblings, her parents, and extended family.
In 1951 Shirley married Dave Chochinov, and for over seventy years, they formed a partnership for the ages. Their love and devotion, their mutual respect and their deep understanding of each other set an extraordinary example for their children and grandchildren. Together they raised Ellen, Harvey, and Brenda, through adversity and joy. When Dave and Harvey Cogan bought Tasty Seeds in 1976, Shirley and Nessie Cogan ran the front office, helping turn the business into a success for nearly 20 years.
She was the engine of the family, constantly planning parties and get-togethers. Dave and Shirley loved to entertain and their house on Attaché Drive and cottage at Winnipeg Beach were a gathering place for holidays, birthday parties, and BBQs. Shirley had a way of running the show in her quiet, unsuspecting manner. No matter how many people, no matter how many last-minute guests, she found an extra chair, an extra bed, and always more food. From the Wolodarsky family’s annual Cribbage Tournament to hosting the entire Lakeside Camp for the Handicapped, the door was always open, always welcoming.
Shirley’s pride in her children was only surpassed by the pride she had in each of her grandchildren. She loved them endlessly and took delight in their accomplishments, in their phone calls and visits. She was warmth and kindness. Her love was a sanctuary. Shirley lived to see her first great-grandchild, Sawyer, and constantly marvelled at her intelligence and her beauty. She would excitedly report Sawyer’s achievements to anyone in earshot. Sawyer’s first words, her first steps brought Shirley happiness during her final years.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bruce Martin for his extraordinary care of Shirley and Riverview Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit E3. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Unit E3 or Manitoba Possible (formerly Society for Manitobans with Disabilities).
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.