With deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle and husband, Douglas James Koopmans at the age of 53. He passed away surrounded by his loving family while holding hands with his wife Henia and true friend Bella on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 in St. Joseph’s Hospital – Hospice Unit.
Douglas was born in Port Arthur, Ontario to Isabelle and Louie Koopmans.
He attended St. James Public School and Lakeview High School before going to Sault Ste. Marie for Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanics training.
He was a long time employee of Abitibi Provincial Paper Mill (later Cascades). Douglas attended 3 years of Ironworkers Apprenticeship and Training in Alberta, proudly obtaining scholarships each year for the highest marks/ top ironworker. Family and friends meant a great deal to him.
Douglas married the love of his life Henia Glowczynski on June 16, 1986 and they spent many happy years together.
Motorcycles were a passion in his younger days. He enjoyed reading and by the time he was 11, he had his own Popular Science subscription. He enjoyed tinkering in the backyard auto mechanics, collecting various older cars and hot wheels. Always up for a good laugh, many enjoyed his cryptic sense of humour. Intensely curious he could never resist touching if a sign said not to.
Douglas is survived by his loving parents and his three siblings Catherine (Derek), David (Tammy) and Darryl (Angie), his niece Ireland as well as relatives in Canada, USA and Overseas.
Douglas was predeceased by all of his grandparents, uncles Doug and Ronald, aunts Edna and Jeltje.
Thank you to the caring staff of St. Joseph’s Hospice, TBRHSC- 1A, CCAC, the local Canadian Cancer Society volunteer drivers especially Diane, VON and all of his physicians.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2015 in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice.
