- CA ATH AATH 15.24-Ath 15.24 2
- Stuk
- 2012
Part of Della McLean fonds
Metro (Matt) Prokopchuk (June 14, 1913 – April 14, 2012) was a local character who was well-known and loved in the Town of Athabasca. He was a resident of Athabasca Extendicare in his later years and his regular daily rounds walking around Athabasca took him to the Burger Bar (where he had a table) among other places. Shy and gentle, he shoveled snow and raked leaves for a cup of coffee. His route home took him up 53rd Street past Della McLean's Red Roof Gallery. He would stop to smoke a cigarette, sitting on a bench placed half-way up the hill and this is where she came to know him and now remembers him. Della wrote: "A Tribute to Matt. Who is going to clear the snow from the sidewalks and rake the leaves in the fall? Matt has left us, his work finally done. Everyone knew the man who walked for miles in the bush and never got lost, who directed traffic when he pleased, corrected children when they misbehaved, and claimed his table at the Burger Bar. He was a shy and gentle man but take away his snow-clearing rights and he was most annoyed. Matt was our friend, tho few words were ever exchanged and no matter how many offers of a new jacket, he stuck with his faded red New Holland jacket and orange toque. Matt's territory was large and his frequent visits to clear snow at the Burger Bar and 49th Street Grill (formerly Georgio's) were often rewarded with coffee and snacks. When his work was done, he would climb the hill and stop halfway for a smoke. He would sit on the bench,m cross his knees, bend one arm up in the very same pose every day. The bench is empty now, but our community will be full of delightful stories of the man with the orange toque and the faded red jacket for years to come."
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