Casper "Cappy" John Lix passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Hilltop Manor in Weyburn. He was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and Casper Lix; step-father, Nicholas Lix; brother, John at one and a half years; sister, Margaret at six days old; half-brother, Michael; half-sisters, Katherine Lynch and Mary Rogal; step-brother, Nicholas and step-sisters, Grace, Elizabeth, Anna, Barbara and Magdalena. Casper was born July 24, 1914 in Romania to Elizabeth and Casper Lix. Following the death of his father and brother, and at the age of nine, Casper and his mother came to Canada. They initially settled in Indian Head and eventually moved to McTaggart. Elizabeth and Casper stayed with her brother-in-law, Nicholas who was a widower with six children of his own. Elizabeth and Nicholas later married and together added four more children to their family. Cappy completed his education to Grade 10 in McTaggart and in 1937 took his training in psychiatric nursing at Weyburn Mental Hospital. He graduated in 1941. Shortly after graduation Cappy joined the RCAF and served as a medic during WWII at a mobile field hospital. Initially he was based north of London, England and on June 8, 1944 landed at Juno Beach two days after D-Day. Cappy saw duty in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, and later served as an interpreter during German demilitarization. Upon his return to Weyburn in 1946 he worked as a relief supervisor at the Mental Hospital. In 1949 Cappy married Elsie Jeffrey in Swift Current, and together they resided at Elgin Street in Weyburn for 52 years. It was also at this time that he began his career as a Psychiatric Nurse at the Mental Hospital. In 1955 Cappy served as Assistant Chief Attendant for two years. In 1957 he became the Deputy Head Nurse until 1965 when he took the position of Assistant Head Nurse. From 1967 until his retirement in 1974 Cappy worked as Assistant to the Director at the Vocational School. Cappy was an avid gardener and enjoyed the outdoor and was well known for his many "purple martin houses." He also enjoyed fishing and travelled north many times to pursue this hobby. Cappy and Elsie enjoyed travelling and took many tours together after his retirement. He enjoyed playing ball and was a great skater. Cappy and Elsie also enjoyed dancing and attended many dances at the Legion. Cappy was always a proud Legion member. Cappy and Elsie attended the Grace United Church in Weyburn and were actively involved in ushering. He was also involved with the figure skating board during the time that his daughter was skating. In 1980 Cappy took his 90 year old mother to Austria and Romania where they visited family. In 1994 Cappy and Elsie attended the 50 year commemoration ceremonies in France of the D-Day landing. Cappy was presented with a special medal from the government of France. A special moment in Cappy's life was when during that trip he reunited with a woman in Holland whose life he had saved as a child during a bombing in WWII. At the elegant age of 97 years Cappy received his Honourary Grade 12 Diploma. In 2001 Cappy and Elsie moved from Elgin Street to the Rhineland Apartments and stayed there for about ten years after which time they took up residence at Hilltop Manor. Cappy was a very loving, wise, proud and kind man. He worked hard and provided well for his family. He once said he only had one regret in his life and it was that he wished he had married Elsie earler! Elsie was the love of his life! He loved to tease people and to joke around with everyone. Thank you to the staff at Hilltop Manor for their care, love and support. Cappy is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Elsie; son, Brian (Liz) and their children, Daniel (Caryn) and Erin of Lethbridge, AB; daughter, Gwen (Jim) Kupiec and their children, Jason (Ivy) and great grandchildren, Angelica and Erica; Shawna, Crystal (Curt) and Devon of Regina; sister, Helen Weishun of British Columbia and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, June 21 at 2:00 PM from Grace United Church, Weyburn with Reverend Mohandas Barnabas officiating. Cappy was laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn in the Columbarium. Donations in memory of Cappy may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation, Lung Association or Parkinson Association. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels, Weyburn, 306-842-5432.
