METRO (MATT) KOPANSKY

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METRO (MATT) KOPANSKY Dearly loved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandfather and friend, Metro (Matt) Kopansky, passed away January 23, 2018. He was 89. Matt is survived by his wife Sylvia, eight children, 12 grandchildren and a great-grand-child. Born September 28, 1928, in Selkirk, Manitoba, he began working at the age of 13 for a dollar-a-day before travelling to Toronto on his motorcycle, where he worked in tobacco fields. He worked multiple jobs, including riding motorcycles in the circus, eventually starting Kopansky Contracting. He met Sylvia at a hockey game and fell in love immediately. They were married August 15, 1953 and raised their family in Scarborough. He and Sylvia retired to Mink Lake, Lake St. Peter. Matt is well known for his wild sense of adventure, love for people, and passionate loyalty to his family. He was a strong spirit, fierce lover of nature, motorcycles and the open road. His travels have allowed friends across five continents to share in his laughs and stories with his friends. At 86, he rode his motorcycle from Toronto to Brazil with his son and grandsons fulfilling a lifelong dream and promise. His motto, 'Never Surrender', is how he lived his life until his last day - he passed away while on an adventure with his family in Mexico. He will be remembered for his great stories, strong work ethic, loyalty and bountiful love for his family and appreciation of nature. A visitation will be held at Paul O'Connor, in Scarborough, Ontario, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. February 1. Visitation and funeral will be held February 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Paul O'Connor.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 30, 2018