Obituaries
SHIRLEY ETHEL KOZLOWICH (née SCHEIMAN)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful Mother and Baba Shirley Kozlowich at the age of 72. With family by her side, Shirley peacefully passed away on July 18th, 2021.
Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her children, Shane Kozlowich (Carly Shuler), Tara Kozlowich (Paul Shur), her grandchildren that she adored, Samara Shur, Paula Kozlowich, Bailee Shur and Sam Kozlowich, her sisters Fae Simon (Carl Findlay), Nancy Scheiman (Neil Stern), and Zahava Scheiman-Burkhardt (Klaus Scheiman-Burkhardt), her nephew Ari Simon, her niece Mariah Clarke (Kristian Clarke), her grandniece Sienna Clarke and many close relatives and friends.
Shirley was born on March 8th, 1949 in Stockholm, Sweden to Bella Scheiman (nee Knacker) and Moshe Scheiman. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1952 and settled in the North End where Shirley attended Peretz School, Luxton School and St John’s High School. As the oldest child, Shirley often looked after her sisters, enjoyed playing with them and remained close to them for the rest of her life. Shirley made many close friends in these early years and these deep friendships also continued for the rest of her life. While attending St. John’s, Shirley met her beloved Sam. They were married in 1970 and enjoyed 28 years of laughing, understanding and joy until Sam passed away in 1998.
Shirley attended the University of Manitoba where she studied Education and then taught Grades 2 and 3 at Champlain School. After some time away from teaching while Shane and Tara were in elementary school, Shirley returned to teaching at Miles Macdonell Collegiate where she taught for the rest of her career. She was so proud of her students that had immigrated to Canada much as she had and found great joy in inspiring her students through her teaching. She loved running into her students where they would often approach her to say thank you for helping them in their early days in Canada. Shirley especially loved teaching at the same school as Sam and with the life-long friends she made there.
Shirley retired in 2013 following which she continued to enjoy doing crosswords and reading in the sun, but mainly she spent every minute she could with her grandchildren. Her love for them was always on display, whether buying them treats at the vending machine, being first in line at their various concerts, sports events, dance recitals, or simply playing silly games with them on the floor. Shirley was her family’s biggest cheerleader and she encouraged and supported her children and grandchildren with kindness and patience. Shirley’s life was focussed on the lives of her grandchildren, much as her life was focussed on the lives of Shane and Tara when they were younger. Shirley’s children and grandchildren knew what it meant to be so loved and that feeling will forever be missed but also lovingly remembered.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents Bella and Moshe, and by Sam Kozlowich, her high school sweetheart and husband.
Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Special thanks to Cantor Tracy Kasner, a dear friend of Shane and Tara’s for her beautiful eulogy and support during this difficult time. Memorial donations may be made to the Shirley Kozlowich Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
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.