> Details

Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings
RUSSELL JOHN KAPTY Obituary pic

RUSSELL JOHN KAPTY

Date of Passing: Feb 09, 2015

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RUSSELL JOHN KAPTY 1938 - 2015 Peacefully, after a brief illness, Russell passed away on Monday, February 9, 2015 at St. Boniface Hospital. Left to cherish his memory his loving wife of 48 years, Judy; his children, Theodore, Michael (Rose) and Uliana (Gord); his grandchildren, Lukian, Markian and Zenovia; his niece Darusia Kozelko (John) and family, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Ukraine. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Josephine; stepmother, Anna; brother and sister-in-law, Vladimir and Lesia, and numerous relatives in Ukraine. Born and educated in St. Boniface, he received his Drafting Technician certificate and worked his entire career for the Provincial Government in two different departments. As a prominent member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Community in Winnipeg, Russell was very active in many organizations, and often served on Executive Committees and Boards of Directors, and in many cases he served as President or Chair. The groups he was involved in over the years included O. Koshetz Choir, CYMK, Veselka Ukrainian Orthodox Summer Camp, Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Group, UNF St. Boniface, St. Andrew's College, St. Mary the Protectress Brotherhood, Sons of Ukrainian Pioneers, to name a few. For 25 years, he conducted the church choir at St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. Russell was very passionate about music and as many can attest, he loved to share the beauty of music with anyone who was willing to listen. He was a singer and a choral conductor and usually carried a pitch-pipe in his breast pocket. You never know when he needed to give tone to a room full of people to lead in song. Always the life of the party, Russell and his wife Judy loved to entertain, and even in their many trips all over the world with O. Koshetz Choir, one could always find their room as it was full of people singing and eating. Russell was known for his jokes and his amazing sense of humour which is carried on in his children and grandchildren. Russell was always the official unofficial photographer for any event he ever attended, and could always be seen taking pictures. Prayers will be sung 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 13 (tonight) and Funeral Service will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 14 at St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 820 Burrows Avenue, with Very Rev. Fr. Alexander Harkavyi officiating. Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Roman Solomon, John Kozelko, Gord McClure, Scott Armstrong, Michael Haack and Boris Demchenko. Andrew Gerus will be honorary pallbearer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Russell's name to P. Macenko Chair of Ukrainian Church Music, St. Andrew's College, 29 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M7 or Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mary the Protectress, 820 Burrows Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2X 0R3. The family wishes to thank Dr. George Balko and the staff at St. Boniface Hospital for all of their kindness, compassion and support. VICHNAYA PAMYAT MEMORY ETERNAL KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2015

Condolences & Memories (19 entries)

  • My heartfelt sympathy to Judy, Teddy, Michael, Uliana and Family during this difficult time. May the memories of Russel comfort you all as God keeps you in his tender loving care. I always had the greatest respect for Russel, particularly his kindness and generosity. I also appreciated his passion for the Ukrainian culture and his interesting stories. I grew up beside Teddy, Michael and Uliana as a teenager babysitting them. Judy and Russel entrusted me to look after their adorable, bright children, and I took this responsibility seriously. In exchange, I got a glimpse into an amazing, respectful home filled with love, passion and laughter. I will forever be inspired by the qualities which defined Russel. Vichnaya Pamyat. - Posted by: Jo-Ann Szelemej (nee Olynyk) (Friend, Neighbor and Baby-Sitter) on: Mar 05, 2015

  • I offer my condolences to Judy and family. I met Russ shortly after I began employment in 1960 with the Soils and Crops Branch of Manitoba Agriculture in the Norquay Building in Winnipeg. In his daily work activity, we had many projects together. His work was always high quality and he usually added his own touch so that any idea that I took to him was improved upon. His trademark around the office was always a genuine smile and often a little comment or story to add to the pleasure of working with him I was aware of his keen interest in his culture, dancing and to a limited extent his background but was not aware of the wide range of his activities. He leaves behind a legacy to be very proud of and many will miss his presence but will certainly receive support and encouragement from being part of his busy life. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Garth Stone (Co-worker, Soils and Crops Branch) on: Feb 21, 2015

  • Dear Judy & family So very sorry to hear of Russell's passing. We have lots of good memories of neighborhood parties, dinners, and just plain old good visits at both our homes. Our love to you all. May our Lord give you comfort and strength as you walk through this difficult time. - Posted by: Bonnie & Brent Peattie (Old Friends & Neighbors) on: Feb 17, 2015

  • I still remember watching Northern Lights for quite a while with Russell at midnight leaning on the fence posts And walking with him to the implosions at Canada Packers on that Sunday morning. Those were the dozens and dozens of the very simple things that we shared. Watching our kids(in diapers) playing together in either of our backyards. And all the years that you spent working at the bingo hall. A very nice man enjoying life at its fullest whatever the occasion was. So sorry that I could not make it Russ as we were in the United States at my mother-in-law's funeral. May you rest in peace now - Posted by: Leon Labelle (Neighbour 2 doors down) on: Feb 17, 2015

  • Doroha Darusiu - you may remember me - I had to write as your name hit home with me - and now I also learn of all your family losses - please accept my condolences. Нехай спочивають в Бозі. Вічна їм пам’ять! - Posted by: Marta Romaniak-Dlugosh (Winnipeg Friend) on: Feb 16, 2015

  • It is with great sorrow that I learned of Russell Kapty's passing. He leaves a great legacy in the many people he influenced over the years. His great love of choral music was evident in the many conversations we had during our visits. He was always tuned to CBC radio and was aware of the choral concerts recorded by the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Clearly a great fan of this art form. It is with his passing that we recognize his great contributions to the Ukrainian community in Winnipeg and to the preservation of the language and culture. May his many great accomplishments and his memory be eternal. My deepest sympathies go out to his mourning family. - Posted by: Laurence Ewashko (Friend (Brother to my Uncle Vlad Kapty)) on: Feb 16, 2015

  • Dear Judy & Family - We were so sorry to hear of Russell's passing. We have such happy memories of all the time we spent with Russell, from choir, dancing, camp (remember when we got flooded there, I have pictures) and just sitting around talking. He was a wonderful man and will truly be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. - Posted by: Raymond & Janice Senicki - Red Deer AB (Friends) on: Feb 16, 2015

  • I remember Russ with fond memories. He was always a positive happy presence when he used to hang around the UNF hall on Main Street & I was just a little kid. He was always smiling & was kind to everyone. My sincerest condolences to Judy & his children & their families. May he rest in Peace. Vichnaya Pamyat! - Posted by: Alicia Topor (Kalyniuk) (Family Friend) on: Feb 14, 2015

  • I'm saddened to learn of the passing of Russ - a long time friend from early teenage years when I recall many fun times -at UNF, St Boniface, the church choir. Sadly I haven't seen him in many years. My sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in eternal peace. Vichnaya Pamyat - Posted by: Florence Babiak (friend) on: Feb 14, 2015

  • Condolences to the Kapty family on the loss of a man who knew how to captivate an audience. I remember him in my younger days either leading everyone in song or captivating us with his jokes. Always making people feel good. Vichnaya Pamyat! Joanne Sarakula (Hrycak) - Australia - Posted by: Joanne Sarakula (nee Hrycak) (Family Friend) on: Feb 14, 2015

  • Have fond memories growing up on Goulet Street with Russell and going to Ukrainian school in the little hall. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Marcia Jowett (Verdenik) (School Friend and neighbor) on: Feb 14, 2015

  • I am sorry to hear of his passing. He was a kind and generous man with a great sense of humor. I have many fond memories of him and Judy coming out to my parents farm.....before they were even married. Take care. Joe - Posted by: Joe Turcan (cousin) on: Feb 13, 2015

  • My deepest condolences to his family and may he rest in peace. - Posted by: Robert (Bob) Mozol (Friend from school, early years at King George V school in Norwood) on: Feb 13, 2015

  • I would like to extend my family's condolences to the Kapty family and friends. So sorry for your loss Ted, Darusia & John Frank & Kimberly Procup - Posted by: Frank N. Procup (friend) on: Feb 13, 2015

  • I was saddened to hear from a Winnipeg friend that Russ had passed away. Though I have not seen him for a very long time, I remember Russ as energetic, humourous, dedicated to Ukrainian culture and always willing to volunteer his time for worthy causes. May he rest in peace. Vichnaya Pamyat. - Posted by: Vicki Karpiak (Yuzyk) - Ottawa, Ontario (Friend from earlier days) on: Feb 13, 2015

  • ALWAYS UPBEAT; ALWAYS ORGANIZING; ALWAYS A FINE HUMAN BEING. THE INJUSTICE IN UKRAINE WAS A PERMANENT WOUND IN HIS SOUL. VICHNAJA PAMJAT! - Posted by: OKSANA BASHUK HEPBURN (FRIEND) on: Feb 13, 2015

  • Mr Kapty I never met you but after reading this passage I can now understand how Mike and Zenovia get their sense of humor and compassion. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Lisa Gladu (n/a) on: Feb 13, 2015

  • Russel was a very kind man who encouraged me as a young child to sing and build an enjoyment of music in me. He will be missed. - Posted by: Anna Lee (Kuzmychuk} (acquaintance) on: Feb 13, 2015

  • My sincere condolences to Uli and her family. Godspeed. - Posted by: Glenn Ankrom (Friend) on: Feb 13, 2015

❮ Go Back to Listings