Obituaries
SHIRLEY DINER
It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Shirley Diner on November 7, 2017.
Predeceased by her loving husband Dr. Allan E. Diner. Cherished mother of Janis Diner Brinley (Dana), Barbara Kowall (Sydney), Steven Bruce Diner and sister Audrey Stall.
She leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her treasured grandchildren Andrew Kowall (Candace), Madeline Lopez Ficher (Federico), Robert Brinley and great grandchildren Ruby Kowall, Eli and Jonah Lopez Ficher.
Shirley recently celebrated her 91st birthday with great joy surrounded by her family. Her indomitable spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Gramma Shirley deeply loved spending time with each one of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Known for her extraordinary culinary talents, Shirley enjoyed creating fantastic themed dinner parties, sumptuous family meals and elaborate care parcels.
Her flair for style and design was evident in everything she did. Mom was a trendsetter and enjoyed dressing up, never leaving the house without her red lipstick.
Shirley described the Winnipeg Art Gallery as her “home away from home” serving with the Volunteer Associates for 52 years. She chaired several committees and was a long standing member of two art study groups, one since 1957.She took great pleasure in attending a variety of arts and cultural events; particularly the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and going to the movies.
Mom and Dad loved travelling, exploring many countries around the world. In recent years she enjoyed extended visits with her family in Victoria.
Her passing is a reminder of how precious life is, to live each day to its fullest, filled with love.
The family is very grateful for the loving support of Shirley‘s special friend Grace Fracz.
A heartfelt thank you to caregivers Ethel and Mafi.
We will lovingly continue Shirley’s tradition of ending every singing of Happy Birthday with “Good evening friends”.
Funeral services were held on November 9, 2017 at Congregation Shaarey Zedek.
Pallbearers were Andrew Kowall, Robert Brinley, Federico Lopez Ficher, Bruce Ames, Marvin Samphir, Joel Samphir and Daniel Samphir.
Donations may be made to Congregation Shaarey Zedek Minyan Fund, Winnipeg Art Gallery or the Humane Society.
“Stand still long enough for the butterfly to land on your nose.”
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.