Neil Korpach was born on November 30, 1929 in Glaslyn, Saskatchewan to Jacob and Annie (Danyliw) Korpach where he started his schooling at Willa Country School. Neil left school after grade 8 to go to work to help make a living for the family. In 1945, at the age of 16 he travelled by train to Ontario to work in the lumber camps. In 1947, Neil and his family moved to Carrot River and bought the homestead quarter of land to start the family farm. He bought his first tractor (a Ford) and cultivator, both of which are still on the farm today. Neil was a hard-working man, farming in the summer months and managing a bush camp and sawmill in the winter months.
In 1949, Neil met the love of his life, Elsie Remai. They were married in 1954. Neil and Elsie, along with Neil’s brothers, continued to grow the family farm. Neil and Elsie’s family also continued to grow as they raised four children. Neil was a very astute businessman despite his limited formal education. In 1971, he and his brothers built a motel in Nipawin.
In 1979, Neil and Elsie moved to White Rock where they purchased a prime piece of land and built their own house. Neil loved working in the yard where they had many fruit trees and until just recently planted a very large vegetable garden every year. They were quick to support their new community and spent many hours helping their local Catholic Church. Neil loved to have fun and every summer they went salmon fishing on Vancouver Island where they hosted friends and family on their boat and at their campsite.
He was one of a kind. When he decided he wanted to do something, he did it. He always wanted to complete his schooling, so he studied, wrote the accreditation exam for mature students and earned his grade 12 diploma. He decided he wanted to fly so he studied and earned his pilot’s licence, bought a plane and soon became known as the Flying Farmer.
Neil never forgot his roots. Every year he went back to the farm to help with the seeding and harvest. He was a jack of all trades. He was a farmer at heart but over the years became an accomplished carpenter, mechanic, welder, lumberman, motel operator, pilot and fisherman.
Neil was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Annie and his brothers Peter and Walter. Neil leaves behind to treasure his memory his loving wife Elsie, four children Susan (Fritz), Arthur (Deborah), Dave (Carolyn), and Al (Bev). He is also survived by eleven grandchildren Alan (Cindy), Nicole (Mike), Corey (Katie), Chris (Chelsea), Larissa (Tyler), Melissa (Quinn), Rachel (Trevor), Sarah, Sean, Thomas, and Bennett, two step-grandchildren Lauren (Bradley) and Taylor, two beautiful great grandchildren Felix and Austin, step-great granddaughter Poppy and numerous other relatives and friends.
Neil will be missed and remembered by all!
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Neil Korpach November 30 1929 February 13 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique