WASYL JAMES (JIM) LAPKA

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WASYL JAMES (JIM) LAPKA

February 7, 1928 - May 30, 2026

Honouring the remarkable life and legacy of Jim Lapka, who passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 98.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife Jean, in 2008, after 54 years of marriage, and his brothers, Peter and Michael.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Marguerite Woytowich (David), Janet Pitzel (Al), and Elaine Lapka; his grandchildren, Jenna (Nick), Rina (Brian), Jonathon (Robyn), Ryan (Lauren), and Caitlin; his great-grandchildren, Leah, Ben, Rachel, Caleb, and Chloe; his sister Stella Shewchuk; sisters-in-law, Minnie Chyzzy, Valerie Rutherford, Vicky Dubowski, and Lillian Kowalsky; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Jim was born on February 7, 1928, near Russell, MB to Andrew and Jessie (Derkach) Lapka, early Ukrainian homesteaders in the area. Raised on the family farm near Cracknell with his brothers, Peter and Michael, and sister, Stella, he developed the strong work ethic and love of the land that would shape his lifelong career in agriculture. He attended Cracknell School before travelling to Russell for Grades 9 to 11 and completing Grade 12 at St. Joseph’s College in Yorkton, SK. He then studied for four years in the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Manitoba.

Jim’s gratitude for Canada and the life his family built here was reflected in his service to his country. He was a member of Army Cadets (Yorkton) and later joined the University Naval Training Station at HMCS Chippewa (Winnipeg). He served on the West Coast of Canada aboard HMCS Charlottetown during the Second World War.

Following his graduation from the U of M in 1949, Jim began a nearly 40 year career with the Manitoba Department of Agriculture. His work brought him to Eriksdale, where he met Jean (Chyzzy), and they were married on July 22, 1954. Shortly after, they moved to Morden, where their three daughters were born, before settling in Brandon in 1962. Jim continued serving Manitoba’s agricultural community in various roles, including Weed Specialist, Regional Agronomist, and Ag Rep, until his retirement in 1988. He also served on the Hall Commission on Grain Handling and Transportation from 1975 to 1977. Jim enjoyed working with local farmers and 4-H clubs and travelling the back roads of the province. Through his work, he formed many cherished lifelong friendships with colleagues.

Jim’s love of golf began at the Minnewasta Golf Course in Morden, where he started with a used set of three clubs from Jean for his first Father’s Day. Playing into his 90s, Jim was a long-time member of the Riverdale Golf Course (Rivers, MB) and the Wheat City Golf Course (Brandon Golf and Country Club). For over 60 years, he enjoyed countless rounds with family and friends across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and he especially loved the time spent golfing with his grandsons.

Jim and Jean shared many activities together, including ten-pin bowling and Bridge. Jim filled his life with music, friendship, faith, and community. A master crokinole player, he also loved fiddle music and taught himself to play violin by ear as a teenager. He enjoyed fishing trips, bird hunting, curling, and serving his community through the Kinsmen Club in Morden and the Provincial Exhibition Fair Board in Brandon. Additionally, for many years, he was an active member of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. He was very proud of his Ukrainian heritage.

In the mid 1960s, Jim and a group of friends purchased land around Lake Wahtopanah, laying the foundation for much of today’s development of the Chimo Resort community and Aspen Road properties. His legacy in the Rivers area continues on with the fourth generation of our family now enjoying this special place, adding another chapter to the story he began.

Our Dad and Gigi’s steady presence, quiet kindness, wisdom, and sense of humour are part of the lasting legacy we will carry with us. He taught us the value of integrity, friendship, punctuality (“It’s just as easy to be ten minutes early as ten minutes late”), etiquette through “Gigi’s Charm School,” and gratitude (through his beautiful Grace at mealtimes). He created countless memories of love that we will always cherish.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Gail Freeman Campbell and her wonderful staff (his “angels”) at “The Nest” for providing Dad with such loving care and a beautiful home for the past year and a half. Also, thank you to the PMH Home Care Staff (Ken Burton, Erin Morton, and Ron Chartrand), and Dr. S Jay Duncan and Dr. Tyler Tegg. Finally, we are grateful for our family and friends who brought Dad joy with their visits, calls, and treats.

A private interment will take place at a later date.

Donations may be made in the memory of Jim Lapka to: Seniors for Seniors “Dinner is Served,” 311 Park Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 7A4.

Vichnaya Pamyat- Memory Eternal

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 25, 2026