Vern Koop Obituary
He lived his love for God, through his acts of love for his family and for his "neighbors." Vern married the love of his life, Agnes on April 10, 1965 and together they raised a family of 4. From the very start they lived a life with a love for their neighbors. 55 Years ago, Vern began volunteering at Camp Arnes. The last 35 of those years were as a member of the Board for the Camp, a position he held till the end.
In fact, Vern has had a hand in nearly every building project at the Camp over that time. From the beginning of their life together, Vern and Agnes worked with "at risk" youth even moving their young family to Ontario from 1970 -1972 to be group home parents at Ausable Springs Ranch. Upon returning to Winnipeg in 1972, Vern resumed work as a carpenter, but also continued to support 2 of the boys from the "Ranch" helping them become independent.
They continued to support troubled youth well into the '90s, welcoming them into their home and family. In 1980, Vern was enticed to work at Palliser as their Construction Supervisor because they shared his philosophy of helping those in need. Over his 25-year career, Palliser often donated his time to worthy causes, most significantly with Habitat for Humanity.
Vern participated in many "builds" around the world, but the greatest highlight for him was in 1993 when he was seconded to Habitat as the Project Construction Manager coordinating Winnipeg's first President Carter Blitz Build. 18 homes were built in 1 week; an entire neighbourhood! Vern retired from Palliser and began working for Habitat full time, from 2005 – 2017 building more than 225 homes for those in need.
In 2010, Vern was diagnosed with cancer but continued to pour his efforts into helping others despite cascading health issues. A major goal of his was to make it to the second Winnipeg President Carter Build; a goal he succeeded in achieving in the summer of 2017. He retired from Habitat in September of 2017, but continued to volunteer there until his passing.
Vern passed away peacefully in the presence of family at St. Boniface hospital after a long battle with cancer. Vern leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. Vern's Family was enriched through his service. He is survived by his wife Agnes, his children Byron (Jody), Warren (Jackie), Mark (Sherri) and Audra (Jarren), his grandchildren: Johnathon, Elyse, Josephine; Farrah, Cole; Lucas, Sylas; Victoria (Jesse), Nathan; and his great-grandchildren: Liam, Bentley and Aliyah.
He loved them all unconditionally and he was always there for them in times of need. We love him dearly. Reinhold Niebuhr once wrote: "Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore, we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; Therefore, we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; Therefore, we are saved by love." Vern leaves behind a legacy of LOVE that he built through his efforts together with all who knew him.
He is dearly missed. Vern's celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at Eastview Community Church – 315 Maxwell King Dr. East Saint Paul, MB. Service at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg or Camp Arnes.
