PHILIPP KAPLUN

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PHILIPP KAPLUN Peacefully, on February 17, 2017, Philipp Kaplun was called into the eternal presence of his beloved Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at the age of 81 years. He was predeceased by his wife, Holdine Kaplun, his father, Theodore Kaplun, his mother Alwine Kaplun, his sister Klara (Hans) Grams, and his brother Robert Kaplun. He is survived by his daughters Ingrid (Greg) Vaughan of Victoria, BC, Monica Kaplun of Winnipeg, Marlene (Norman) Piel of Winnipeg, granddaughters Bethany Kanhoffen of North Vancouver, BC and Kelsey Kanhoffen of Victoria, BC, his sister, Taisa (Walter) Koberstein of Winnipeg, brothers Adolf (Olga) Kaplun of Kelowna, BC and Felix (Galina) Kaplun of Palm Harbor, Florida, brother-in-law Art (Irma) Koberstein of Winnipeg, and sister-in-law Erika (Wally) Kelbert of Port Alberni, BC, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Philipp was born in Cholnicha, Poland on December 25, 1935. In 1940 the family was resettled to western Poland, which became part of the German Reichsgaue of Warthegau. He attended elementary school until 1945 when the family fled to Dresden, East Germany during the Second World War. The Kaplun family worked on a greenhouse nursery farm for one year. In 1946, Russian authorities interrogated the entire family. Fearing arrest, they fled to Hanover, West Germany. Over the next two years the Kaplun's communicated with family in Canada. In 1948, they immigrated to Canada under a family-sponsored immigration program, and settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Philipp attended school in Winnipeg and also worked as a telegram delivery boy at the age of 14, and later worked in a sewing factory for seven years as a fabric cutter. As the son of a minister, Philipp grew up in the Christian faith, and in 1951 he was baptized and became a member of German Baptist Mission Church. As a young man, he met a Christian woman, Holdine Koberstein. He had eyes only for her and after his persistent pursuit and courtship, they were married on June 28, 1958. Holdine was the unequivocal love of his life. His devotion to her continued throughout their 50+ years of marriage and through many trying years while she struggled with Alzheimer's Disease, which eventually took her life on October 27, 2014. During their marriage, they had three daughters. Ingrid (1959), Monica, (1961), and Marlene (1964). Granddaughters were added to their lives in 1985 (Bethany Lynn) and 1988 (Kelsey Elise). In 1959 Philipp joined Etna Heating as a Furnace Installation Coordinator. In 1973, along with two other partners, they started Etna Heating 1973 Limited. In 1983, Philipp started his own company - Acme Windows - selling and installing windows and doors until he took on a position as Property Manager with Group II Investments, where he worked until his retirement in 2002. Throughout his life, Philipp was devoted to his church and served in leadership capacities for almost 50 years. He loved to travel and enjoyed taking Holdine on cruises, holidaying in warm destinations, family vacations in Kelowna, BC and at Falcon Lake, MB and attending North American Baptist Conference Triennial Conferences around Canada and the US. Philipp also loved "the finer things in life" and enjoyed sharing meals in fine restaurants, cocktails and music at restaurants and lounges, attending the symphony, good wine and great coffee. He had a generous heart and loved giving gifts to those he loved, especially Holdine, who regularly received flowers, perfume and jewelry from her "schuzzel". In his later years, when Holdine was no longer able to cook, Philipp took up the mantle and in his 60s, learned how to cook. He loved it immediately and was always proud to share newfound recipes with other like-mind chefs. He particularly enjoyed making "big breakfasts" on Saturday mornings. Music was also a deep passion and his substantial album and CD collection are a testament to the wide range of music he enjoyed. In addition, he served as the choir director at Mission Baptist Church for almost 30 years, where he shared his love of music with several generations of singers. Philipp had a big heart and their home was always open to friends and family. He and Holdine demonstrated a particular love for young families new to the country, with whom they took parental and spiritual mentorship roles. In December, 2010, Philipp was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Over the next few years he underwent chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments and fought valiantly to extend his life. His determination gave his family four years longer than the doctors' original prognosis. As the disease progressed it weakened his strength and reduced his mobility and in August of 2015, he was admitted to Meadowood Manor Personal Care Home, where he remained until his death. While he will be deeply missed by his friends and family, we are comforted in the knowledge that he is pain free and that we will see him again. The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Meadowood Manor, who provided excellent care, comfort and pain relief during his last days, and were supportive to the family. The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Baptist Church, 777 Sargent Avenue. Interment in Brookside Cemetery In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meadowood Manor Foundation, 102 - 575 St. Anne's Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 5B2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 25, 2017