Obituary of Harry Koop

On Friday, April 15th, 2022, at the Red River Valley Lodge in Morris, Manitoba, Harry Koop passed away peacefully, with his wife Norma and daughter Vanessa at his side.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff at the Lodge who helped care for Harry from December 2021 until his passing.

Harry was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Gertrude Koop, brothers: John, Melvin, Larry and sister Mabel.

He leaves to mourn his wife Norma and their children: Vanessa (Reynald), Lyle (Herschelle) and Jeannine (Harvey). He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Kristen (Jensen), Matthew, Bryce (Victoria), David (Karen), Tyler (Farren), Michelle (Jeremy), Kelsey (Cameron), Quinton (Katelyn) and Aylia (Zachary) and great-grandchildren, Harper, Oakland, Margo, Lawson,Hadley, Kenton,Milo, Emilia, and Lucas; he is also survived by brothers: Glen, Brian, Eldon, Charles, and Merle; and sisters: Rosella, Leanora, Nettie, Elvira, Marian, Betty, Joanne and Elda.

Harry was born in Ile Des Chenes, Manitoba, on October 30th, 1935. Growing up in Kleefeld with so many brothers and sisters, he was rarely without something to do.

Working the small family farm or rough housing with his siblings, Harry was an active boy. He loved almost all sports and tennis and golf grew to be his favourites.

Harry committed his life to the Lord as a young man and attended Steinbach Bible College where he would begin dating his future wife. Harry married Norma Loewen in the summer of 1959, on August 7th. The honeymoon was in Kenora, Ontario on a budget of one hundred dollars.

At times it was hard to make ends meet as Harry worked several jobs while attending Teachers College in Winnipeg. By now two children were added to the family, Vanessa (1961) and Lyle (1962). A third, Jeannine, would arrive in 1969.

Harry’s first teaching job was in Pauingassi, a small settlement twelve miles from Little Grand Rapids. Harry would move on to accept a teaching job in Wpg and soon take a leave of absence to attend University of Manitoba. He graduated in the spring of 1970 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in mathematics.

Harry was a man of adventure and in 1971, began to make plans to move the family to Brazil to become a missionary teacher with New Tribes Mission. He committed to teach for one year, but ended up staying for almost four.

Upon returning to Canada, he relocated to Rosenort, Manitoba, where he continued his career as a teacher and principal.

Harry resigned in 1990 and began a second career with Eden Foundation in Winkler, Manitoba. He enjoyed organising fundraising golf tournaments for Recovery of Hope.

Harry and Norma would go on to enjoy retirement years (1995-2017) in Sebring, Florida. For twenty-three winters, they would travel to Florida, often stopping in Branson, Missouri, to attend shows together with friends who often joined them.

Harry was able to work and play at the SIM missionary retirement village as a maintenance man. He very much enjoyed reshingling the villagers' homes.

Harry Koop suffered a life altering stroke in the spring of 2019. Norma went on to care for him until December of 2021.

Harry influenced many lives over his years as a teacher and administrator and often was recognised as a favourite to many of his former students. His legacy for all who knew Harry, I’m sure would agree, he loved God, he loved his family and he loved others.

A public viewing will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2022, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

A public memorial service will be held on Monday, April 25, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with a burial prior to the service Rosenort EMC Cemetery, Rosenort, MB.