This obit is written by Irene and as Gus would say "oh my" .... So here it goes ......

Gus was born in Holland and came to Canada as an 11-year-old with his large and loving family in 1952.

He had lived in the Yukon since the '60's. He is survived by the loving mother of his children, Elizabeth Karpes of BC; daughter Lisa Anne Stone (Roger) of Sooke, BC; son Shawn David Karpes, of Alert Bay, BC; granddaughter Montana Stone (Cody) of Calgary, AB; great-grandchildren Dominic and London Anne.

Gus dearly loved and was very proud of his family. He is also survived by his beloved sisters and brothers, Francisca Klienebeck (Don) of Australia, Paula Veenstra (Lammert) of USA, Mary Beaussart of BC, Dick Karpes of BC, Chris (Bea) Karpes of BC, John (Joan) Karpes of BC; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Gus was predeceased by his father Walter and mother Anna Maria Karpes (who he absolutely loved and adored); brothers Bill and Theodore Karpes; brothers-in-law Walter Kleinebeck and Raff Beaussart and sister-in-law Mary Karpes. He is deeply mourned by his wonderful, faithful dog and constant companion, Peg.

Gus was a kind, considerate, intelligent and often opinionated man. Always a loyal and steadfast friend to those who "knew" him. Amongst these people he leaves behind his special long time friends Don and Penny Sipple and Allan and Dianne Chisholm.


He also leaves behind his much loved "adopted sons" and their families: Warren Holland (Brenda) and their kids (no longer kids): Morgane, Evan, Jordon and Eva and their new kids on the block: Warren, Gus and Molly (Gus was honoured to have Gus named after him); Scott McDougall (Joanne) who have had a very long and great journey with Gus of nearly 40 years, and their kids (no longer kids): Al, Luke and Emily.

The Pugh's all loved Gus and it is summed up by my sister Karen's message - "Gus was a man of character who loved you very much. You two were individuals and a team. He was Yukon and Yukon was him."

I had a wonderful life with Gus. He loved the water, books and his famous wood pile. He was an entrepreneur, adventurer, riverboat captain, artist, woodworker, published author, awesome chef, ferocious reader, businessman. He was the most fantastic dancer a woman could ever hope to have as a dance partner in life. We were partners in life and business for about 44 years and were married 36 years ago. He was my world.

A heartfelt thank you to all of our great families, friends, neighbours and my (forever younger than me) co-workers for your kindness, love and support.

Thank you to Dr. Owen Averill, Dr. Robert Zimmerman, the doctors and nurses of Whitehorse General and to Gordon Smith, ND.

Thank you to Dr. Yee, Dr. Keisse and Kelly Wilcox of St. Paul's Hospital (BC). Gus and I were grateful for the extended time we had together made possible through your skills. We tried to make each day count.

At Gus's request there will be no funeral.

And as Gus would say ....... Good Show! Carry on ......... .

Love to all - Irene