Hubert Henry Carl Papke was born May 5, 1915 in Renfrew, Gratton Township, Ontario to Herman David and Agnes Anna Papke, the third born of twelve children. The family moved to Alberta around 1922 to the Three Hills area.
The family moved around quite a lot during these years, moving to the Staveley area. Hubert at the age of twelve quit school to go to work for a farmer to help out the family. The family finally settled in the Cremona area - West on the Johannsen Ranch in the Big Prairie district.
In his younger years, Hubert was interested in horses and the Veterinarian part of it. He returned to the Cremona area, and bought the farm at Big Prairie in 1945 from the Hudson’s Bay Company with his brother, Wilbert. At this time, Hubert was working in the logging industry, with the Davies brothers. He owned his own truck and hauled lumber for the Walter May Mill and Fyten’s Mill. Hubert’s love for Hockey led him to play for the Didsbury Ramblers hockey team, he was always busy with sports, playing ball and coaching the girls’ softball team back in the 1950s. Hubert also worked in the Oilfield industry hauling water.
Hubert moved to Dawson Creek in 1966, reconnecting with Elsie McMillan and soon marrying her on November 29, 1966 in Calgary, Alberta. Hubert having no children of his own instantly acquired a family of five. Hubert then worked for the Department of highways, retiring from there, then working for Revelstoke Cement. Residing in Bonanza in the early 1980s, then venturing to the Alberta area. Elsie passed away on May 8, 2002 in Spruce Grove, Alberta, leaving Hubert and many loved ones. Hubert stayed living with his daughter and son-in-law, Refa and Keith, along with his son Raymond until moving to the Didsbury care home reunited with some siblings and living out his life.
We all have many memories of Hubert, our Father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. Most of all was his love for his grandchildren, hockey and hunting, giving his all to each of them. All of his family have fond memories of his unique singing and stylish poetry. Our favorite will always be… “I was built backwards…my nose runs and my feet smell!”
Hubert passed away peacefully at the Didsbury Care Center, March 6, 2010 at the age of 94. He is survived by 1 sister, 3 step-children, 19 grandchildren,
37 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.
Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd. (250) 782-2577 Dawson Creek, British Columbia (800) 577-4877
