George Schapansky

1944 - 2024

George Schapansky, beloved husband of Lily Schapansky, passed away in Taber on Monday, January 22, 2024 at the age of 80 years.

The Funeral Service was held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden. 

Besides Lily, his loving wife of sixty years, George is survived by their three children Dwayne (Deb) Schapansky of Hinton and his family Trevor (Andrea) Schapansky and their son Owen, Brantley Schapansky, Kaytlyn (Ben) Penner and their daughter Kaylee and Felysia (Nathan) Green and their children Kayanna and Jacob; Eileen McNarland (Tim Berg) of Lethbridge and her family Bree and Gavin Davis; Rhonda (Derek) McCutcheon of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba and their children Quinn and Connor McCutcheon. He is also survived by his brother Abe Shapansky; sisters-in-law Harriet (Tom) Turnbull and Elke Schapansky; brother-in-law Johnny Fehr and by many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Katharina Schapansky; siblings Katie, Helen, Mary, Ann, Jake, Margaret, Agnes, Susan, Jack, Peter and Eva; mother and father-in-law Jessie and Harry Painter; daughter-in-law Lori Schapansky; grandson-in-law Austin Bilodeau.

George was born on the family farm south of Gladstone, Manitoba on January 21, 1944 to Jacob and Katharina Schapansky. He married Lily Painter in 1963 and together they raised three children, Dwayne, Eileen and Rhonda. George's love for Christian ministry was a big part of his life, starting when he was eighteen years old. Over the years he was involved with Full Gospel Businessman’s Fellowship, prison ministry, cowboy church and various churches for the sole purpose of ministering and sharing the love of God. He was always playing guitar and singing. George had many jobs over the years which included farming with his father-in-law Harry, a honey bee operation, carpentry, construction (building many bridges and elevators), Campbell Soup, cabinet maker, a cow and calf operation, trucking and as a construction equipment operator. They lived in Manitoba until 1994 when they moved to Red Deer. They built new homes in Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia and Nanton, with a short stint in Kelowna, British Columbia. They then moved to Taber where they have resided until the time of George’s passing. George and Lily spent many years wintering in Arizona, enjoying camping and fellowship with others.

George loved learning to fly and enjoyed his little antique plane as part of his midlife crisis. Hunting was a priority, making many fond memories hunting with family and friends. His opportunity to hunt at the game farm in Taber was a special treat, Thanks Barry! He loved whenever his kids and grandkids came to visit or going to visit them.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in George’s name may be made directly to the Salvation Army, 1302 - 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0R4.

The family would like to thank everyone involved in caring for George. A special thank you to Linden View and the Taber Hospital staff.