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STEVE RAPKO It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our precious father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Steve Rapko on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the age of 89 years. Peacefully, he went to be with Jesus, his Lord and Saviour. Predeceased by his wife, Rose, he leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Doug (Connie), Bill, Patrick (Joan), Colleen (Vernon), and Barbara (Tony); his grandchildren, Justin, Blair (Jenna), Andy, Kim, Jenny (Jake), Sarah, Victoria (Steven) and Mikaela; great-grandchildren, Jude, Olivia, Lyla and Hudson; his brother-in-law, Kost Skrepnek and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved each one. He was also predeceased by his parents, Bill and Lena Rapko; his brother Sam Rapko (Anne); sisters, Helen Marceil (Woody), Mary Russell (John), Katherine Kreviazuk (Peter) and Victoria Skrepnek. Dad was born in Selkirk on January 10, 1924, and spent his life on his farm in the Lockport area. He was a very hard worker and although he did many things, including steel-working, welding, construction and driving a school bus, he was a farmer at heart. Dad loved to watch things grow, and was happiest in his garden or on his tractor. Dad accepted Jesus into his life as a young man and he served the Lord faithfully in many capacities, including teaching Sunday School, church leadership and with Gideons Canada. His deep and unwavering faith in God saw him through life's sad and difficult times and he taught us all to trust in God's faithfulness. Dad loved his family and showed us that love in many ways every day. He was proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they all knew that they were special to "Gigi". Dad loved making new friends and talking to people. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He was always on the go right to the end, visiting, helping us, working on a project, tending his garden, finding treasures at garage sales, picking berries, pulling those weeds, and just spreading his loving heart around. He was a great story teller and could probably tell you a story about yourself that you didn't even remember. We will miss his kind heart, his faithful example, his encouragement every day, his prayers. He was a loving Dad, a good friend. Hebrews 13:5-6 A Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 3 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 106 Sawchuk Drive at PTA 9A in Selkirk. A viewing will be held one hour prior to service. Lunch to follow. For those who desire to do so, please make a donation in memory of Dad to Gideons Canada, an organization whose work was dear to his heart. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Aug 31, 2013
STEVE RAPKO With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Steve Rapko, aged 90 years, of Lockport, MB, on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the Victoria Hospital. Full obituary to follow. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Aug 30, 2013
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 31, 2013
Condolences & Memories (23 entries)
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So sorry to hear of "Uncle" Steve's passing. So many fond memories, especially with Sunday School, at McKenzie Church, where he could almost always be counted on to have a candy or two in his pocket, and would often take time to talk with us little kids, making us feel important! As well, as our bus driver, he would always honk the horn and wait if we weren't out there at the end of the driveway waiting like we were supposed to, instead of just driving away and letting us miss the bus! I remember him as a very kind and gentle man, a wonderful neighbor... - Posted by: Linda Meier (Epp) (former neighbor) on: Sep 17, 2013
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Steve and his wife allowed me to stay with them and their family for three months in the summer of 1972 as student minister. Their kindness, faith, and friendship I remember with much affection. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Rev Dr Ian G Gough (student minister 1972 at McKenzie Church) on: Sep 13, 2013
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I liked Steve. We shopped at the same high class place - the garbage dump. That is, until they put a guard there to keep us out - and the dicards in.... Steve would come home with his treasures, dump them "in the back" and Pat would scratch his head and say that filling the 3 (?) ton(ne) truck with the scrap iron and taking it to Mandak (after gas, insurance, etc.) just didn't create net profits. But, as with everything, Steve enjoyed life. To Steve, it seemed that life was a journey to be savoured. He enjoyed making new friends, but he loved his family. Pat, Tanya, and Jonathan and I offer our condolences to the family. You really did lose a terrific father, grandpa and great-grandpa - Posted by: john zubatiuk (ex- neighbour) on: Sep 06, 2013
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Uncle Steve, you were a great man. I always felt accepted & loved in your presence, many great memories of sunday school, & being an occasional passenger on bus #10....Thanks for being such a tremendous role model - Posted by: Robert Huculak Vancouver, B.C. (Friend of family) on: Sep 05, 2013
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MY CODOLENCES TO THE WHOLE FAMILY I didn't know Steve very well. my first association was with Patrick, and I was very impressed with the young man when he installed my first pool, but when I met his father I understood where Patrick had got it from. The world is a better place because of Steve. and it has been an honour to know him. - Posted by: Ted Purvis (friend) on: Sep 03, 2013
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So sorry to hear of dads passing. not much one can say at a time like this. But safe in the arms of Jesus. - Posted by: Margaret Pruden (Old Freind) on: Sep 03, 2013
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The Rapko family have been in my life as far back as I can remember. I would describe them as generous, kind sincere, loving, gentle, selfless, meek, long suffering, real genuine Christians. They have provided our family with all the fruit and vegetables we could possible need through out our lifetime, and have continued to provide for my parents in their old age. I worked with Rose for a short time and can truly say she was an amazing lady and a great mentor! They had us over to their home many times for Ukrainian Christmas; they have left me with fond memories, such wonderful people, demonstrating the love of God! I know that their reward will be great in heaven!!My deepest sympathy to those that miss them! Norma Jean - Posted by: Norma Jean Anderson (Schewaga) (Friend) on: Sep 03, 2013
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I always valued Steve as life long friend and neighbor. I remember him right from our early childhood days, to our youth where we enjoyed playing baseball and other sports together, to our farming and family years, and into our later retirement/semi-retirement years. I am very happy that I was able to share those many years with you. You lead your life by example showing your strong and caring faith, not only to your family but to us all. Mary and I know that your presence here on earth will be greatly missed. We extend our sincerest sympathy to your family, Casimir and Mary Petaski. - Posted by: Casimir and Mary Petaski (Friend and neighbor) on: Sep 02, 2013
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Our prayers are with all of the family at this difficult time. Steve was a wonderful man. We do remember our children attending Mackenzie bible school during the summer which Steve was a wonderful influence on them. We did always enjoy our talks with him. - Posted by: Bill and Dianne Fiwchuk and Family (Neighbor and Friend) on: Sep 02, 2013
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Sorry to hear of your loss. Steve Rapko, and his wife Rose had a lasting impact on our lives. Our family of 5 moved to the Selkirk area in 1990 for my husband's job. It was a few weeks before Christmas. We visited the church where the Rapko's attended and they invited us over for Sunday dinner after the service. We were 1000 miles from home and their kindness meant so much. It was a wonderful afternoon and they had such a warm, inviting home. We were blessed by their hospitality. They showed us an example of what the Christian life is all about. - Posted by: David and Julie DeLeeuw (Friends) on: Sep 01, 2013
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We have known Steve for many years. He was a very kind man. Many years ago he prepared some barrels for us to ship belongings to the Philippines for a missionary relative. Last summer he came to our garage sale and offered us a nut tree. He brought it the next day so we have a tree to remember him by. - Posted by: Pearl and Abe Wiebe (Friend) on: Sep 01, 2013
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When I was a young kid in Lockport, my mother and father used to send me to Sunday School at "Mrs. Mackenzie's Church", which was just a Km (or so) north of where we lived on Henderson. Mr. Rapko (Steve) and his beautiful wife Rose used to organize/plan the lesson that kids (like me) would receive in Sunday School, but they also were responsible for delivering sermons to adults who were attending Church on those dates. As a child, I thought that they were fantastic. I couldn't wait to go to Sunday school from one week to the next. I really looked up to them as very special people...so did my parents. In later life, I had the pleasure to meet Rose and Steve from time to time, and my opinion of them has never changed. There is a positive side to all of this...Steve, without a doubt, loved Rose as much as a man can love a woman. There is no doubt in my mind on this point. They are together again !! - Posted by: ALLAN ROSKY (Friend of the Rapko Family) on: Sep 01, 2013
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I grew up on the farm and walked many times to Mr. Rapko's home. He was such a gentle man. Also looking forward seeing him come to car shows in selkirk with his old car, he loved being there and talking to everyone. I also remembered sitting on the running board of his car and having a ice cream with him and having a few laughs. i am going to miss him. My prayers are with you at this time for a great man. - Posted by: Doug Zawada (friend/old neighbor) on: Aug 31, 2013
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Dear Pat and Joan I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My sympathy is with you and your family. May our Almighty God give you comfort and strength in this sad time. With Love Marion Doerksen - Posted by: Marion Doerksen () on: Aug 31, 2013
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I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I have many memories of time spent at the Rapko farm with the youth group from McKenzie Church. Had the best Halloween parties for the youth group at the Rapko farm. My condolences. - Posted by: Tanis Swain (neighbor years ago.) on: Aug 31, 2013
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So sorry to hear of your dad/grandpa's passing. I enjoyed seeing him cruising around in his special car. Take good care of yourselves because I'm sure that is what he would really like. - Posted by: Florence Kisiloski () on: Aug 31, 2013
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Mr. Rapko was my bus driver for almost all of my school years (probably at least 10 years!) as well as being our neighbor on Clark Road...he was such a nice man. We were the first ones on the bus in the morning and then on the way home he would usually make us get off and walk home from the highway (which was only 5 minutes)...but on cold days he would let us ride the route and get off last, right at our driveway! :) My condolences to your entire family. - Posted by: Lisa Johnston (nee Pyskor) () on: Aug 31, 2013
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I am very sorry for the loss of father..may shared tears and memories help you through the days ahead. My thoughts go out to you all..... - Posted by: Brenda (Bergen) Regier () on: Aug 31, 2013
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So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My Mom, Doris, went to grade school with your Dad. He was such a "Gentleman" and always greeted me and my Mom with his huge smile whenever we ran into him. Our condolences go out to all your family. Gail - Posted by: Gail Kotowich (Went to school with Doug and Bill) on: Aug 31, 2013
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For all the family....I have such nice memories attending McKenzie Church and your dad always reading a story for the kids. He was a lovely person and happily we do know where he is right now. He is no doubt rejoicing to be with his Lord. - Posted by: Lori Webb (Yarish) (Neighbour/friend) on: Aug 30, 2013
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Having grown up in Lockport I got to know the Rapko children from my early teens and therefore Steve or Mr. Rapko as we called him then. My early memories are of Mr. R always busy with the farm and fixing or building something. In recent years, and up until a couple of years ago, I would regularly run into Steve in the Mall and we would stop and have a visit. My condolences to all of Steve's family and friends that will miss his kind and gentle nature. - Posted by: David Truthwaite (Family friend) on: Aug 30, 2013
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Hello Pat and Joan and family, Our deepest Sympathy to you all we been praying for you guys. The Lord will be your comfort and strength at this real difficult time. What a blessing for us to get to know your Dad Steve always with such a big smile. What blessing it was to see him at church when he came and the talks we had with him. We sure are blessed to know him. the Lord keep you all strong as you go through this hard time. We will continue to pray for you all, our prayer is like it says in Joshua 1:5 I will not leave you nor forsake you. Jesus has promised not to leave us may He give you peace in the midst of storm. We love you Walter and Anita - Posted by: Walter and Anita Dueck (Friends) on: Aug 30, 2013
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Dear Sarah, Our sympathy to you and your family. May the Lord comfort each one of you in this difficult time. Peace be with you all. Rest in peace Grandpa. Hieu & Thanh-Van - Posted by: Hieu N. Nguyen () on: Aug 30, 2013