Josaphat Kapelus

Josaphat Kapelus

Peacefully with his family by his side Josaphat (Joe) Kapelus of St, Claude, Manitoba, passed away at Carman Hospital on Monday, November 12, 2007 at the age of 96 years.

He was predeceased recently by his wife Ksenia, Sep 6th, 2007, after 70 years of marriage. He leaves to mourn; one son Nestor (Terry) of Winnipeg; three daughters: Mary (Louis) Dubé of Spruce Grove, Alta, Adeline (Alex) Cox of Stephenfield and Lillian (Reg) Bernard of Winnipeg; 15 grandchildren: Linda (Paul) Champagne, Diane (Troy) Legault, Victor (Renée) Kapelus, Joanne Kapelus, Carol (Darcy) Harris, Ed Dubé, Keith (Suzanne) Dubé, Kevin Dubé, Tina (Kellan) Eckstein, Jeff Cox, Stan Cox, Lorne (Jodie) Cox, Daniel Bernard, (Alison Bockstael) Jacquie Bernard (Michael Hewson) and Nikki Bernard; eleven great-grandchildren: Kaitlin Harris, Courtney and Britney Champagne, Brooke and Carson Legault, Easton and Abby Kapelus, Rylie, Zander, and Brayden Cox, and Jack Henry Eckstein.

Joe was born in Budynin, Ukraine in the region of Sokal, on December 4, 1910. He immigrated to Canada with his wife Ksenia in 1937 only 2 weeks after they were married. Leaving his homeland of Ukraine was a very difficult and sad time. Joe came from a very large family, he was 4th eldest of nine children. Joe embarked on a new journey with his new bride by his side. He endured the many hardships of early Canadian pioneers when he and his wife Ksenia settled south of St. Claude where they made their homestead for the last 70 years. Joe and Ksenia’s first few years in Canada were very lonely, they knew no one except Joe’s brother Phil and his wife. Much time was spent writing letters to their loved ones in the Ukraine. The early years in Canada were hard times, enduring harsh winters and heavy spring rains. Much time was spent clearing acres of bush, mostly by axe and breaker plough. Joe and Ksenia continued to clear more land and persevered to make the best of their new life in Canada. Joe spent his summer days in the field from dawn till dusk, and sometimes came home in time to help Ksenia milk cows. There was always work to be done on the farm and Joe took pride over the years, as he slowly acquired more livestock, more land, and better machinery, while raising a family of 4 children at the same time. Joe had a very strong passion for farming and there were very few things that could take him away from his work. His time, dedication and commitment to his farm reaped him personal satisfaction, and he prided himself as an important contributor to the economy.

Joe also had a passion for music, and was very talented vocally. Prior to coming to Canada, he was an accomplished musician and played French horn, tuba, violin and accordion. He also conducted a choir and was well known in the Sokal region in Ukraine for his musical talents by playing in an orchestra for weddings and concerts. In Canada, he continued to enjoy his passion for music whenever he could. Saturday nights and Sundays were spent with neighbours and friends where he would bring his accordion and harmonica to entertain everyone. The many house parties during his early years in Canada were often graced with his musical talents.  He was an excellent dancer and wasn’t a stranger to the dance floor.  He continued to play music for his young grandchildren and smiled as he watched them dance and prance around the living room to his Ukrainian tunes.

Joe always loved to discuss politics, religion, and economic issues. He had very strong opinions on many things, and always voiced his thoughts and ideas to everyone.  He was very seldom lost for words and never hesitated to give advice to anyone who would listen.  Joe was always determined to do things his way and everyone always respected his decisions. His strong willed personality and determination , combined with good business sense made him a successful farmer.  He was proud of his Ukrainian background and equally as proud to be a Canadian citizen.  Joe always had a story to tell,  and there are many heartfelt tales from his younger days that will be remembered and captured in our hearts and minds for years to come.   Joe loved to joke and tease with everyone and you never knew what he would say or do next, he never had a shy bone in his body!

Joe cherished some fond memories of his homeland, but never looked back, nor did he return, his life was now in Canada.  Joe’s last few weeks were with mixed and confused emotions, the recent loss of his wife Ksenia, his childhood in Ukraine and his life in Canada.  He was very conscientious about being appreciative and thoughtful to those around him and was very happy to see his family when they came to visit.   He will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends and has left a legacy to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Prayers and visitation will be held at Adam’s Funeral Home on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the St. Claude Catholic Church on Friday, November 16, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Michael Tkachuk and Deacon Michael Strilec officiating. Interment to follow in the St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Thank-you to the nurses and staff of the Carman Memorial Hospital and to the home care workers who provided him care for the past couple of years.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.

Vichnaya Pamyat