Obituary of David Peter Kopnitsky

January 23, 1938 – Elphinstone, Manitoba
November 11, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

David Kopnitsky of Calgary, AB passed away suddenly, at home on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at the age of 83 years.

Dave was born in Elphinstone, Manitoba on January 23, 1938. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force in his younger years and met his wife Jan (Elsie) while stationed in Trenton. Dave and Jan married in 1958 and started their lives together in Ontario, where both their daughters were born.  Dave’s passion for electronics and computers led to work with both Bell and Litton Industries, where he specialized in military navigation equipment. His skills and service took him to the Arctic, where he served as a Radar Technician on the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line, and overseas, working on military contracts. In 1975, he decided to relocate his young family to Calgary, taking a position with Canada Post where travel for work would not be required. He retired from Canada Post in 1998. 

Dave and Jan were married for 59 years before her passing in 2017; Dave was an incredible caregiver during Jan’s long illness. Dave loved spending time with his family and looked forward to spirited conversations about politics and current affairs. He truly enjoyed and excelled at his many hobbies and interests, spending countless hours in both his woodshop and his electronic workshop, and staying current on changes and new discoveries in science. He was fiercely independent, had a kind heart and loved nature and animals. He was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion and an avid supporter of veterans. 

We will fondly remember him for so many things, including his clear political views and in-depth knowledge on a wide range of issues and topics. He had an innate ability to figure out how things worked and he could design and build almost anything. Over his life he crafted many beautiful items, most recently, gorgeous cedar planters that we will enjoy filling with flowers and herbs in the summertime. Dad was a masterful wine-maker and had just completed two new and delicious batches for his family to enjoy. 

Dave is survived by his two daughters and sons-in-law, Kelly and Bill Sexsmith and Carol and Paul Rogalski. Papa Dave (Grandpa) will be dearly missed by grandchildren Megan (Vik), Jeff (Hayley), Anika and Kendall; and his great-grandchildren, Evan, Tessa and Liam.  He is also survived by his sister Eva, and his sister-in-law, Evelyn as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and the United States. He was predeceased by his wife Jan (Elsie,) his parents Arthur and Nellie, and his sister, Elizabeth. 

Dave will be interred at Queen’s Park Cemetery, with his loving wife Jan, on Friday November 19, 2021 at a private family graveside service. Should friends or family wish to honor Dave, please consider a donation to the Veteran’s Food Bank of Calgary. Condolences, memories and photos may be also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of David Kopnitsky, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.