a.k.a. Richard Lapka
Richard died suddenly of a heart attack on March 4, 2003 at the age of 53, while on vacation in Bathurst, N.B.
Richard is survived by five daughters; two sons, four grandchildren; four brothers; one sister; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Children of a relationship with Donna Mussell (nee Quilty) 1963-1971, daughter Colleen Michele (35) and her two sons, Octavio and Alexander, of Chilliwack, daughter Donna Richelle (34), and her daughter Hanah, of New Westminster; and son Sean Christopher (32), of Chilliwack.
Children of his marriage to Darlene Edwards (Lopushinsky), 1973-1986, daughter Lisa-anne Mildred (27) and her son Jacob; son Joseph Clifford (26); and daughter Christina Marie (23), all of Ontario.
No children with his companion of two years, Linda who was there for Richard through a dark and difficult time.
Child of a relationship with Dawn McGreggor/Masters, 1988-1999, daughter Crystal (8) of Salt Spring Island.
Brothers, Jack Hutton, George, Bob and Joe Lopushinsky; and sister Shirley Daves.
Richard loved the finer things in life. He was organized and tidy and had a great sense of style. He was a talented artist and a sports fanatic. He had a passion for cars, especially the classics. Good music, good company, sunshine and a convertible was pleasure to him. But, Richard was a businessman, an entrepreneur; coupled with that keen sense of duty with regard to his mother’s estate, left him precious little time for enjoyment or relaxation.
Richard spent the last 18 years of his life consumed by a bitter battle in an effort to preserve the estate that his mother (Celina Lapka, who passed away suddenly of a heart attack in 1985) worked so hard to build. His efforts, on the brink of baring fruit after all these years, left on the vine.
The Lopushinsky children are reuniting in Langley at the Holiday Inn, 8750 - 204 St., Langley on Sunday, Apr. 20, 2003. An open invitation is extended to family and friends who wish to attend from 1 p.m.
Circumstances, distance and time separated Richard from his children, therefore, on behalf of the Lopushinsky children, we invite anyone acquainted with Richard to bring or send pictures, videos, stories, or anything that you are willing to share that may help them to know and understand, the character of their father, the man; c/o P.O. Box 337, Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 6J4. Thank you everyone.