Joseph Peter Prpick
March 19,1933 – February 10, 2014
Joe Prpick — a.k.a. Church Joe, a.k.a. Diddy — was a farmer, community leader, blue collar worker, entrepreneur, true friend and, above all, the anchor of an incredible network of friends and family. And he was a firm supporter of the causes of the common man, giving his time to the National Farmers Union and later, supporting candidates of the Saskatchewan NDP. Not rich in the material things in life, he was very wealthy indeed in the things that really count: the love of his children and grandchildren, his spouse Sharon, and the rest of his extended family. He was also rich beyond measure in his reputation for integrity, honesty and gentleness. If you asked his opinion on something, you may not always have heard what you wanted, but it was delivered with the best of intentions and great underlying kindness and concern. He also taught family, friends and anyone who came to know him about endurance. In 1974 Joe was in a serious car accident from which he never fully recovered, leaving him with significant physical challenges for all his remaining years and closing the farming chapter of his life. It was a burden he bore with dignity. They say no old man’s death is tragedy. In Diddy’s case, this is exactly so. His death is a cause of celebration of a good man, who left the earth better than he found it and one who will always be held close in the hearts of those who knew him. As the great philosopher Paul McCartney said, “The love you take/Is equal to the love you make”. Diddy was equal to all our love … and more. Joe Prpick is survived by his wife Sharon; his children Paula (John, Sarah, JJ), Danica (Joel, Mathieu, Joseph, Dominique), Luke (Paula, Adam), Sean (Maud, Léa, Zoé) and his siblings Hazel, Ray and Bud. He was pre-deceased by his son Matthew; brother Jim and parents Emil and Anna.
Joe’s funeral was held at St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church in Kenaston on Saturday, February 15, followed by a community reception at Kenaston Place. He was interred alongside his son Matthew in St. Andrews Cemetery, Kenaston. Deepest appreciation to Joe’s medical team at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for their compassionate care in his last days, and special thanks to his nurses Peggy, Diane, Pam and Leanne. In his memory, please consider donating to any of Joe’s favourite charities, including: the St. Vincent de Paul Society (http://www.ssvp.ca); the Salvation Army (www.salvationarmy.ca), or your nearest Foodbank.