Obituary of Dirk Styze Koopmans
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The journey of our Opa.
It took crossing an ocean to start his life in Canada, with the one he is reunited with, his wife of 61 years, Liz, to join him in beginning their life together and raising their 3 children. It took faith to leave his home country of the Netherlands, accompanying his parents, Styze and Frouke. It took strength to build a stable home for his family and love to be at peace returning home to his Lord, October 22, 2024. Dirk Koopmans, the true Dutch patriarch of the Koopmans family left this earth, reunited with his love, Liz who predeceased him in 2020.
Dirk had a strong love for his Dutch heritage, especially of his family.
Born in Leewaarden, Netherlands, Dirk was the eldest sibling of Alice, Bertha (1963), Albert and Irene.
Proud Father to Bernita (Sam), Steven, & Pete (Nicole).
The sweetest Opa to Jocelyn (Brady), Demetria (Will), Kyle, Ashley (Jade), and Karter (Emilie).
Opa was blessed to enjoy time with his 2 great grandchildren, Aubree (his little princess) and sweet baby boy, Lochlan.
The love for his family always came first, although a strong runner up was the love of his career with Chatham's Ford dealership for 70 years. He loved his work, loved the people he worked for and with, but especially his customers. They were never without a story from the sweetest Dutchman that ever there was. He was so passionate of his job, he worked up until this past July at 86 years of age. Opa handed over the keys retiring his post of shuttle driver at the Victory Ford dealership.
Opa was SO proud of his grandchildren and simply loved watching them grow and find their own paths in this crazy life. We would be amiss if we didn’t mention how grateful Opa was for the care his daughter, Bernita and treasured son in law, Sam have given him over the years.
He will be forever missed, always talked about, but never forgotten.
A Private Family Funeral is to take place with burial in Greenwood Cemetery.
In memory of Dirk, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.
McKinlay Funeral Home
76 Main Street East, Ridgetown
519 674 3141
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Ridgetown: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-397
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Chatham: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-174
Nathan McKinlay is in charge of day-to-day operations in Chatham.
Jeff Mardling is in charge of day-to-day operations in Blenheim & Ridgetown.
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