On September 28th 2011, Mr. Nicholas Shapka passed away peacefully with family at his side in Kamloops at the age of 90.

Nick is survived by sons Richard (Donna Christie) of North Vancouver, Ross (Janet) of High River and Guy (Denice) of Kamloops. Dad was also blessed with and is survived by five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Nick was predeceased by his wife and soul mate of 68 years Sybil Blanche and by his father Olexa and mother Elana of Smoky Lake, Alberta.

Dad spent his early life in Smoky Lake and on his Aunt's farm north of Edmonton. He went through tough times during the depression, travelling from one farm to another in search of work. When the opportunity arose Dad volunteered for the Army. He was part of the first Army Tank Brigade posted to England where he served as a dispatch rider for a time.

He met Mom in Nottingham while on leave. It was love at first sight and they were married in the spring of 1942. Dad went to Sicily, and then to Italy. (He was very proud to be a member of the D-day Dodgers.) From there he participated in the liberation of France and Holland. When Dad was repatriated he began a career as a carpenter. Then his 1st son arrived he decided he needed a job that was more predictable, so started a long career with Canada Post. He started as a letter carrier and retired as the Victoria plant manager, a plant he had helped design and bring online. As a young father he was a cub/scout leader with his wife Sybil, as their boys went through the movement. He was also very involved with the Anglican Church, he volunteered in a number of roles and helped where ever he was needed. Dad was a wonderful provider. He worked hard at home, building garages, bedrooms, whatever was needed. After Dad retired he was able to pursue two of his favourite pastimes. He loved to spend time in his garden and salmon fishing. Dad loved to take his sons or anybody else that would come along, out for a day on the water, if they caught something so much the better but it didn't really matter. He volunteered, helping repair and improve salmon spawning grounds on Vancouver Island. His gardening started out of necessity, growing food for a growing family. It evolved into his love of growing beautiful flowers, especially roses. Dad loved to travel, especially with family. Europe, New Zealand, many visits to Hawaii and Cuba. When Dad and Mom moved back to the mainland to be closer to family Dad started a new career. He drove for Meals on Wheels receiving a long service award and helped out where he could with the Langley Memorial Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, doing things that the ladies couldn't do. When Mom's macular degeneration took her sight Dad became her eyes. He looked after her tirelessly. He taught his sons honesty, integrity and perseverance. He also knew the value of a great sense of humour and we shared many a laugh at "happy hour". Mom and Dad decided to relocate to Kamloops in 2009. This last move gave them the opportunity to spend more time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. He has now joined Mom, as they have "One More Place To Do Together".

A Celebration of Nick's life will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in the Schoening Funeral Chapel, 513 Seymour Street with the Reverend Sandra Sudgen officiating.

Should friends desire, donations may be made to the charity of their choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com