Jeff Papunen

Jeff passed away from complications of Huntington’s disease, Thursday, September 14th, 2023 at the Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, MB, surrounded by his brothers, aunts and uncles, at the age of 45 years.

Jeff was born Sunday, June 4th, 1978 in Russell, MB to Carol Lillian Papunen and Stephen Patrick Perry. 

After a few years living in Snow Lake, the family moved to The Pas, MB. Jeff was a constant companion of his two older brothers; Peter and Gary, trying to keep up and do whatever they did. Days were filled with fishing at Nap Dam, cycling everywhere, making snow forts, participating in Boy Scouts and then Air Cadets. Jeff wanted to do it all, learning how to accept challenges without fearing them. 

As Jeff made his own friends, they used loon calls to find each other several blocks away. In his teens, Jeff worked for Venus Pizza and struggled with high school, eventually dropping out. Looking for more opportunities, Jeff cycled his way to Winnipeg, getting his first sleep at the city library. 

Working odd jobs, Jeff met Tammy and they got married June 23, 2001 in Teulon, MB. They quickly had a family of four children. Jeff was then working for Antex Western, making deliveries around the city and started his carpentry apprenticeship. Jeff was diagnosed with Huntington Disease October 2009. As the strains of a young family grew, and Huntington’s disease possibly causing Jeff to make poor decisions, the marriage fell apart.   

Jeff moved in with friends and connected with his brother Stephen (another of Steve Perry’s sons). As Huntington’s slowly affected Jeff more and more, his care needs became greater. With help from family and friends, Jeff moved from his home to Lions Manor with home care, Luther Home assisted living and eventually Beacon Hill Lodge personal care home. 

Jeff always made friends at every place he lived, mostly around the smoking area. Because of Covid the family visits and trips became fewer. Jeff always wanted to be near his children so he chose to stay in the city.  With Huntington’s affecting his ability to communicate, his isolation grew. Jeff, ever the optimist, never felt sorry for himself or gave up on seeing his family and friends. Whenever I went to visit Jeff, the reactions from the staff and the other residents were always joyful. Jeff always gave people a reason to smile (or, sometimes to pull out their hair). 

Rest well Jeff. 

Jeff is survived by his children Zackery (grandchildren Ryle and Keith), Daysha, Darrick and Zabrina Papunen of Winnipeg MB; stepbrothers Peter Papunen of The Pas, MB, Gary Papunen of Saskatoon SK, Stephen Perry of Winnipeg MB, Keith Perry and Keven Perry; ex-wife: Tammy Papunen (nee Chic) Winnipeg MB.