Kenneth William Edward Trapp

1934 ~ 2023

With blessed hearts, our family would like to share, after a remarkable 88 years of life here on earth – our dad, papa, companion and friend, Kenneth Trapp, got his “ticket to Heaven” on Friday, July 14^th, 2023, at 4:40 a.m. On a peaceful morning, he reunited with the love of his life at the Gates of Heaven. Ironically, the rumble of a 440 engine with dual exhaust always excited him – so the time was fitting as he cruised to Heaven – in his best dance outfit and a fresh hair cut with a “kiss curl” – embracing his wife that he missed so dearly and couldn’t wait to “ask her to have the Last Dance with him”.

Our sweet papa is survived by his children Doug (Lennie) Trapp, Nancy (Bruce) Melan, Shelley (Neil) Armstrong, and Sue (Colin) Tribula; and his grandchildren Janelle, Chad and Mark, Jack and Julia, Erin and Kate; as well as his special friend Madaleen Voss; his good friend Glenn Mroz; and extended family, Robert and Sharlene Thompson and their family.

Ken was welcomed with grand hugs in Heaven as he was predeceased by his wife Joan, his grandson Scott, his parents William, Tillie and Louis along with many relatives and wonderful friends.

Ken was born on November 7^th, 1934 and married to his beautiful wife on May 9^th, 1959. He had an array of work experiences in life – a cook hand on construction, a heavy machine operator, owning and operating the local Gateway Restaurant, a farmer, a bushman cutting pulp, and finishing his journey of careers operating an excavator on the Red River Floodway.  He was so proud of all his accomplishments throughout the years. Papa loved to work, took great pride in every job he did and always said “if you aren’t going to do it right don’t do it at all”. After his official retirement, he continued his strong work ethic, enjoying his daily work – cutting trees, cutting grass, rebuilding and renewing his Ford lawn tractors, and lending a hand to Glenn as they broke new land. The two guys had a bromance like no other.  Glenn gave papa purpose in life – asking papa to “pull the levers” on his excavator while offering much wisdom and advice.  Glenn’s words “he was a great man – they don’t make them like that anymore”. A mutual admiration indeed.

Papa (and Nana) loved their old-time music – floating across the dance floor in perfect time – “covering many miles” as papa would say, meeting many dear friends in their travels. Even crowned Polka King and Queen amongst a dance floor of beautiful dance couples. Papa sure loved his old-time music – it played everywhere, all day.  It made his heart sing.  And when nana got her ticket to Heaven – papa’s companion, Madaleen, filled a void in his life – allowing him to spin and twirl once again on the dance floor.  They were good friends and had a special friendship. Papa spoke highly of all his dance friends; they were his extended family.

Throughout papa’s years, he loved having coffee and playing 3 games of cribbage every morning with nana, they loved to travel miles to dance and visit family, always with laughter and antics along the way. He loved watching his grandkids in dance and sport and was so proud of them all. He loved making sausage, gardening, canning and having plenty of laughs around bonfires with friends and family.  Papa loved to reminisce and tell stories. With a welcoming smile he made many great friends in his 88 years.

We would like to thank Dr. Schmidt, Beausejour Hospital, HSC medical staff for all their care.  Papa had a big heart and kind soul. He used every ounce of his grand heart to give to others, until his heart finally gave out, passing away peacefully at home.

Papa, you were a wonderful dad, an amazing papa and a perfect gentleman, with a strong work ethic and the kindest soul – a life well lived.  You gave endlessly to those you loved and those in need – we are grateful for all the love, wisdom and help you have given us.  As Papa said, “it’s my time, I’ve had a good life, mom is waiting for me”. May God keep you in his grace. May you always be an Angel in our midst. Do us a favour and please Kiss an Angel Good Morning as Charlie Pride would say.  Love you pops!

In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward and make a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association or a donation of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, July 26^th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel; 1035 Park Avenue E., Beausejour, MB.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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