Iris Karpyk of Yorkton passed away peacefully at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre surrounded by family on April 17, 2015. She was 77 years of age. Iris was born on June 4, 1937 to Mike and Katie (Pura) Karpyk. She was raised on the family farm near Sturgis, SK along with her two brothers and two sisters. Iris attended Ajax School and Sturgis Composite School, and then took a secretarial course at the Yorkton Collegiate. Upon completion, she began a 41 year career with Greyhound Bus Lines, first in Regina and then on to Winnipeg, MB, forming many lifelong friendships. During her time in Winnipeg, she met her loving companion Roy Paul, who was a bus driver for Greyhound. They both retired from Greyhound and subsequently moved to Yorkton in 1999. In their 25 years together, Roy and Iris enjoyed many adventures including travels to Australia and Europe, cruises, and trips across Canada and the United States to visit their many friends and family. Before Iris met Roy, she traveled extensively with her sister Elsie. New friendships were formed when Iris and Roy made their winter home in Harlingen, Texas, and always made it there in time for the American Thanksgiving. Iris and Roy enjoyed many happy years together, watching curling and golf, combing through garage sales for bargains and visiting with neighbours. After Iris was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, Roy became her devoted caregiver. Sadly, after he passed away in February of this year, she experienced a rapid decline in her health. Iris was predeceased by her father Mike in 1982, her mother Katie in 2010, her great nephew Corey McLashen in 2011 and her loving companion Roy in February, 2015. She leaves to mourn her sister Helen (Ed) McLashen, her sister Elsie Karpyk, her brother Elgin (Verna) Karpyk and her brother David (Geraldine) Karpyk. Also mourning her loss are her loving and supportive nieces, nephews, great-nephews and a great-niece. We will miss her zest for life, sense of style, tales of adventure and her sense of humor. The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Father Ray Lukie, C.Ss.R. of St. Mary's Church in Yorkton officiating. The responses were led by Ed Pindus and St. Mary's Choir members. The cross bearer was Cameron Stevens. The interment took place in the Canora Town Cemetery with Colin Mastrachuk, Matthew Yaremchuk, Michael Karpyk, Patty Stevens, Cindy Karpyk and Darci McLashen serving as the casket bearers. Reflections of Iris' life were shared by niece, Patty Stevens. Memorials in memory of Iris may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences can be forwarded to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre and the Home Care nurses for their compassionate and professional care of Iris. Xpuctoc Bockpec! Christ Is Risen!
