SHAPKA, Nicholas
1916 – 2012
Nicholas Shapka passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at the tender age of 96 years. His passage into eternity was marked with loving family by his bedside. He is survived by his wife Marjorie, sisters Katie Karpetz and Anne Belanger, his three sons Robert (Patty), Bruce (Lynda) and William; and grandchildren Carly Mueller (Ron), Chris, David, Paul, Tim, Lyndsey Gell (Ryan), Mark, Tessa Shapka (Jack MacIsaac) and Jacob. He is also survived by his many great-grandchildren: Zachary, Alexander, Marshall & Cole Mueller and Colleen Gell. Nick is pre-deceased by his father Jacob (1960), mother Anastasia (1979), sisters Mary Fischer (2006) and Helen Coonan (2006), and his brothers Peter (1980), George (1997) and Mickey (1998). Nick lived a full and admirable life. He was a respected pillar of his community, and his passing marks the loss of a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His achievements though, reached much further than the family of whom he was so proud. Nick was one of Canada’s few remaining Veterans of the Second World War - his respect for fellow servicemen shining through his years of work and leadership with the Royal Canadian Legion. He was also a hard-working farmer - a proud member of Alberta’s rich agricultural tradition. He spent many years as landman with Starland MD, as a liaison between the farmers and local government. Nick was a member of the Masons, as well as an avid sportsman, with a passion for curling and golf. There was no task too difficult, no obstacle too insurmountable. He was truly a member of a dying breed and has left a lasting legacy among all those lives he touched in his many years. Respecting Nick’s wishes, a formal funeral service will not be held at this time. Rather, we encourage you to take time individually to reflect on the full and profound life that he lived. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion or a charity of your choice. Messages to the family may be left at www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE and CREMATORIUM (at Lake Fraser Gate). Telephone: 403-297-0711. Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial.
