Obituary of John KOOP

April 1, 1931 - Hussar, Alberta

December 30, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

John Koop, beloved husband of Elaine Koop (nee Cashman) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2019, at the age of 88 years.

John was born in Hussar, AB, on April 1, 1931. He attended grade school in Gem, AB, when it didn’t interfere with his duties on the family farm. Planting crops, feeding and milking cattle, and threshing had to take priority over his education. But, as you would expect, John persevered, graduated from high school and went on to earn his RIA designation, from which he embarked on his career in accounting. His accounting services always came in second place to his remarkable way of providing clients with kindness and compassion through his work. John met Elaine Cashman at a church function in Edmonton, AB, and they were married on August 15, 1953. They eventually moved to Calgary, AB, (after a short time in Cochrane, AB) where they raised their own family and shared fond memories with siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many good friends. He was a proud member of the Progressive Conservative Party and volunteered with Jason Kenney’s leadership race. John had a real passion for curling and regularly played in the Oilmen’s Bonspiel and in league play at the Arc near their home. It was just a couple of years ago that his team went undefeated through the season and won the title in playdowns. John’s other passion in life was singing. He always loved singing and earlier in his life, produced a gospel record. For the past ten years he was a very proud member of “The Masters Singers”, and loved the practices, the singing, but especially the guys and Muriel, the director. He will be remembered most for his friendly, uplifting, and encouraging demeanor. John truly and genuinely cared for others more than himself and his mission on earth was to point out the silver lining in every cloud of life. He would oftentimes, much to the chagrin of Elaine, say hello to a total stranger or offer a high five or a fist bump, always accompanied with a warm smile. Even when his health was failing, when someone asked how he was doing, he would quickly turn the conversation so it wasn’t about him. When speaking of his health, he would often say “they say that in 100 years it won’t matter anyway”. John spent his last few months caring for his wife Elaine who had taken a fall and was recovering at CareWest. Even though dialysis had weakened him and arthritis made it hard for him to get around, John persevered. He visited Elaine once or twice every day without fail. Many of the staff would comment on John and Elaine’s commitment to their 66 year marriage and how much they admired them as a couple. John and Elaine would often be seen holding hands, playing Skip-Bo, or going for walks together. John was always there for Elaine.

Besides his loving wife Elaine, John is survived by his daughter Karen Tucker and son-in-law Robert of Fountain Hills, AZ; son Doug and daughter-in-law Kathy of Calgary, AB; grandchildren, Sarah Koop and Joshua Koop of Calgary, AB, Haley Tucker of Seattle, Washington and Carson Tucker of Phoenix, AZ; and great-grandson Cayden of Phoenix, AZ. He also leaves behind his godchildren, Danielle Adrain and Michelle Fontaine, daughters of his niece Joan (Cashman) Fontaine and her husband Archie, of Calgary, AB; as well as many nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his parents, Agatha and Peter Koop; as well as all his brothers, Henry, Peter, David and Ernie; and sisters, Agnes and Agatha.

Funeral Services will be held at the church that John and Elaine regularly attended, Lutheran Church of Our Saviour (8831 Fairmount Drive S.E., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on John’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

A tree will be planted in living memory of John Koop.  McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.