1935 - 2022
Mr. Harold Jack Shapka of Spruce View, Alberta, passed away peacefully at his home, on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at the age of 86 years. Harold was born in Calgary, Alberta to Andrew and Molly Shapka.
Harold’s first job was at the Calgary Stockyards; and he then moved on to receive his Heavy Duty Mechanics Ticket and worked for Mannix. He achieved his Elevator Mechanics Ticket and worked for Otis Elevator in central and southern Alberta. Harold was foreman on the building of the Calgary Tower, Foothills Hospital and the Lethbridge University; as well as some of the high rises in downtown Calgary in the 1960’s and 1970’s; all of the time, maintaining a farm operation and his passion for horses which never waivered throughout his lifetime.
Harold was always buying, selling and breeding to upgrade his horse power. In the 1950’s, he outrode for David’s at the Calgary Stampede. He supported and enjoyed his children’s Rodeo days, even after he didn’t have to haul them down the road. He rarely missed a performance. Harold and Gloria made a life change in 1979, when Harold put away his tool belt and moved to Spruce View; where he was a member of the Spruce View Lions Club during the building of the Spruce View Community Hall and the Dickson Diamond Jubilee Arena. He expanded his cattle, grew hay, and made this new half section his forever home. His love of horses expanded to active Team Roping and was a member of the Central Century Team Ropers. During this time, he also enjoyed his rides out west to help set up Glen Willsie’s hunting camp, and trail rides with his buddies. He was a member of Friends of the Eastern Slopes helping to build horse friendly camp sites. He continued to enjoy his riding in the West Country, until his health made it impossible. Harold was a true cowboy and will be missed by family, friends and the community.
Harold will be lovingly remembered by his partner, Elaine Daley, his son, Guy (Tammy) Shapka of Alix, Alberta, his daughter, Janice Shapka (Rupert) of Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, and his grandchildren, Jordan Shapka, Jay Pieschel, Rae Lee (Devon) Erickson, Tanner Shapka, Teagan Shapka and his one great grandchild, Callie Shapka, He will also be sadly missed by his sister, Caroline Butlin of Calgary, Alberta as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Harold was predeceased by his wife, Gloria, a daughter, Dallas, his parents, Andrew and Molly, a brother, Larry and a sister, Kay Ward.
For those unable to attend, please go to www.heartlandfuneralservices.com and click on the ‘Live Stream’ button at the top right corner of the Home Page on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. If unable to watch the livestream, the service will be available to watch on Harold’s page on Sunday, January 23, 2022.
If desired, Memorial Donations in Harold’s honor may be made directly to the Canadian Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame, RPO Box 18069 Shawnessy, Calgary, Alberta T2Y 0P3; or the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, 8602 -112 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1 or at www.albertadiabetesfoundation.com; or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 119 - 14 NW, #100, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1Z6 or at www.heartandstroke.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd. 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006 Fax: 403.227.6437
