Obituary of Henry Loeppky

LOEPPKY, Henry July 16, 1943 - February 10, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Henry Loeppky announce his death after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed peacefully at St. Paul’s hospital with family by his side. Henry is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Rita (nee Hart); daughter Lorilee (Jeremy) Faa, Atlanta, GA; and three grandsons Oliver, Alexander, and Elliott; brothers Paul (Audrey) Saskatoon, SK; Carl (Tina) Saskatoon, SK; Andrew (Sara) Fort St. John, BC; Bill (Anita) Fort St. John, BC; and many nieces and nephews. Henry was predeceased by his father, Abram, mother, Agatha (nee Miller), and in-laws Albert and Helen (nee Malyk) Hart. Henry was born on July 16, 1943, in Osler, SK to Abram and Agatha Loeppky. There, the eldest of five sons, he grew up attending school and helping out on the family farm. Henry proved to be the peacekeeper in a house full of boys, and was a great help to his mother. Even as a young boy, he was always very conscientious, patient, and generous with his family and friends. Henry enjoyed playing baseball and joined a small-town men’s league with his brother and some friends where he took on the role of team manager and coach. In his late teens, he landed a job at Auto Clearing Chrysler in Saskatoon which would set him on his path of working with cars for the entirety of his career. Soon after working at Chrysler, Henry expanded his auto career, first as an auto technician, then business owner - his lifelong vocation. He started working for Parktown Texaco in 1960, which he then became the owner of at the young age of 23. Over the next 60 years of service, Parktown Texaco would become Parktown Esso, and then finally Parktown Service. Henry met his wife, Rita, while working at Parktown Texaco. Henry’s service station had been recommended to her by a friend, and as they say the rest is history. The two were married on June 17, 1967 and their daughter, Lorilee, was born a few years later. Henry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and community member. He loved his family and especially enjoyed the time he spent with his three cherished grandsons, each being touched by his wisdom and kindness in their own unique way. Through the values he instilled in them, and the memories they shared together, his loving and caring spirit will continue to inspire. Over the years, Henry and Rita were fortunate to travel to destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong, New York, Costa Rica, and Atlanta to visit Lorilee, Jeremy, and their three grandsons while they resided in these locales. It was a great opportunity for them both to get out and see a bit of the world. Henry was an active member in the community, joining with local organizations such as halfway homes, and supporting local high schools with enrichment programs, where he regularly employed young people with intellectual disabilities, helping them to find their place within the community. He also worked with the Saskatchewan Provincial Government and the Saskatoon Postal Service, servicing and maintaining their fleet of automobiles. As a business owner, Henry always emphasized customer service and integrity. Throughout his nearly 60 years of operating a service station, he always acted on one key principle: honesty. It worked. He was a fair and honest businessman, and people brought their cars to him because they could trust him. Henry was much loved and respected by all who knew him. He befriended dozens of his regular customers and often carried out personal favors for many who cared for and appreciated him dearly. In the words of one of Henry’s customers, Henry seemed to come from another era when people cared about strangers and took time to treat each person as an individual and with kindness. Henry was blessed to have had many wonderful friendships over the years. His kind and gentle manner will be missed by the many people he helped and befriended across the Saskatoon community. Henry will live on always in our hearts. The family wishes to thank the staff in the Palliative Care ward at St. Paul’s Hospital for their compassionate care, and extend sincere gratitude to all those who offered support during this difficult time. A Celebration of Life for Henry will take place at The Saskatoon Funeral Home on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 2 p.m. followed by a reception.

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