MILAN ZAPLETAL

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MILAN (MEL) ZAPLETAL October 26, 1932 - March 8, 2015 With heavy hearts we say farewell to our husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend. "Papa" passed away at the Health Sciences Centre, at the age of 82 years, with his family by his side. Mel was born in the Czech Republic on October 26, 1932. He grew up helping in his family's bakery and eventually went on to complete his education in Hotel and Restaurant Management as well as serving in the army. He immigrated to Canada in May 1954 and worked in many hotels across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. He settled in Lockport, Manitoba and in 1970, he married Helen Bidochka and together they took over the Pandora Restaurant in Transcona. In 1979 they gave up the restaurant to pursue a full time catering business, Mel's St. Andrews Catering. They later added a second catering business, Mr. J's Outdoor Travelling BBQ. He found great pleasure cooking and catering for over 25 years and made many friends along the way. They moved to Rossburn, Manitoba in 2005. Mel had many hobbies that kept him busy. Fishing and gardening were some of his favourites. It was not uncommon for him to be out at 4:00 a.m. catching catfish at the bottom of the Lockport Bridge or spending many relaxing hours in the greenhouse he operated for several years. Mel's greatest passion in life was his family, especially his grandchildren. Nothing in life brought him more joy than spending time with them. Whenever he found out the kids were coming for a visit, out came the pots and he would start cooking up a storm. His "Papa" chocolate cakes and beaver tails will be missed by many. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his family and all the friends he made over the years. Mel is survived by his wife Helen, of 44 years, his four daughters Linda (Danny) Montagnon, Jacquline (Mark) Thomsen, Tammie (Steven) Dawe and Cheryl (Darren) Bilinsky, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Jean Trynchuk (Matt) and Millicent Gumieny. Mel was predeceased by his parents Josef and Maria Zapletal, his stepfather Franta Gryzbon, siblings Peter and Franta as well as an infant sister, parents-in-law Matt and Nellie Bidochka, infant grandson Jordan Dawe, and brother-in-law Peter Gumieny. Cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Mel was a great lover of animals. If friends so desire, donations can be made to a Humane Society or Animal Shelter of their choice. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.neilbardalinc.com Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 204-949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2015