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WHITNEY (WHIT) LANDIS OKAPIEC
Born: Dec 14, 1979
Date of Passing: Mar 01, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWHITNEY (WHIT) LANDIS OKAPIEC
It is with broken hearts that our family announces a most kind and warm heart suddenly stopped beating.
Left to mourn his passing are his parents, Wayne and Maryann; brothers, Shaylan (Melanie), Riley (Giselle) and Lindsey (Amanda); nephews, Ryan, Evan, Lochlan and Oscar. Whit also leaves behind many other relatives, friends and his little pet companion, Rockum.
Whit grew up in East St. Paul where he played hockey, baseball, attended elementary and junior high school and then completed his education at River East Collegiate.
After graduating he worked at WRS Environmental Services, Carland, as a financial specialist at Auto Finance and lastly was a wash bay manager and detailer at Jade Transport where he enjoyed the camaraderie of everyone there.
With admirable strength, Whit fought long and courageously through health issues, there was never any giving up.
Whit had an infectious and charismatic personality to the point where he would easily make friends with complete strangers. Toss in some humour and before long they would talk as though they were longtime friends.
Family was most important to Whit. He loved his nephews and especially enjoyed family gatherings often coming with flowers in hand for mom and lemon dainties for dad which both enjoyed. He was always generously willing to lend us a hand whenever he was able to.
Whit loved nature and being outdoors. From a young age, he was very inquisitive about berries, flowers, insects and animal footprints among other things in nature. More recently he enjoyed the many park walks either alone or with friends and their dogs during which there would undoubtedly be some good natured banter and laughter. The birds and squirrels were always well fed. Top of the list however, was his passion for fishing. Even if the fish weren’t biting, it was still regarded as a successful outing.
Whit was talented in a number of ways. He was able to repair and construct things in his own inventive ways. He was a self-taught mechanic and auto body repairer. He worked many hours over three years to restore a 1972 VW Beetle. Being a lover of VW Beetles when young, he had completed his childhood dream. It was his pride and joy. When his beloved Dodge Durango, which sometimes served as a camper, needed repairs, it would be fixed for the most part, sometime with the assistance of a friend, without having to be taken in to a garage for servicing. More recently, attention turned to restoring old dirt bikes. When done, they would be taken out to the cabin and put through their paces.
Whit was a gardener who possessed the proverbial “green thumb”. In his younger years, he could be seen in the garden with his brothers, sometimes sitting in lawn chairs, nourishing and watching their vegetables grow. More recently, indoors at his residence, he successfully grew numerous vegetables, some of which to feed Rockum, some to eat and some to share with others, especially those specialty ripe tomatoes in mid-winter.
Sadly, Whit’s life journey has ended far too soon but along with that there is no longer any pain or suffering.
Rest in Peace!
Forever loved and never forgotten!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.
A Celebration of Life for Whit will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 PTH 52W, Steinbach, Manitoba.
A private family interment will take place at a later date.
Our family wishes to kindly thank the many who have called, sent cards, texts, flowers, tributes and food.
Publish Date: Mar 16, 2024
WHITNEY (WHIT) LANDIS OKAPIEC
It is with very deep sorrow that our family announces the passing of Whitney Okapiec on Friday, March 1, 2024, at his residence, at the age of 44.
Cremation will take place with a full obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Mar 9, 2024
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 09, 2024, Mar 09, 2024, Mar 16, 2024
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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DEAR Maryann and Wayne and family, Sending prayers and comforting hugs on the early passing of Whitney. Our paths have crossed in east St Paul over the last 40 years, may it be school, hockey, with Ryan, or curling with Melissa and baseball with us. May precious memories comfort you. Jan, Harve, Ryan and Melissa Rochelle and family - Posted by: JAN & HARVE ROCHELLE (FRIEND) on: Mar 20, 2024
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Wow. Been a while since I’ve seen you, this was not what I expected. Whito, you were a great neighbour and a good friend. Heart of gold and always there to lend a hand. I hope you are at peace and my condolences to your family, you will be missed. Rest easy my friend. - Posted by: Michael (Friend/neighbour) on: Mar 14, 2024
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Our deepest sympathies to Whitney’s parents, siblings and family. May you find comfort as we hold you in our thoughts and prayers. 🌹🙏🏻🌹 - Posted by: George & Elsie Jaman (Friends of his parents from back home) on: Mar 11, 2024
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Whit was one of the best neighbours I have ever encountered. From the moment me and my 5 month old baby moved in to Donwood he always was around for a chat or vehicle advice. Whit always ran up and down the hallways with my son, weather my son was crawling, walking or learning to ride his bike. Whit would have sprinkler fights with my son on warm summer nights. Whit was always a wonderful friend and will be surley missed. Condolences to Whit’s family. - Posted by: Paige Lutzer (Neighbor ) on: Mar 11, 2024
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When I arrived to my Apartment on Donwood, Whitney literally came out and started unpacking my uhaul. I didn’t even know him but I was grateful for his kindness. For 7 years, I got to know him and had many nice chats. He spoke highly of his parents. I moved last summer and my last words were “thank you”. He gave his best as he could, and a heart that was kind. Because of him I learned more on how to fix my SUV, engine check light, an OBD with laughter. My condolences to the family & friends. May he fly high and be at peace. - Posted by: Keisha (Friend ) on: Mar 11, 2024
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Thank you for all the memories Whitney. Won't ever forget them and will forever cherish them. You were always there to help a friend when needed. You'll be deeply missed by so many people and we wish you were still here. I'm sure you're more comfortable now. Catch you on the other side bro. Love Blayne, Lisa, Danica, Devin and Marley. ❤️ - Posted by: Blayne (Friend ) on: Mar 10, 2024