Percy Lepke
May 21, 1930 - November 10, 2017

Percy Lepke was born on May 21, 1930, in Libao Latvia , to parents Alex and Ilona. He had one older sister, Ruth. During World War II, his family was made to move to German occupied Poland, where his father, Alex, an automotive mechanic well known for his skill and competence in Latvia, was hired by the German Military to oversee the operation of repairs to military and civilian vehicles . After the war ended in 1945, the Lepke Family moved to the American controlled zone in Germany. Shortly thereafter and on account of his mastery of the English language, (one of a number of languages he spoke fluently), Percy was hired by the American Army as a driver for high ranking military staff.

In the early 1950's , Percy's family immigrated to Canada . Alex opened an automotive repair shop in Calgary, Fairway Service, to provide for the family . Percy worked for his father, learning the skills and resulting in obtaining his automotive licence .

Driven by his wanderlust, Percy travelled to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia , where he worked for an American Oil Company for a number of years .

Upon return to Calgary , and around the mid 1960's, Percy married Kim Lan Choong, who predeceased him in September of 2013. They had a daughter, Lillian. Lillian has a son, Jack (Percy's grandson).

In 1977 Percy's father, Alex, passed away and Percy took over the business operation , which was located on Macleod Trail across from the Stampede Grounds. Many lifelong friends and acquaintances were made , many of which he maintained until his passing .

Percy had a real passion for exotic sports cars and his shop had a stellar reputation for repairing high end vehicles. The Calgary Weekender Magazine even published an article praising him as one of Western Canada's best automotive mechanics. He was also an active member of The Calgary Sports Car Club and was one of their top rally drivers in his modified Volvo .

Another of Percy's passions was his love of music. For many years he was the drummer in the Melodia band led by Fred Heger, and with whom he travelled extensively throughout Alberta and B.C., playing on weekend gigs and sharing interesting experiences and stories. They remained close friends until his passing.

Amongst his favourite hobbies were fishing and hunting. There are many hilarious stories that his good friends may want to share at some future gathering.

Prior to taking over the shop , Percy met and married Hyacinth, and in 1980 their son, Jason, was born. After his father's passing Percy spent much time caring for his aging and ailing mother. He often cooked soup and other meals for her until she passed away. Several tragedies beset Percy in his later years. In the early 2000's he lost Hyacinth to breast cancer and on August 31, 2007, his son, Jason, was killed in a motorcycle accident .

Very shortly prior to his son's death he had sold his house and bought a truck and trailer to move onto a Balzac acreage where he lived a peaceful life with his beloved dog Bailey, for approximately 10 years . With his health deteriorating and the loss of Bailey, he spent the last 7 months in Bethany Care Didsbury where he passed away on November 10 , 2017.

May God Bless you Percy . You will be missed by all who knew and loved you !

Rest in Peace !

A Celebration of Percy's Life will be held at St. Clement's Anglican Church in Balzac on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 1.00 pm. Following the service there will be a Memorial Gathering at The Austrian Canadian Club (3112 - 11 Street NE).

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Percy please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.