Edward Halpape

In Loving Memory of

Edward Halpape

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Saturday, August 7, 2021

2:00 p.m.

Chapel of Tompkins Funeral Home

Wadena, SK

On the evening of December 12, 2020, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Edward Halpape passed away peacefully. He will be sorrowfully missed by his family and those who called him a friend.

Ed was born on December 31, 1936 to John and Polly on the family homestead north of Clair, SK. Ed was the fourth of seven children from this union, with six older siblings preceding him. From early years as a child, Ed worked hard tending to the horses and the regular chores of a working farm. Having lost his mother at a young age and having younger siblings to care for, Ed grew up fast and developed his qualities of wisdom, strength, hard-work, kindness, and that of a nurturer. Throughout his life these qualities continued to shine and were felt by those close to him.

Ed attended Park Villa School, eventually leaving school to farm the homestead with his father, and finally caring for his father until he passed in 1967.  Ed loved the land and farming; it was never a job but rather a calling. Ed had the wisdom, organization, and work ethic to do anything, but he chose to farm. While continuing to farm, Ed worked in the winters as a driller with Kenaston Oil in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. This job took him up the winter roads to Inuvik for months at a time. Many stories were shared about this time, and this hard work enabled him to begin to grow a successful farming operation.

After many visits to the hair salon, Ed managed to win the heart of the new hairdresser in town. Ed and Barb were married in 1980 and built a home and life in Quill Lake that radiated with warmth. Thereafter, they welcomed their only child Tanis. Ed took great pride and joy from fatherhood. While always humble, Ed was incredibly proud of the education, family, and life Tanis has built.

Over the years Ed enjoyed fishing in the summer and hunting in the fall. In the later years, Ed and Barb enjoyed their afternoon drives checking out the crops and looking for wildlife. With the eyes of a keen hunter, Ed was always the first to find a moose miles away in the bush.

Many a coffee, hearty meal, card game, and laugh occurred around Ed and Barb’s kitchen table. Ed loved music and a good Ukrainian polka, there was always music playing at home and, back in the day, Ed never missed the opportunity for a two-step or waltz around the dancefloor. While not the loudest guy in the room, Ed loved a good visit with family and friends. He also loved to joke around, and shine light in all situations. He would get a little twinkle in his eyes, a little smirk on his face, and contagious giggling would often follow. If you were lucky enough to be on the receiving end of one of Ed’s handshakes or hugs, you inevitably felt his warmth.

While farming, Ed also served a period on the board of directors of the Quill Credit Union and eventually wound down his farming operations in 2006. Into retirement, Ed and Barb enjoyed maintaining their yard, large garden and opening their home to family and friends. Always a farmer, Ed enjoyed tending to the garden, nurturing it, and reaping the rewards of many a bountiful crop of vegetables.

Nothing made Ed happier than when he became “Gido”.  He relished in the daily updates on how the grandchildren’s hockey, ringette, activities and school were going. He enjoyed his many extended visits to Ottawa and upon return to Saskatchewan, much of his time was occupied with preparing for the grandchildren’s summer visits. On these visits, he imparted on his grandchildren the recognition of the beauty and nature of rural Saskatchewan and made sure special breakfasts were ready for them when they woke up - nothing can ever compare to Gido’s pancakes, eggs, borsht, and many snacks. Gido’s knee was a favourite perch for each of his grandchildren, and they knew that wherever Gido was, special treats were not too far away. They are blessed to have these memories, and to have felt his great love for them.

Ed was predeceased by his mother and father, John and Polly; mother and father in-law, Peter and Mary; brothers Alex, Charles, Frank, Lawrence, Albert, Jim, and Larry; sisters Kathleen and Alice and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law. He leaves to mourn his loving wife Barb; his daughter Tanis (Chris); his beloved grandchildren Oliver, Charlotte and Veronica; sisters Betty (Albert) and Phyllis; brother John (Joanne); brothers and sisters-in-law Terry (Loette), Shirley, Pearl, Emily, Louise, and Clare as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

When gatherings are possible once again, Ed's family will look forward to hosting his family and friends to join together for a Celebration of Ed's life. Until then, on New Year’s Eve, Ed’s birthday, be sure to raise a toast, turn on a Ukrainian polka, and share a fond memory of him - he will be sure to be smiling above with his eyes twinkling. Flowers are gratefully declined and in lieu a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.