Achem Josef Repka
Feb 11 1947 - August 8 2017
On August 8 our Father, Grandfather and Center of Our Universe passed away suddenly. Joe was predeceased 8 months ago by his wife of 50 years, Waltraud. He was also predeceased by his baby daughter, Wanda, his adoptive parents Joseph and Anne Repka, biological mother, Eva Boetzel and brother, Roger. Joe leaves to mourn his recent Wife, Diane, Sons Bill (Erika), Ray (Samia), Grandchildren Krista, Tyler, Ray Jr. and Dean and Brother Lee (Lorna).
Joe was a ticketed electrical mechanic and worked several years doing so until the opportunity came to partner with his wife who was a professional pet groomer. Together they successfully operated Elmwood Poodle Boutique and in the 1980's relocated to Edmonton's industrial west end. Elmwood Pet Day Care was born and shortly after R&R Sharpening came to fruition. Joe was very well respected over the last 3 decades as a sharpening shop staple in Edmonton.
Joe enjoyed a simple life but he also strived to work. He was incredibly proud of his business accomplishments.
Joe lived a challenging life from childhood to his dying day. He overcame almost anything that the world threw at him but couldn't conquer the battle of losing his soulmate.
A Celebration of Life will be held at our family river property. Please join us to celebrate by heading west on Yellowhead Trail, South on Range Road 32, West on Highway 627, Range Road 33 and follow road until you see the “Celebration of Life” signs.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Society or the Humane Society
Hi Bill and Ray:
My name is Jan Bourdon. I am Gerry Lapointe’s wife. We met Joe many years ago. We had a quirky old Dalmatian who did not do well in boarding kennels. We asked Joe if he could watch her for us as we needed to go somewhere for a couple of days. Over the years we had a lot of laughs. When I first met your mom at the shop it took me awhile to realize I knew her from when my mom was showing a lot of dogs. Many dogs later for both your dad and us I would like to think we became friends. I would not have been able to show Roxie to her championship without your dad’s help. I am very glad we knew Joe and we were deeply saddened that he felt there was no way out of darkness.
A little bit of levity to end. The day we went to your dad’s memorial Roxie left a big dump right by where I opened the gate. I stepped in it. My first thought was that Joe would have laughed his head off over the irony of that.
Good Luck in the future and God bless.
Jan
I just heard about Wally and Joe passing. Neighbors of my grandmother many, many years ago in Crestwood , we used to breed our poodle with one of theirs back then at their house, and get her groomed in the basement, and later we took our poodles to their two different store fronts,to get groomed,first in Elmwood, and then our farther west for 20+ years, … until I started grooming my own myself but would still see them around town. Just both the loveliest of people and great dog people. Sad to hear of them both.