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HYDRO LINEMAN BURNED IN CITY MISHAP 6 WEEKS AGO SUCCUMBS
[Welland Tribune February 23, 1940]
Steve Lapka’s Death Comes as a Shock – Had been Making Progress
Steve Lapka, 39, lineman employed with the Welland Hydro, succumbed at the Welland County General hospital today from injuries he suffered on January 10 while at work at the Major street sub-station. Friends were shocked to learn of his death, for while his injuries were serious he was apparently making a good recovery and his condition yesterday was reported as being particularly good. His death was attributed to stoppage of the blood vessels in his heart, a condition which developed about 9 p.m. last night, according to his physician, Dr, J, R, Boyd, His death occurred about 9 o’clock this morning.
Lapka was severely burned about the legs and suffered shock while at work on a steel structure at the Major street sub-station, engaged in closing a circuit with a view to making changes to increase power at the plant of Atlas Steel, Ltd. Suddenly there was an explosion and Lapka was enveloped in a sheet of flame.
Deceased was born in Hungary, coming to Welland with his parents at the age of 9. He was a lineman for 23 years, working first for the Welland Electric Co., and subsequently with the Welland Hydro Commission and the Canadian Niagara Power Company at Fort Erie. He returned as a lineman on the Welland staff in September, 1938.
Lapka was popular with his fellow employes, was considered a good workman, and was generally well liked He was a member of the Church of Our Lady of Hungary.
He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Mary Lapka, with whom he resided at 87 Seeley street.
The remains are resting at the J.J. Patterson and Sons Funeral Residence, 19 Young street whence the funeral will take place on Monday morning.
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