ROGER GARCIA APALIT

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ROGER GARCIA APALIT
April 4, 1939 – January 15, 2022

"A kind and gentle man, who was admired for his patience, sense of humour, and his legendary smile."
Roger was born in Lucban City, Quezon, Philippines, the eldest of five siblings: Minerva, Ofelia (Rene), Violeta and Elias Junior "Jun" (Florinda.) Roger became the "man-of-the-house" at the young age of seven, when his father died, and he spent the rest of his life as a genuine provider. In the Philippines, he worked in gas stations, while learning to be an auto-mechanic, his skilled hands would prove to serve him well in his life. In 1971, Roger took a job building a school in Guam so that he could send money back home.
By 1972, some of Roger's siblings had emigrated to Canada and he left Guam to join them in May of that year. It was in 1973, while living on Beverly Street in Winnipeg's West End, with Jun and Flor, that he met his future wife, Connie Vergara. Connie had been living right across the street with her brother Phil and his wife Maurie, and it was the brothers who eventually set them up together. Every Saturday night was "date night" at the Vergara house, although it was always under the very strict and watchful eye of Connie's brother.
After a few months of courtship, Roger humorously pointed out that they were both getting old, and so Roger and Connie were married October 12, 1974. Their first daughter Geraldine was born precisely nine months later, with second daughter Lorie rounding out the family just a couple years down the road. It was during this time that they formed a truly life-long friendship with Zeny, Victor and their children, Cheryl and Glenn, together raising all four kids as family. So close was the bond, that in 1986, both families moved into brand new houses on Alex Taylor, only three doors apart. Roger, Connie, Victor and Zeny were inseparable, so much so that they even pre-purchased their funeral plots side-by-side so they would always be together... also, no doubt, so that the kids would then feel obligated to visit.
Roger was an ingenious craftsman who earned his living as a skilled fabricator and master welder, with companies such as New Flyer, Northern Blower and Canadian Anglo. As talented as he was, however, his true passion was his family and his friends. He lived for the road trips, the family gatherings, the picnics, the days spent fishing, and mostly, just being in the presence of all the people he loved and cherished. Roger took immense delight in life's simplest pleasures and all he needed was some good music, a good action movie, and a loved one to share them with.
Roger's genuine kindness and his magnificent sense of humour made people feel special and loved. He also had the ability to clown around, sometimes seeming happiest when he was entertaining the kids. Even when his memory began to fail him, he fondly remembered all his nephews and nieces, and spoke of them with intense pleasure and pride. He was a wonderful Lolo and was entirely dedicated to his granddaughters, Morgan and Avery (Geraldine and Grant) and grandson Dreyvan (Lorie and Douglas). There was literally nothing he wouldn't do for those grandchildren and his eyes sparkled whenever he could spend time with them. He never missed an opportunity to spoil his grandkids rotten with candy and treats, a trait he inherited from his own mother.
They say that with every cloud there is a silver lining. Roger was a private man, but as his memory began to fade in recent years, it opened doorways into his past and he would talk for hours about his life as a young man. We were fortunate enough to hear stories that had not been told in more than a generation, and for that we are grateful. People may never remember the things you've done, but they will always remember how you made them feel. We will always remember Roger.
A private family service will be held to celebrate Roger's life with interment at Glen Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada, or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
Family and friends may sign a book of condolence at www.glenlawn.ca.

Glen Lawn Funeral Home
204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2022