Obituaries
WALTER SYDNEY STERN
Walter Sydney Stern, also known as Syd from Syd’s Carousel, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at the Grace Hospital, at the age of 93.
Walter is survived by his loving children, Jo Ann, Lewis and wife Deb and David and wife Marsha. Walter will be missed by his eight grandchildren, Kamala, Leyla, Sara, Max, Sawyer, Zev, Nathan and Jason. Walter also had a tribe of great-grandchildren that, while far away, connected with him often.
Walter dealt with many tragic events over his 93 years. His first wife Doreen (Eaton) and oldest son Keith both died of Cancer well before their time. Zora (Ditlove) his second wife, also died of Cancer and died exactly 17 years ago to the day and hour
of Walter’s passing.
Walter served with the R.C.A.F.’s 422 and 424 Bomber Command during the Second World War. Despite this experience and others during his life, Walter was a remarkable man who had a very positive view on life.
His many passions included hockey, baseball, the horse races and collecting hockey cards. His biggest passion was his family. Walter was selfless and would help family whenever and with whatever he could. He was centered on being able to do the right thing. Walter was a true “mensch” with a passion for his family and religion.
Walter’s positivity and his ability to adapt and move on were truly inspirational. Walter had the power to enter a room and change the mood. His warm smile meant he was very approachable and he could start a conversation with anyone as long as they were willing to talk about the weather, politics, the Winnipeg Jets or the Blue Bombers. Most importantly, he loved talking about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the center of his life.
Walter’s family would like to thank the staff at the Grace Hospital, all of whom helped make Dad’s final hours as comfortable as they could be. You were kind, patient and sincere; much like our Dad was his whole life. Finally, we would like to thank Dr. Ismail Mohammed and his staff for over 40 years of personalized care.
DAD, WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND REMEMBER YOU.
The funeral was held on Monday, August 27 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. A special thanks to Walter’s pallbearers: Ben Berkal, Mark Ditlove, Cyril Labman, David Pfeffer, Max Stern and Zev Stern.
In keeping with Walter’s wishes and spirit, in lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Shaarey-Zedek Minyan Fund Synagogue or 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.