Moose Jaw fathers Jim Wilk and Kerry DePape were hard-working men who volunteered in the community and looked for ways to help others, according to the people who knew them.
Wilk, DePape and Justin Filteau were killed in a plane crash near Medicine Hat, Alta., on June 1. Wilk was piloting the aircraft, which crashed 20 minutes after takeoff.
Wilk’s son and DePape’s daughter are to marry this summer. All three men were flying back to Moose Jaw after attending the stag party for Wilk’s son.
Showing generosity to neighbours
Bill Johnstone knew Wilk for more than 30 years, after the two became friends in high school. They became reacquainted in the 1970s when they played broomball together.
“We had a lot of fun,” said Johnstone.
Wilk, 64, was the owner of J Wilk Landscaping Ltd. and J Wilk Excavating and Demolition. He was also a rural councillor and a regular member with the Wa Wa Shriners of Moose Jaw.
Johnstone recalls that Wilk was always moving equipment or purchasing equipment for his business. Wilk also helped Johnstone on his farm.
“If I got into a bind, a trackhoe would show up in my yard. (One time) Jimmy tore down my old barn that was here,” recalled Johnstone.
Wilk’s generosity stands out in Johnstone’s mind, since his friend did much for his neighbours. Whether it was supporting the rural municipality, the Shrine club, moving snow or pulling out someone stuck in a field, Wilk was there.
Johnstone and Wilk had a face-to-face conversation before the latter left for Medicine Hat. Johnstone recalled that they talked about Wilk staying in Medicine Hat overnight instead of flying home.
Supporting the church
John Kreutzweiser is the pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Moose Jaw and knew DePape for more than 20 years. The pastor described DePape as “a wonderful man” with his family, in his everyday work, with his community, and in the church.
“He was one of the members of the church (who) was instrumental in the construction of our building in 1997 and 1998,” said Kreutzweiser. DePape’s main role was to liaise between the church and the construction company, but he also worked on every facet of the project.
DePape was also heavily involved in the parish’s life, Kreutzweiser continued, from being on the board, to being a pastor’s assistant, to assisting the sound technician. DePape’s willingness to help — plus his happy attitude — stands out to Kreutzweiser.
“We’re going to miss him because he was involved in quite a number of things … ,” the pastor added. “He was very dedicated to whatever he was doing.”
High school sweethearts
The past week has been tough for Cheryl DePape, Kerry’s wife, but, she said, she has received an overwhelming amount of support from family, friends and others.
“We have a wonderful community in Moose Jaw,” she said.
Kerry, 55, and Cheryl would have been married 35 years this August. They grew up in Churchbridge and dated in high school.
“I don’t know if you could find anyone better,” said Mrs. DePape, her voice filling with emotion. Kerry was always present for the family, she continued. He was involved in the lives of their three children and supportive of her activities. He also enjoyed being a grandfather to his two-year-old grandson.
Kerry loved being on his boat, having barbecues, and getting together with friends, said Mrs. DePape. He could build anything from landscaping materials — including a beautiful structure for his first daughter’s backyard wedding — while he also was an experienced handyman around the home.
However, he avoided drywall since “he was bad at it,” and stayed away from shingling steep roofs.
Kerry was a dedicated Saskatchewan Roughriders fan and loved going to the games, said Mrs. DePape. She noted he was a real people person who enjoyed having conversations with others.
Neither Kerry nor Jim will be physically present during their children’s wedding this summer, but they will be there in spirit, she continued.
“It will be bittersweet, that’s for sure,” Mrs. DePape added. “But they loved their kids so much and we’re so happy for the upcoming wedding … . It’ll be a beautiful day.”
