Obituaries
THE HONOURABLE RUTH KRINDLE
February 6, 1943 – December 22, 2024
It is with deep sadness that the family announces her passing after a brief illness.
Left with love in their hearts are her spouse, Bev Stacey and her family, brother David (Jackie), sister-in-law Devorah, her nieces and nephews and their families.
Ruth was born and raised in Winnipeg. She attended a number of public schools in Winnipeg’s North End, completing her high school in 1959. She then took two years of arts at United College and entered the Manitoba Law School as one of only six women, receiving her LLB from the University of Manitoba.
She was called to the Bar of Manitoba in 1968. She practiced in the area of labour law until 1970, when she was appointed a prosecutor by the Province of Manitoba. In that role, she appeared in all levels of court within Manitoba and before the Supreme Court of Canada. In 1976, she was appointed Chair of the Manitoba Labour Board. In 1977, she returned to private practice, largely chairing private labour arbitration tribunals. In 1980, she was appointed a judge of the County Court of Winnipeg and in 1984, a judge of the general division of the Court of Queen’s Bench. During her years as a trial judge, she presided over a number of high-profile, lengthy, complex criminal trials. She retired from the Court of Queen’s Bench in 2002. Ruth was the first woman to chair the Manitoba Labour Board and the first woman appointed by the Federal Government to the bench in Manitoba.
While on the bench, Ruth was a sessional lecturer in criminal law at the U of M Law School, and was involved in developing and delivering continuing legal education programs to lawyers and judges. She was a valued mentor to many younger colleagues. For the National Judicial Institute and the Canadian Judicial Council, she presented courses for judges across Canada on the Charter, criminal evidence and practice, and jury trials. On her retirement, she was appointed to the position of Arbitrator under the Northern Flood Agreement. Also, by agreement of the parties, as a pilot project, she was involved in resolving numerous Manitoba Residential Schools claims out-of-court.
In 2000, Ruth was presented with a Distinguished Service Award by the Manitoba Bar Association acknowledging her service to the legal profession and the community at large. In 2002, she was presented with the Hero Award by the Canadian Bar Association Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference in recognition of her contribution to the cause of equality for the LGBT communities.
Ruth embraced her retirement pursuing a Masters’ degree in Art History. She and Bev travelled extensively in France, England and Italy documenting sculptures in churches concentrating on the sculptures on the Abbey Church of Sainte-Marie at Souillac for her thesis. She also researched the history and wrote a paper on the Anglican Cathedral Church of St. John in Winnipeg.
In accordance with Ruth’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held. A reception will be held in April.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate and dedicated staff at Riverview Health Centre.
Donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to charities close to her heart: the School of Contemporary Dancers, Main Street Project and Harvest Manitoba or to a charity of your choosing.
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.