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9, No. 15, Tuesday, January8, 21, 2014 Vol.Vol. 7, No. 2, Tuesday, November 2011
Mundare resident John Korpan turns 100!
MICHELLE PINON PHOTOS
John Korpan was surrounded by his eight great grandchildren on Jan. 17 at the Mundare extended care facility to celebrate his 100th birthday. Also in attendance were grandchildren and his two daughters as well as other relatives, friends, and fellow residents from Mary Immaculate Hospital. Michelle Pinon Editor
John Korpan has touched many lives in his 100 years, and some of those lives he has touched were on hand to celebrate his birthday on Jan. 17 at the extended care facility in Mundare. After feasting on traditional Ukrainian fare for lunch, family members, friends and fellow residents at Mary Immaculate Hospital gathered shortly after 1:30 p.m. for a short program before cutting the cake sharing stories and refreshments. Daughter Susan Laibida read a brief history on Korpan’s life, before Jayce and Mason Gusnowski sang Happy
Birthday in Ukrainian. The English version followed, and then more of the great grandchildren surrounded John at the head table to help blow out the birthday candle before posing for a picture. The grandchildren also posed for a picture before the cake was cut and distributed to guests. Susan also noted that Two Hills Wildrose MLA Shane Saskiw has known John for many years, and made sure to pass along a special commemorative certificate for John in recognition of the special milestone. John was born on Jan. 17, 1914 to Alex Korpan and Ann Kubin. He married Ann Gara and settle on a farm southwest of
Vegreville. Children Ed, Orest (deceased in 1964), Susan and Joanne followed. “Life on the farm required John to become jack of all trades - nursing livestock back to health, repairing farm machinery and constructing farm buildings as well as inventive household knickknacks,” stated Susan. After Ann passed away, John retired from farming and moved to the Lions Golden Villa in Vegreville where he met his buddy John Ewanchuk. John, who also resides at Mary Immaculate currently, and his wife Olga were in attendance at the birthday party. They nodded knowingly
when Susan mentioned the camping and fishing trips they shared together. Susan went on to say, “As well, many other campers made his acquaintance as he made his rounds through the campsites selling his homemade wiener sticks.” John was also able to make almost any Ukrainian dish. “Although health problems got in the way of his former lifestyle, what remains to this day is his love of the “Little People.” He still wants to be sure that there are chocolate bars in his drawer when the grandkids come to visit.” John is definitely a pioneer to be proud of. “In
his 100 years, John has touched many lives. Whether to ease a hardship or to help someone deal with a health crisis, John was there to help how he could,” said Susan in conclusion. Effie Lakusta, recreation assistant at Mary Immaculate Hospital, described John as “jolly” and someone who loves bingo and bowling. “I get a lot of fishing tips,” smiled Lakusta, before cutting the cake. Volunteer Eileen also presented John with a homemade card and gift, and offered best wishes as well as a loving hug before departing. His card stated, “Over the years, you’ve touched the lives of so many people. That’s why you’re
wished so much more than a happy birthday, but the extraordinary day you deserve.” Here. Here.
Volunteer and friend Eileen Spallin offers best wishes and a special hug for the birthday