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PETER CAPAR, SR.
Born: Apr 13, 1931
Date of Passing: May 17, 2007
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryPETER CAPAR (SR.) Suddenly, at his residence, on Thursday, May 17, 2007, Peter Capar (Sr.), an educator for 36 years, graduated from life with honours. Peter is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Olga (nee Onyschuk); son Peter (Elaine), daughter Petra, and his only grandchild, Grace, whom he adored. He is also survived by his brothers, Steve, Mike, Bill (Irene), Nick and Harry (Diane), and sisters Anne Trakalo and Mary Millan; sister-in-law Jean; brothers and sisters-in-laws; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Phyllis (nee Smolinski), and infant son John, on June 1, 1964; parents Martha (nee Lubinski) and Alex; brother George. Born on the family homestead in Meleb, Manitoba on April 13, 1931, Peter was the sixth of nine children. He received his early education in Meleb and later joined the train gang and commuted daily to Teulon where he completed high school. In 1950, Peter began permit teaching at Shorencliff School, north of Arborg. Throughout the summers and many evenings in the 1950s and 60s, Peter completed course work in order to obtain his Bachelor of Education degree, Principal's Certificate and later his Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1955, Peter relocated to Fraserwood, where he resided until his demise. He taught at the Fraserwood School for 10 years, also acting as its Principal for several years. Peter re-married on July 2, 1966 and also transferred to the Gimli Composite High School that year where he remained until he retired in 1986. During his tenure at GCHS, Peter organized the Occupational Entrance Program of which he was so proud. He especially enjoyed watching former students from this program become outstanding members of their communities and prominent business people. In retirement Peter served as a school trustee and Chairman of the Board for the Evergreen School Division and he also occasionally substitute taught. Overall, Peter's commitment to education in the Evergreen School Division spanned more than 40 years. Besides teaching Peter enjoyed a rich and rounded life, from working on the farm to holding jobs as a truck driver hauling concrete and working for the Hudson Bay Company and Royal Alec Hotel. A talented musician, Peter was drummer for The Sunset Boys for approximately 25 years. His legacy also includes many years of working tirelessly for many organizations. He proudly served as President of the Ukrainian National Home (Fraserwood Hall) for over 40 years and recently presided over the completion of a new state of the art facility. This new facility has received accolades from citizens and dignitaries across Manitoba and Canada, including several Canadian premiers. Peter also served as President of St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church for 34 years and sang in its choir. He was the founding member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, East-Interlake Region, serving as President for 14 years. In addition Peter served as President of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada, Archepharchy of Winnipeg; President of the Winnipeg Beach Ukrainian Homestead and Museum; President of the Selkirk-Interlake P.C. Riding Association; President of the Gimli Restitution and Reconciliation Committee; President of the Evergreen Teacher's Association; Director and secretary of the Gimli Area Development Board and Assistant Administrator of the Ukrainian Park Camp north of Camp Morton. Last year, the RM of Armstrong nominated Peter for the distinguished Premier's Achievement Award in recognition of his community service. In addition to the hectic pace he kept as a volunteer, Peter and Olga found time in retirement to travel to Ukraine, Italy, Lourdes, and other locations closer to home. Peter will be remembered as a generous, caring and proud husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His legacy will continue to live. Prayers will be held on Wednesday, May 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fraserwood Hall. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 24 at 10:00 a.m., also at the Fraserwood Hall. Internment to follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery. Father Harry Chuckry officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends or family wish, a memorial donation may be made in Peter's memory to the Fraserwood Hall Building Fund, c/o Box 95 Fraserwood, Manitoba, R0C 1A0 VICHNAYA PAM'YAT MEMORIES ETERNAL Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli, in care of arrangements.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 22, 2007