Obituaries
THELMA TRAVIS August 28, 1928 – October 25, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thelma Travis, at the Simkin Centre, at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully, with family at her side.
She was predeceased by her mother and father, Sarah and Max Travis, and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Evelyn and Max Berinstein and Veta and Mort Monson.
Thelma is survived by, and was a much-loved aunt of, Roxy and Martin Freedman, Edward and Mariette Berinstein, Neil and Corinne Berinstein, Harvey Monson and Marilyn Fry, Barbara and Alan Davis, and Stuart Monson, as well as her close cousins, Bryan Klein and Susan Halprin, Billy and Gary Klein, Rosalie and Gary Levine, and Jackie and Roy Shaw. She will also be missed by her many great-nieces and nephews.
Thelma was born in Winnipeg. She was an independent woman who worked in Calgary and Toronto before returning to Winnipeg. She had a successful career working first for the Film Exchange in Calgary, and then for the Province of Manitoba for over 25 years in the Motor Vehicles Branch.
She had varied interests, was an avid sports fan and a duplicate bridge player. She attended synagogue regularly, and she loved travelling. She had a great sense of style and fashion. Her greatest pleasure, however, was spending time with her extended family. Thelma never forgot or missed a family birthday, wedding or any other celebration, and she travelled from coast to coast to be with family members. She formed special bonds with each of her nieces and nephews, and her cousins, and she was an integral part of their lives. Thelma was devoted to her entire family, who held a special place in her heart. We loved her and will miss her greatly.
A graveside funeral, conducted by Rabbi Matthew Leibl, was held with family and friends in attendance. The pallbearers who honoured Thelma with their service were Edward Berinstein, Neil Berinstein, Harvey Monson, Ethan Hrabinsky, Dan Chisick, Scott Gilmour and Doug Paetkau.
A special thanks to all the staff of the Shaftesbury Residence and Simkin Centre.
Friends who wish to make donations in Thelma’s memory may do so to the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, 561 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3M 0A6, or to any charity of their 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.