ERNEST M. (BUTCH) KOPPEN

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ERNEST M. (BUTCH) KOPPEN Peacefully on Saturday, July 9, 2005, following a long and courageous battle with cancer, and surrounded by his loving family, Butch Koppen, beloved husband of Linda, passed away at the age of 64 years. Butch was born in Portage la Prairie, and grew up at Delta where he attended the Delta School. His high school years were spent at the Portage Collegiate Institute. Following high school he worked with his dad as a commercial fisherman during the winter. In the summer they operated a construction company that involved trucking and heavy equipment operations. In 1978 Butch took over ownership of the trucking business and also conducted Carp fishing in the channel at Delta. In 1982, following the death of his father, Butch sold the business and began a career at the Manitoba Development Centre as a Nurse's Assistant. The beginning of his illness forced him to retire in 2001. Butch was multi-talented and generous person and he received great enjoyment from sharing his abilities with his many friends. He loved to build, make crafts, do pencil sketches, until very recently hunt and fish. In the past few years he became more involved with Linda as they travelled throughout Canada with their show dogs. Butch had a big heart, and no task was an obstacle. He shared his unique personality with a host of friends. Predeceased by his father Maurice (Dutchie) Koppen in 1980. He is survived by his loving wife, who he married in 1988, his mother Margaret, of Portage la Prairie, son Jason (Crystal) and granddaughter Emily of Ottawa, ON. Also two sisters, Patricia (Dale) Lee of High Bluff and their children, Marshall and Tricia; and Alice (Bill) Dodgson of Portage la Prairie and their children, Suzanne, Meredith and Kimberley and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the William Glesby Centre, 11 Second St. N.E., Portage la Prairie followed by a reception at the Centre. If friends so desire, memorial donations to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8 would be appreciated. Arrangements are by: RONALD MOFFIT MEMORIAL SERVICES 204-856-3487

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 13, 2005