Obituaries
SONDRA GOODMAN
It is with profound sadness that the family of Sondra Goodman announces her passing on Friday, October 2nd, 2020, in Calgary, Alberta, one month shy of her 80th birthday.
After a year long battle with lung cancer, she died at home, peacefully, in her sleep.
Sondra was born in Winnipeg to the late Gertie and Harry Knelman, and grew up in a rich and warm environment surrounded by her sisters, cousins, and a large extended family. Sondra was active in many jewish youth organizations and always had many friends. She excelled academically and loved learning, and this love carried on through her life and was passed on to her children and grandchildren. Sondra received her Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education, and she had a 33 year teaching career that included time as a teacher, counsellor, assistant principal and principal, as well as a second career as a career placement counsellor.
It was at the wedding of her favourite teacher that she met her soon to be husband George Goodman, and after a two year courtship, was happily and lovingly married to him for 60 years. They were thrilled with the arrival of daughter Robin and son Saul, and eventually with the inclusion of daughter-in-law Christine and grandchildren Rachel and Elisha, with whom she had a special bond.
Sondra’s family meant everything to her, and if they were happy, she was happy. She was always there providing love, guidance, support and a shoulder to cry on. Nothing made Sondra happier than to be with her children and grandchildren, and she loved having the whole family together for Passover, the High Holidays, and any other occasion she could think of. She was a person who was deeply kind, empathetic and loving, and had a wonderful, gentle and wry sense of humour. She was the lynchpin of the family, and is mourned and will be deeply and forever missed by her husband, children and grandchildren. She will also be deeply missed by her sisters Phyllis (Ron) Levin and Dena (Jack) Perlov, sisters-in-law Sylvia Richman, Judy Goodman and Audrey (Phillip) Unger and a large extended family.
The family is grateful for the friendship and help they received from Yordi Binning, and for the sage advice and wisdom of Dr. Stephanie Kerwin. Donations may be made to the Sondra Goodman Memorial Fund at the Jewish Family Service of Calgary, or to a charity of your 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.