ROBERT IHOR MICHAEL KARPIAK Obituary

ROBERT IHOR MICHAEL KARPIAK attended Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Robert Ihor Michael Karpiak.

Graduation Year	Class of 1960
Date of Passing	Sep 19, 2017
About	ROBERT IHOR MICHAEL KARPIAK August 14, 1942 - September 19, 2017 With deepest sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Robert Ihor Michael Karpiak, beloved husband of Sa'ili, at St. Mary's Hospital in Kitchener, ON on September 19, 2017. Robert is survived by his children, Paul (mother Victoria), Katherine and Michael / Krista (mother Jane); stepchildren, Daniel, Darsha / Lars, and Davida / Steffen; sister Irene / Wayne; and nephews Andre / Karen and Ilyan / Andrea. Robert was predeceased by his parents Zenon and Myroslava. Born to Ukrainian parents during the Second World War, Robert immigrated with his family to Canada in 1949, settling in Winnipeg's North End. He graduated as Valedictorian from Sisler High School, was awarded an Honours BA and MA in French and Russian from the University of Manitoba, and the PhD in Russian Literature from the University of Ottawa. As a youth, Robert was an ardent pianist, scout with Ukrainian Plast, and sea cadet with HMCS Chippawa. As a university student, he was active in the Ukrainian Students choir and the Alpha Omega and Obnova Societies. He completed University Naval Training, and received his commission as an Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. Subsequently, during the height of the Cold War, he served as Naval Intelligence Officer at Military Headquarters in Ottawa. His love of literature and languages led him to a teaching position at Queen's University in Kingston, ON, and later to the University of Waterloo as a professor of Slavic Studies, a role he treasured for 30 years. Robert's love of music followed him since childhood and he found solace in playing his instruments - the piano, harpsichord and clavichord. Yet, he remained ever a sailor at heart, with an enduring love of ships and vivid recollections of his Naval operations at sea. His participation in the commemoration of Pearl Harbor represented his last Naval duty. We have been so fortunate to have had in our life one who has made saying goodbye ever so difficult to do. God Speed, Dearest Bobby. A Remembrance of Robert's life will be held on September 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Conservatory at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg. As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 23, 2017