Milton Edward Kerpan

The peaceful passing of Milton Edward Kerpan, 74 years, of Watson occurred on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 with his loving wife at his side.  The youngest of four children, Milton was born on September 14, 1946 to Peter and Mary (nee Pavelich) Kerpan on the family farm by Kenaston, SK.  In 1949, the family moved to the Daphne area near Watson.  From a young age, Milt had a love of learning and education. After completing high school at St. Peter’s College, he obtained his teaching certificate at the University of Regina and in 1966, began his education career in Weyburn.  On June 27, 1970, Milt married Elizabeth (Liz) Angielski.  Together, they began their life in Regina where Milt returned to university and obtained his Bachelor of Education.  Following his graduation in 1972, their journey brought them to Watson where a plan to stay one year, turned into 48.  Milt taught and was principal at Watson Elementary School for 13 years. He moved onto a different path in education, completing his graduate studies in Educational Administration and working in various administrative roles for school divisions in the area.  Milt, who was known for his kindness, was very active in the community and church.  His love of community, and the people in it, was evident by the countless hours spent volunteering over the years in Watson as a board member of many organizations, hockey coach, or wherever he could lend a hand.  He was a devoted member of the church as a lay presider and member of the Knights of Columbus.  Each of these volunteer roles was performed with commitment, compassion, and dedication to the organization.  He constantly tried to help and better the community that he loved dearly.  Later in his retirement, Milt began to garden and was immensely proud of his perennial flower bed that he designed and nurtured with care.  There was also a special bond with his friends at coffee row, Monday Night Poker (and yes, for all of you teachers reading, this is a very important event; capitalization is required), and of course his daily 1 p.m. tee off time.  Sports were a large part of Milt’s life, whether he was taking the family camping/fishing, coaching hockey, playing recreational hockey in his younger days, watching his children or grandchildren, or as an avid Montreal Canadiens and Roughriders fan.  Between these various hobbies, volunteer commitments, and time with family, Milt enjoyed reading and had a particular interest in Canadian history amongst other subjects.  Upon his retirement, he had the opportunity to travel and thoroughly enjoyed various trips both within Canada and abroad.  However, he was equally content in the comfort of his home visiting with friends and family over a game of cards or scrabble.  Liz and his family were always number one in his life.  It did not matter what other commitments he had, family came first.  Milt was proud of each of his children and their accomplishments.  The arrival of each grandchild reinforced his love for family.  Milt will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his dear wife of 50 years, Liz,  and their three children and eight grandchildren: Karla (Todd) Cain and family Aly, Zach, Gabby, and Izzy of Pilot Butte, SK, Karen (Jeff) Leader and family Jocelyn and Ewan of Calgary, AB, and Mark (Arely Santoyo Moreno) Kerpan and family Olivia and Karlie of Barcelona, Spain; one sister and  two brothers: Doreen (Frank) Weber of Watson, Robert (Donna) Kerpan of Fort St. John, BC, and Raymond Kerpan of Strathmore, AB; brothers and sisters in-law: Wally (Joyce) Angielski, Emily Proznick, Verna Angielski, Stella Gargol, Stan (Elaine) Angielski, Barb (Larry) Dale, Tony Angielski, and Jan (Eugene) Lefebvre; numerous nieces and nephews; and many good friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.  Milt was predeceased by his parents Peter and Mary Kerpan; sister-in-law Valerie Kerpan; parents-in-law Rudolph and Catherine Angielski, and brothers-in-law: Paul Proznick, Bert Angielski, and Mike Gargol.  A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. from Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. Interment followed at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cemetery, Watson.  Memorial donations in Milt’s memory may be directed to Saskatchewan Cancer Foundation, Sacred Heart Parish Building Fund or McNab Regional Park.