Mr. Harry Ropchan passed away peacefully, with his daughter by his side, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at the age of 87 years. Harry was born in Bellis, Alberta on April 7, 1937. His family moved to Athabasca when he was nine years of age. In High School, he met Geraldine Guenette, and they were united in marriage on June 9, 1956. They started their life together in Edmonton and in 1957, welcomed their son, Dwayne. Then in 1959, a daughter, Cathy was born. Harry and Geri moved to Dawson Creek, British Columbia in 1960, when Harry accepted a position with CJDC Radio/Television as a DJ and Evening TV News Anchor. They welcomed two more sons, Robert (1963) and Troy (1966) which made their family complete. In 1969, Harry had the opportunity to move back to Alberta and accepted a position at CKRD Radio/Television Red Deer, as Advertising Salesman, which he thoroughly enjoyed as he loved to visit with people. He was employed there until 1972. At this time in his life, he had a wonderful opportunity to live out his dream and was able to participate in acquiring, alongside his friend, Rod Stephens, a Broadcasting License to start up CKGY which aired for the first time in 1973. He was employed as CKGY Sales Manager until the early 1980’s, at which time he made a career change and obtained his Commercial Real Estate License, which he thoroughly enjoyed until his retirement in 2014. Prior to retiring, Harry and Geri owned and operated various businesses, including the Red Rooster Stores, LaPanache’ Ladies Wear, Hallmark Gifts, and Burnt Lake Liquor Store with their daughter, Cathy and the Burnt Lake General Store, which their two sons, Robert and Troy still operate today. Nothing made Harry happier than to host a get-together and visit with family and friends over good food and fine wine. He would often say “Oh come on, stay awhile longer”. Harry will be lovingly remembered by his children, Dwayne (Wendy), Cathy (Steve), Robert (Janice), and Troy (TerryLee); his grandchildren, Chris (Vanessa), Jennifer (Jon), Karys (Clayton), Melissa (Drew), Stephanie (Eamonn), Laine (Kristina), Randi (Cortland), and Kali-Ann (Dalton) and his twelve great grandchildren. He will also be sadly missed by his sister, Mary (Art), and his brother, Andy, as well as other family members and his many dear friends. Harry was predeceased by his loving wife, Geraldine in September 2014; his loving parents, Katie and William Ropchan; and his brother, Michael Ropchan. The family would like to thank Dr. Daniel, Dr. Mullen, Dr. Forlani, Dr. Adams and Team (Foothills), and the Staff on Units 33, 32/Palliative Care, Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. You are all Amazing people and we are so grateful for the care that our Harry received. Harry, you will be so missed. We love you! Funeral Mass was celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5508 – 48A Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. For those unable to attend Harry’s service in person, please go to www.parklandfuneralhome.com just prior to 2:00 pm and click the “live stream” button on the top right hand side. If desired, Memorial Donations in Harry’s honor may be made directly to the Lending Cupboard at www.lendingcupboard.ca or to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation at www.rdrhfoundation.com. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. A Private Family Interment will be held at the Alto Reste Cemetery, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2024-09-16
• Location : (Red Deer) Locally Family Owned (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com