Obituaries
SOLOMON DAVID (SAM) KIMELMAN
May 27, 1927 – October 31, 2017
With grieving hearts, we announce the passing of Sam.
Born in Bilcze Zlote, Borszczow, Galicia, Poland (now Ukraine), Sam survived the horrors of the Holocaust but lost his father and many extended family members.
Sam immigrated to Winnipeg in January 1949 and married his wife, Edith, on April 4, 1954.
Much of his working career was spent as a dedicated and skilled avionics technician in the airline industry. Sam was based in Winnipeg but frequently worked in northern locales such as Chesterfield Inlet, NU, Churchill, MB, and Red Lake, ON. Training courses took him to the USA and Japan.
Sam had many fine qualities such as integrity, resilience, modesty, wisdom, humour, and devotion to family. He was deeply proud of his accomplished sons and took pride in his grandsons.
Sam spoke seven languages, followed current events, loved to reminisce, and walked several miles daily. He loved the sun and enjoyed trips to places such as Florida, Hawaii, Cuba, and Vietnam. An avid gardener, Sam enjoyed many summer visits to the Winnipeg Beach cottage.
Living a traditional Jewish life was of the utmost importance to Sam. He was a faithful, long-time member of Chavurat Tefila Synagogue, and active participant of the Shaarey Zedek minyanaires.
Cherishing Sam’s memory is Edith, his wife of 63 years, sons Neal of Vietnam, Dr. Allen (Jay) of Winnipeg, Dr. Perry (Ruth) of Winnipeg, grandsons Elliot and Ari, nieces, nephews, and extended family in Montreal, New York, and Israel. Sam was predeceased by parents, Mendel Kimmelmann (1943) and Shaina (Sabina) Sternschuss (1976), and sisters Sarah Ross (2011) and Czarna Stermer (2008).
The funeral, officiated by Rabbi Yosef Benarroch, was held at Chesed Shel Emes on November 3, 2017. The meal of condolence was held at the Gwen Secter Centre. Interment was in the family plot at Bnay Abraham Cemetery. Honourary pallbearers were: Sam Bebchuk, David Diamond, and Irvin Labovitch. Active pallbearers were: Ruben Abecassis, Sam Kravtsov, Myron Love, Jerry Rubin, Bob Steele, and Morley Wiseman. Shiva was observed at home.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of love and support from our family and friends. We are eternally grateful to the ICU team, 5th floor, at the I.H. Asper Institute, for their compassionate and dedicated care.
Donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
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.