Obituary of Elwood Koppang

KOPPANG - Mr. Elwood Victor Lien It is with sadness that the family of Elwood Victor Lien Koppang announce his passing on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at the age of 86 years. Elwood was born on his parents farm near Shellbrook,Sask, on January 18, 1924. He attended school in Shellbrook. Upon leaving school he worked on his parents dairy farm as well as doing odd jobs until he joined the army. After the war ended he returned to Shellbrook where he married Bertha Hamilton on December 1, 1947. They moved onto his parents farm and took over the dairy operation after the death of his brother Paul Koppang. At this time Elwood and Bertha made arrangements to purchase the farm from Elwood's parents. This was Elwood's home until 1991 when he became a resident of the Parkland Terrace Nursing Home. Elwood had many different jobs over the years to help supplement the farm income. Some of these jobs were: working on a repair crew for Searle, working on the railroad in the summer, buying grain for Federal Grain, running the Gulf Bulk fuel agency and finally working for Parks and Resources in fire towers at Nisbet and Crutwell. He had a great many interests. He loved music and always sang to the cows at milking time and he also sang in the United Church Choir for a few years. He played the trumpet in the local band when it was in operation. Another interest was sports. When he was young he played hockey, and later coached the senior men's hockey team. He, along with Bill Barkway, coached a boy's baseball team when their sons were playing on the team and later he coached a women's fastball team (Wapitis). During the winter he curled until the time he had a severe stroke. Elwood loved fishing, hunting and snowmobiling. Elwood was very active in the community and belonged to the Elks (Past Exalted Ruler), Legion (Past President), and Fish and Game League. Elwood's passion was for horses. If he was having a bad day he would saddle up and go for a long ride and when he came home everything was rosy again. He always had a couple horses around the farm and also collected old buggies and harness. He loved spending time with his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Elwood was predeceased by his parents Emma and Andrew Koppang , his sons Robin and Mark Koppang, his wife Bertha Koppang, brothers Kenneth Koppang, Paul Koppang, and Wallace Koppang. He leaves to mourn his passing his daughter, Brenda (Wayne ) Harrison of Belize , grand-daughters, Cari-Ann (Gerald) Stefanyshyn, Jolene Person, great grandsons Jake & Eric Stefanyshyn; sister Audrey (George) Clunie; sisters-in law, Iris Downie, Edna Berry, Viola Howe, Lorna Measure; brother-in law Delbert (Benita) Hamilton , as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. Elwood may be gone but he is not forgotten. Rest in Peace. The memorial Service for Elwood took place on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Knox United Church. Rev. Dave Whalley officiated, The Legion formed an Honor Guard, Calvin Loth read the Eulogy, Brenda Harrison was the Urn Bearer and the Shellbrook Choir led the hymns. Interment took place in the Shellbrook Cemetery. Memorial Donations in Elwood's memory may be made to the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation.