Obituaries
SIDNEY BURSTEN
For Sidney Bursten, 83, the adventure that was his life ended suddenly when he died, Friday, August 9, 2024. It is perhaps noteworthy that Sid died in the same city he was born in, Winnipeg, because the odds might have been against it. It is only one of many cities Sid had lived in during his several careers, beginning with Red Deer, Alberta before he married. Then there were the cities he and his wife, Brenda Barrie Bursten, who survives him, lived in together, a life they both saw as an adventure. They began in Calgary, Alberta, then Edmonton, moved briefly to Indianapolis, Indiana; then spent a decade in Madison, Wisconsin; returned to Winnipeg for a decade long stay, then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota; Orange County, California; Baltimore, Maryland; returned to Orange County once again, and finally to Winnipeg (a final trip Brenda and Sid described as being ‘kid’napped by their kids, and ‘a darn good thing’).
Sid began his career as a journalist in Winnipeg with Rupert Shrier and continued with a brief stay at The Jewish Post and News but he could see computers were the coming thing so he took The Downtowner, a newspaper he created, into computer typesetting. In Madison, Wisconsin he made himself familiar with the earliest of computing, with punch cards. Later he taught himself early computer programming languages, which eventually led him to high level work in the American healthcare industry and a job with IBM.
In addition to his wife Brenda Barrie Bursten, Sid is survived by two daughters Renata Bursten and Aviva Cohen (Joseph) and nine grandchildren: Simon Bursten, Maks and Ben Doerksen, Aliza Hornstein (Amichai), Elli, Arie, Shuli, Yaakov and Ezra Cohen and seven great grandchildren, all resident in Israel: Mia, Ori, Asher, Akiva and Laya Hornstein and Roni and Lia Bursten. He is further survived by his sister Roberta Bursten (Darren) and nephews Mark Eberstein (Margot and grand niece Miley) Scott Eberstein, and Michael and Matthew Bursten. His parents Shelagh and Morris Bursten and brother Leslie Bursten, all of California, predeceased him.
Sid ended his days as a resident in the Simkin Centre and his family in Winnipeg would like to thank the staff of the Centre for making the last year and a half of his life so pleasant and comfortable, despite the difficulties of Parkinsons. Sid enjoyed the care he received, the food, the activities, the music. In fact for him Simkin was like Cheers – “everyone knew his name.” Sid’s family would also like the Centre to know they could not have asked for better. Right from the beginning he was open to the idea. When he was told he was going to go to Simkin he said, “that sounds like a good idea.” And it was.
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.