Gordon Popoff was born August 1, 1928, in Grand Forks, B.C., to parents George and Florence Popoff. His father, George, passed away in January 1932. Gordon, his mother, and sister, Hazel, then moved in with his mother’s parents, his grandparents. In 1934, Gordon’s mother met Nick Popoff and they were married on June 5 of that year. Gordon’s family all moved to Kylemore, Saskatchewan, where Nick and his family of four children, Nick, Peter, Florence, and Marcie and Nick’s parents all lived. Another sibling, Joe, was born in 1935 to Nick and Florence. In 1936, Gordon, his sister Hazel, his brother Joe, and their mother all returned to Grand Forks to visit grandparents. Their mother and Joe returned to Kylemore, Saskatchewan, after a few weeks, but Gordon and Hazel remained in Grand Forks with their grandparents, Gordon with the Popoffs and Hazel with the Gritchens. Then in 1938, everyone, including new baby sister, Liz, moved back to Grand Forks and rented a house in the Nursery area. In October 1941, the family decided to move to Oliver to work. Gordon spent his winter months back in Grand Forks with his grandparents. This continued for three years, until they finally moved back to Grand Forks permanently.
On December 9, 1951, Gordon was united in marriage to Helen Gritchen. They moved to Salmo shortly after their wedding and Gordon began working in the mine. During their time in Salmo, they were blessed with two sons, Leon and John. While working, Gordon studied to become an Electrician and eventually got his journeyman certificate and became employed by Boundary Electric back in Grand Forks in 1968. His work took him many places, most sawmills in B.C. and even a mine near the Arctic Circle. He finally retired after working at Canpar Industries for a few years. Gordon and Helen sang in many choirs throughout their years. They enjoyed travelling, which took them to many parts of British Columbia, Alberta, United States, Mexico, Europe, and Australia. They loved camping, curling, skiing, and gardening together. They were always willing to share their produce with others. With Gordon’s declining health in the last four years, he peacefully passed away at the Boundary District Hospital in Grand Forks on Sunday, January 8, 2017.
Gordon was predeceased by his parents, George and Florence Popoff, his infant sister Molly, his stepfather Nick, and his siblings Nick, Peter, Florence, Marcie, and Joe. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen, children, Leon (Carmie) Popoff of Edmonton, A.B., and John (Daphne) Popoff of Grand Forks, B.C., his two grandchildren, Evan (Ayesha) Popoff, and Alia Popoff. He is also survived by his sisters, Hazel Kinakin of Creston, B.C., and Liz (Bill) Pepin of Grand Forks, B.C., and numerous relatives and friends.
Gordon will remain in our hearts forever and will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. We wish our beloved husband, father, and grandfather eternal joy in God’s Heavenly Kingdom. May he rest in peace.
Prayer services were held at the Grand Forks Funeral Home on Thursday, January 12, 2017. Interment was in the Sion Cemetery. We would like to thank everyone who came to pay their respects. Thank you to those who visited, travelled from afar, gave cards, donations, sent flowers, sang, spoke, and to all our relatives and friends who helped with the right words to say. Thank you to those who phoned, emailed, sent text messages, and brought food. We would also like to thank the staff and physicians at the Boundary District Hospital in Grand Forks for the great care they provided, Larry Jmaiff for officiating, Deborah and Everett Baker and the Grand Forks Funeral Home for all of their help and guidance, Larry Kurnoff and the Sion Cemetery crew, and Mike and staff at the Omega Restaurant for the wonderful luncheon. We cannot thank everyone enough for their kindness, support, sympathy, and words of comfort during this difficult time. It was very much appreciated!