JOHN KAPUSTA

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JOHN KAPUSTA

July 27, 1931 – August 18, 2024

John (Gida, Gramps, Grandpa and Tato/Dad) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 18, 2024, at the age of 93. He is predeceased by his wife Joy H. (nee Fogg) Kapusta, his parents Maria (nee Nakonechny) Kapusta and Peter Kapusta, his son John “Skip” Kapusta, his sisters Rose Sumka, Lena Regey, his uncle Peter Nakonechny of Komarno MB, his cousins Mike, Basil and Pete Kapusta, his nephews Peter Regey, and Reg Fogg of Toledo Ohio.

Cherished memories of his life will be lovingly remembered by his children Kathy, Sean (Sheri), Shauna (Yugesh), and his grandchildren Alaysha, Dustin (Charwin), Nathan, Zachary, Brandy, Makayla, John III, and Ethan. Great-grandchildren Liam, Alena, Henry, and Violet. Nieces Helen (nee Sumka) Leduchowski, Jean (nee Regey) Wilson (Fred), Nephews Gary (Audrey) Fogg, Stanley “Todd” (Melinda) Fogg of Michigan, and Robert (Vicki) Fogg of Las Vegas. All his cousins, the great, great-great-nieces and nephews, and last but not least these two have been a big part of his life, his 1947 Studebaker Champion Convertible and his 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk.

Dad’s parents were from Vysichka and Strilkivtsi, Ukraine. In 1906-1907 they made their way to a piece of land in Arborg, MB. Dad enjoyed driving to the homestead. Dad was born on Austin Street in Winnipeg, attending Norquay school, soon after moving to Forbes Road in Saint Germain. He often spoke about walking down Forbes Road to catch the ferry that took him across the Red River to go to the all boys school.

In the early 50’s dad worked for Connery Garden’s, moving to HL Perry in the mid 1950s where he met his wife. He then started with the Winnipeg Transit in the late 50’s retiring June 1993.

Some fond memories for dad was his uncle (Peter Nakonechny) property in Komarno, MB, the 1966 snow storm leaving buses abandoned on Ness. Making home made non salted butter with his mom, wrapping it in wax paper and selling it for 25 cents a pound. Taking the dog sled into St Norbert to Lorde’s grocery store.

Dad moved to the municipality of Assiniboia, on Inglewood before St James was incorporated into the City of Winnipeg. Later moving to his current residence in St James in the 1960s. Heavily involved in coaching hockey, and soccer from the 1950s till the 2000s in St. James. With all the sports our family played, Dad was the number one fan. Waking up early, driving across town, he was always there!

Dad was one of the founders of Manitoba Transit Heritage Association (MTHA). He was also a founder of the Buffalo Studebaker Club of MB. Lastly, he was one of the founders of the St. James Museum. Dad amazed many with his memories of street cars, buses, Studebakers and old cars. His knowledge was unparalleled.

Dad was helping with the restoration of Streetcar 356 in the Wpg Railway Museum, and was a long-time active member of the Royal Canadian Legion #4 Branch on Portage Ave.

Dad enjoyed, going to Willie Nelson concerts, spending summer weekends at Sunset Beach, listening to a wide variety of Ukrainian music. He also enjoyed driving his Studebaker’s around and was very content tinkering in his garage. When describing where he lived, he would let people know to stop at the grain elevator in the back lane. He was very proud of the two-story garage he had built. When it came to his alcoholic drinks, he was well known for his two fingers of booze and two fingers of mix!

Dad loved when family came over, relaxing on the deck, having bbq’s, watching the kids playing in the backyard, the birds at the feeders and bird baths, the bunnies hopping about, and feeding the dogs their treats. He loved seeing how the kids grew from visit to visit.

Dad not a day goes by we don’t think of you, miss you, love you and wish you were back with us. We will continue the Dai Bozhe tradition for many more generations to come! As you always said, “See you down the gravel road!”

Vichnaya Pamyat

A special thank you to Jenny Salie of Chapel Lawn. As well to our neighbours and close family friends. Connie Cava, Susan Cava-Salie, Colin Salie, Ross Smith, Bruce Ault, to name a few. As per dad’s request, the Celebration of Life was already held. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Manitoba Heritage Transit Association: https://www.mtha.ca/donations.html#.

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2024, Sep 14, 2024