This obituary is written by Irene, and as Gus would say – “Oh my”…. So here it goes …
Gus was born in Holland and came to Canada as an 11-year-old with his large and loving family in 1952. He has lived in the Yukon since the ‘60s.
He is survived by the loving mother of his children – Elizabeth Karpes of BC.
Daughter Lisa Anne Stone (Roger) of Sooke, BC.
Son Shawn David Karpes of Alert Bay, BC.
Grand-daughter Montana Stone (Cody) of Calgary, Alberta.
Great-grandchildren, Dominic and London Anne.
Gus dearly loved and was very proud of his family.
Survived by his beloved sisters and brothers, Francisca Klienebeck (Don) of Australia.
Paula Veenstra (lammert) of USA.
Mary Beaussart of BC
Dick Karpes of BC
Chris (Bea) Karpes of BC.
John (Joan) Karpes of BC.
Many loving nieces and nephews.
Gus is predeceased by his father, Walter; mother, Anna Maria Karpes (who he absolutely loved and adored); brothers, Bill and Theodore Karpes; brothers-in-law, Walter Kleinebeck and Raff Beaussart; and sister-in-law Mary Karpes.
He is deeply mourned by his wonderful, faithful dog and constant companion Peg.
Gus was a kind, considerate, intelligent, and often opinionated man. Always a loyal and steadfast friend to those who “knew” him. Amongst these people, he leaves behind his special, long-time friends Don and Penny Sipple, and Allan and Dianne Chisholm.
He also leaves behind his much loved “adopted sons” and their families. Warren Holland (Brenda); their kids (no longer kids), Morgane, Evan, Jordon, and Eva; and their new kids on the block, Warren, Gus, and Molly. Gus was honoured to have Gus named after him; Scott McDougal (Joanne), who had a very long and great journey with Gus of nearly 40 years; and their kids (no longer kids) Al, Luke, and Emily.
The Pugh’s all loved Gus, and it is summed up by my sister Karen’s message. “Gus was a man of character who loved you very much. You two were individuals and a team. He was Yukon, and Yukon was him”.
I had a wonderful life with Gus. He loved the water, books, and his famous woodpile. He was an entrepreneur, adventurer, riverboat captain, artist, woodworker, published author, awesome chef, ferocious reader, and businessman. He was the most fantastic dancer a woman could ever hope to have as a dance partner in life. We were partners in life and business for about 44 years and were married 36 years ago. He was my world.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our great families, friends, neighbours, and my (forever younger than me) co-workers for your kindness, love, and support.
Thank you to Dr. Owen Averill, Dr. Robert Zimmerman, the doctors and nurses of Whitehorse General Hospital, and to Gordon Smith, ND.
Thank you to Dr. Yee, Dr. Keisse, and Kelly Wilcox of St. Paul’s Hospital (BC). Gus and I were grateful for the extended time we had together made possible through your skills. We tried to make each day count.
At Gus’ request, there will be no funeral.
And as Gus would say…. “Good show! Carry on…”.
Love to all
-Irene
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Augustinus Christiaan Maria Karpes April 20 1941 September 6 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Whitehorse, Province: Colombie britanique
Irene, A legacy is the lessons taught, the memories made and the love that lives forever in your heart. Celebrating the lasting legacy of Gus who made the world a better, brighter place. Someone special who will be truly missed. Gus told me that he was the black sheep of the family as he never fit into the civil world of cities. He loved his wild river and the wild Yukon and he passed on that love of adventure. He was so lucky to find you to love and to enjoy with him his “wild adventures”.
Karen