MIKE KAPETZ

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MIKE KAPETZ Mike Kapetz of Brandon, beloved husband of Fran and dear father of Trevor, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Saturday, January 13, 2007. Mike was born in Roblin, MB to William and Annie Kapetz. After graduating from high school, he left home soon after to work for Manitoba Highways on a construction crew. This proved to be the start of a long and fulfilling career of 41 years. He lived and worked in many areas of southern Manitoba and Winnipeg. He moved to Thompson on a temporary assignment with Northern Affairs to manage the construction of airports in remote locations and ended up staying. In the north, he worked in many aboriginal communities using his knowledge of road construction on permafrost and frozen lakes. It was also in the north where he met his wife Fran. After Mike finished his assignment with Northern Affairs he returned to the Highways Department in Thompson to work in a supervisory role with winter roads. While in Thompson, he enjoyed camping at Paint Lake with his family. Many of our fondest memories as a family were made in the north. Mike retired from the Highways Department in March 1996, and he and Fran moved to Brandon soon after to be close to Trevor who was attending University there. With his easy-going nature, Mike made new friends among his neighbours, golf and curling. He enjoyed the Tuesday morning coffee club in Brandon with his retired colleagues. Dad always enjoyed taking Mindy out for walks as well as working in his garden. More than anything, Mike was a devoted husband and family man who treated his adopted family like his own. As a father, he was interested in every part of Trevor's life and there were no sacrifices he wasn't prepared to make for him, supporting his endeavours in school, music, sports and career. He was tremendously proud of his son. If you knew Mike, you know what it means to be patient, gentle, kind and neighbourly. Mike will be sadly missed as a husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. Mike is survived by his wife Fran; son Trevor of Brandon; and Mindy (family pet); stepchildren, Bev Toews (Ed) of Olds, AB, Darcy Graham (Bob) of Drumheller, AB, Craig Ginn (Carla) of Lethbridge, AB; grandchildren: Tyler, Ben Kelley, Charley, Sarah, Aron, Silas, and Rachael; brother-in-law Ken Craig (Joan); sister-in-law Ruth Hansen of Winnipeg; sisters, Lillian Klysh (Father Myron) of Winnipeg, Shirley Karau (Fred) of Brandon; sisters-in-law, Helen Kapetz of Kamloops, Marge Kapetz and aunt Molly Korpan of Roblin and many cousins, nephews and nieces. Mike was predeceased by his parents, William and Annie; brothers, Nick and Pete; sister Matilda. Funeral service was held on January 19 in Brandon. Interment was held at Chapel Lawn, Winnipeg. Pastor Craig Gibbs officiated, eulogy given by Ed Toews, soloist Craig Ginn. Pallbearers: Tyler and Ben Toews, Ron Hansen, Bruce Craig, Myron Klysh, Nick Kapetz. Sincere thanks to all the professionals who provided care for Mike over the past two and a half years. Fran and Trevor thank their family, friends and neighbours for all their love and support. Donations in memory of Mike may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. We love you and will always keep you close in our hearts.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 27, 2007