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WERNER JOHN KOOP
Born: Dec 26, 1942
Date of Passing: Feb 26, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWERNER JOHN KOOP December 26, 1942 - February 26, 2019 You can tell a lot about a person by they way they treat those who are most vulnerable in society. Vern Koop was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was a man of few words but his life spoke volumes. Vern had a "love does" approach to life and everyone who knew him experienced this. He was a builder, starting with houses but ending with dreams. In his 60s Vern started working with Habitat for Humanity, making the unthinkable dream of home ownership happen for families on the margins of society. Vern passed away peacefully in the presence of family at St. Boniface Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Vern leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Agnes, his children, Byron (Jody), Warren (Jackie), Mark (Sherri) and Audra (Jarren), his grandchildren, Johnathon, Elyse, Josephine; Farrah, Cole; Lucas, Sylas; Victoria (Jesse), Nathan; and his great-grandchildren, Liam, Bentley and Aliyah. Vern's Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at Eastview Community Church, 315 Maxwell King Dr., East Saint Paul, MB. Service at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. Viewing prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg or Camp Arnes, available at the service. Online condolences may be made at www.friendsfs.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2019
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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So sad to hear the passing of a true class act and dear man. We were away on vacation and just found out the sad news too late to attend his celebration of life. Very much enjoyed working and joking around with Vern and got to know him and Agnes on a personal level through a visit to their lovely home. Vern was the heart and soul of Habitat for Humanity through his dedication and tireless giving of himself to others for decades. Respected and loved by many, he will sadly be missed by his family, friends, volunteers and the hearts of many he touched through the years. Our sincere condolences to the entire family for your loss. Sincerely, Ken & Deborah - Posted by: Ken McIntyre (Former work colleague ) on: Mar 17, 2019
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I have worked on HFH Blitz Builds as well as a variety of other smaller local builds every year since 2001 and nothing brought me more reassurance during those hectic and crazy days of construction than seeing the bright and blazing polka-dotted hard hat that Vern always wore, as it gave me, and all the other "incompetent builders" comfort to know that Vern was around and that whatever problems we had were soon going to be resolved. Vern, you will be sorely missed. Now we have a friend and colleague in heaven pulling for Habitat who does not know the meaning of the word "no". Sincerely, Laurie. - Posted by: Laurie Etkin (HFH Colleague) on: Mar 05, 2019
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When I first met Vern it was as the grandpa of Vicky, as she was friends with our daughter. Whenever we were picking up or dropping off the kids you could always tell how much he loved and cared for his family. A short time later through our church, WEFC, we started helping at Habitat builds and we started working with (for?) Vern. He was a master at guiding the many volunteers that came with lots of enthusiasm, but some with little building skills, that they had worth! I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations (and laughs) over the many years at the builds. Seeing and talking with him at the Carter build and him being with his boys, I know was something he was extremely proud to be a part of. He always showed his Faith, his grace and calmness (most times!) and that is something I will always remember. Vern you will be missed. - Posted by: Geoff Nanton (Friend) on: Mar 05, 2019
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I had the great privilege to work along with Vern for many years with Habitat for Humanity and also with YFC in Kingston, Jamaica. His gentle nature and passion for people will be greatly missed. A enduring reminder of how to love. - Posted by: Lori Penner (friend) on: Mar 04, 2019
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Many memories of working together on building projects, making the world a better place for those less fortunate. Love and peace to you who will keep his spirit alive. Marilyn & Larry Buhler - Posted by: Larry Buhler (Friend) on: Mar 02, 2019
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WE SHARED MANY YEARS IN EASTVIEW CHURCH AS MEMBERS THERE AND HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF OUR FRIENDSHIP. WE EXTEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO AGNES AND ALL THE FAMILY. - Posted by: William Kroeker & HELEN (FRIEND AND BROTHER) on: Mar 02, 2019