JOSEPH ROBERT SOPUCK

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JOSEPH ROBERT SOPUCK Joe Sopuck passed away at the Deer Lodge Centre on May 30, 2000, at the age of 87. He was predeceased by Ida, his wife of 50 years, who passed away in 1998. Joe is survived by his three children, Joyce Queck (Ron), Tim (Linda) and Robert (Caroline) and by seven grandchildren, Erin, Alex, Julia, Kate, Mark, Tony and Marsha. He is also survived by sisters, Mary Rector (Stanley, deceased) and Vera Derenchuk (Peter, deceased) and brother Gerald (Ann) and many nieces and nephews. One other brother, Vladimer, died in the Second World War. Born in the town of Stramberk, in what is now the Czech Republic, Joe was 14 when he immigrated. The family homesteaded in Northern Ontario wilderness near Kapuskasing for two years before settling in Winnipeg. After serving as a mechanic in the RCAF during the Second World War, Joe worked at Maple Leaf Mills, advancing to the position of Millright Foreman. After his "retirement" in 1979, Joe worked through the Age and Opportunity Centre and also as a maintenance man at Mid West Garments. After hours, his ability to fix or build almost anything was generously shared with family and friends alike. Joe married Ida on August 21, 1948, and eventually settled in a house on Strathcona Street. A strong sense of family was a hallmark of their life together. His children and grandchildren could not have hoped for more love, support, understanding and affection from their father/grandfather. Joe was a member of the Czechoslovak Benevolent Association, serving as its Secretary-Treasurer for many years. He practiced gymnastics well into his 40s and stayed fit all his life. At the Otter Falls cottage, Joe ensured that everything was ship-shape and renovations kept up with a growing family. His hand-crafted boat, the "Soapy-J," served the family for fishing, skiing and tubing for 40 years. That cottage his given three generations an enduring love of the outdoors. Six years ago he was debilitated by a stroke. A second stroke two years later ultimately forced his move to the Deer Lodge Centre. Ida provided boundless love and devotion to Joe until her passing. The family extends sincere thanks to T5 staff for their friendship and their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate consideration of a donation to the Deer Lodge Foundation, 2109 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, Man., R3J 0L3. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 2, at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook St. BARDAL FUNERAL HOME 843 Sherbrook St. 774-7474

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2000