Obituary of Richard Koop

KOOP, Richard Peter (Piebe Dirk) A resident of RR#1 Pain Court, Richard (Dirk) Koop, passed away suddenly at Hotel Dieu Hospital as a result of a severe head injury from a fall on Saturday, November 16, 2013. Born 72 years ago, in Veenwouden, Friesland, The Netherlands, son of the late Gus (Gosse) & Wilhelmina (Wyke) Koop. He married his loving wife Ann Koop (nee Parry) 48 years ago on July 17, 1965. Cherished father to Lee Ann & Ron Marshall of Brantford, Kristin & Dale Wood of Harrow. Beloved grandfather to Savannah Marshall of Brantford, Cassidy & Courtney Wood of Harrow. Brother to Peter Koop (Joyce) of Methuen, MA, U.S.A, John Koop (Susan) of Chatham, the late Ingrid Nelmes (2008) and her husband the late Harvey, the late Anita Hart (2009) and her husband Hendrik. Uncle to several nieces and nephews. Dirk’s elementary school teaching career began in 1962 at the McKeough Public School, also teaching at Queen Elizabeth, and Indian Creek Public School. He became a Principal for the Kent County Board of Education beginning in 1972 at Zone Central, Bothwell, Queen Elizabeth, King George VI, Chatham, and Tilbury Area Public School until his retirement in 1996. During his retirement he and Ann enjoyed many years travelling countless miles in their motor home. Dirk loved music and particularly loved to sing Southern Gospel. He had been part of a Quartet and then “The Master’s Voices” Trio. When he began singing solo for various retirement homes he went back to his given name “Dirk”. He was a member of the Cultural, now Chatham-Kent Chorale for many years and sang in the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Choir. Dirk, along with his twin brother John, captured many memories doing wedding photography for over 30 years. He was raised Christian Reformed, a past member of Victoria Avenue United Church, St. Paul’s Congregational Church where he was the Chair of the Building Committee, and recently attended St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Remembrance will take place at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Street West, Chatham ON N7M 1X2 on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Kristen Oliver officiating. Reception to follow from 12:00 to 3:00 in the church hall. If you cannot make the service, the family invites you to the reception for a time to share memories, refreshments and light lunch. Interment at St. Thomas Anglican Church Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Outreach for Hunger or Strings Are the Thing! Chatham-Kent’s After School Orchestra Program would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham 519-351-2040