1931 to 2011
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that our family has lost a loving husband, father and grandfather. Matt Kopan passed away peacefully on August 15, 2011, at Boundary Hospital at Grand Forks with his family by his side.
Matt was born and raised on the family farm at Insinger, Saskatchewan. He started his career as a mechanic working for his brother Bill. He moved to Vancouver in 1956 where he met Shirley. They married in 1958 and moved to Grand Forks in 1961 where they raised their children, Wayne and Sherryn. He worked for Horvaten Brothers at Greenwood, and later for General Motors at Grand Forks. In 1968 he was employed by the Department of Highways as a heavy-duty mechanic until his retirement in 1988.
Family was a big part of Matt’s life - he enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, snowmobiling and taking the kids waterskiing. After retirement he spent winters in Arizona with Shirley. Together they enjoyed the warm winters, golfing and spending time with friends from across Canada and the US. They took every opportunity to see family and would not miss special family gatherings. During the summers he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially on the golf course. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Matt will be lovingly remembered by the love of his life, Shirley; children, Wayne (Jacquie) and Sherryn (Bob); grandchildren: Tanner and Paige Kopan and Graham, Kyle and Jared St. Thomas; siblings: Joe Kopan, Orest and Lucy Kopan, Morris and Bella Kopan, Nester and Lucille Kopan, Pauline Mizinski, Elsie and Henry Webber, Audrey and Dan Hibner; in-laws: Mary Kopan, Sylvia Kopan, Geraldine and Andy Proulx, and Rita and Steve Chernoff; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended families and close friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, George and Rose Kopan; in-laws, Paul and Nellie Tabish; siblings: Belle Kopan (passed in infancy), Bill Kopan, Walter Kopan, Mary and George Moldowan, Belle and Paul Butula, Anne and Pete Warawa, Irene and Steve Lazeski, Evelyn and Fred Gawdin, Nick Mizinski; a niece and several nephews.
A reception gathering will be held on Friday, August 26, 2011, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Grand Forks Wildlife Hall, 7850 2nd street, Grand Forks.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Matt may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 1589 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna B.C., V1Y 5Y7 or the ALS Society of B.C., Suite 1233, 13351 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, B.C., V6V 2X7.
Arrangements and cremation entrusted to Grand Forks Funeral Home.