ROY BARTA

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ROY BARTA
September 13, 1947 – December 3, 2021

Roy passed away peacefully at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021 at St. Boniface Hospital, at the age of 74.
Roy was always a snappy dresser. One nephew visited him in hospital in August wearing fuchsia shorts, similarly coloured t-shirt and black Nikes. Roy, while thrilled to see his nephew, was less than impressed with the ensemble. "Next time you visit make sure your shoes match your outfit," he said with a smile. He was one of the few north enders who knew bespoke tailoring.
And that's what caught Peggy's eye. Peggy's mother didn't see it that way. Gramma Drapack was worried Roy would spend more money on clothes for himself than he would for Peggy. But that was never the case and just this summer, Peggy and Roy's union hit 50 well dressed years. And Roy would eventually win over his mother-in-law, becoming the only one worthy to cut the lawn after grandpa died.
Not only did Roy like fine clothes, he liked fine food. He was a "foodie" before it became a thing. He would research the "go-to" restaurants to dine whenever they travelled. Family gatherings at their house usually ended with his knockout banana splits, at least for the kids.
Now it's no secret Roy travelled with a tough crowd in his youth. He was proud of his Redwood Avenue roots, was always loyal to his family and friends. But Peggy softened those edges. He would develop a career in building maintenance and eventually retire after 25 years of keeping the lights on at Investor's Building at Portage and Colony.
Roy could spot a good business deal. Mid-career they decided to open a couple of tanning salons. One of the first lines of beach wear they carried was being hustled by two young blond kids. Not sure if Winnipeg would forgive Roy for laying, just a little bit, the foundation for Chip and Pepper!
Aside from Peggy, Roy did love three other girls, not all at the same time mind you. There was Maude, Sheeba and Cassie, a Saint Bernard, a Husky Mix, a Golden Lab. He loved each one, would wake at 5:00 every a.m. to walk, them no matter the weather. Roy probably died just a little bit each time he had to say goodbye to them.
He is survived by his wife Peggy; sisters, Mary Anne (Don) Prokopsky, Valerie Kulczycki and Sharon (Lawrence) Kulczycki; as well as brother-in-law Ron Drapack (Joanne) and sister-in-law Anne Drapack; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
And Uncle Roy, next time we see you, we will make sure our shoes match our outfit.
A private family service will take place on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, with Fr. Isidore Dziadyk presiding.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 2021