WEEK 19 ~ MAY 7-13, 2015

The last few days were difficult and we knew that our time behind these doors (Critical Care Trauma Centre) were coming to an end. We took comfort in Joshua 3:9 where God promised that He would be with us wherever we go.

Mom was able to come visit Dad Saturday morning at the hospital and we were thankful that they could spend time together holding hands while listening to music. Mom was calm and Dad was emotional and happy to see her. 

After seeing Mom Saturday morning, on Saturday evening surrounded by all of his children and loved ones, Dad Koopman passed into glory. Our dear Father and Opa will be sorely missed, but we rejoice that our loss is his gain and that now he is enjoying pleasures forevermore at God's right hand in glory. 

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”  Psalm 116:15 

On Saturday evening, May 9, 2015, Meindert Koopman passed peacefully into eternal glory in his 79^th year surrounded by his six children and loved ones at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario.  Our dear Father and Opa will be sorely missed, but we rejoice that our loss is his gain and that now he is enjoying pleasures forevermore at God's right hand in glory.  

Meindert was born in The Netherlands, on October 20, 1936.  When he was twelve years old, he immigrated to Canada with his parents and farmed most of his life near Thamesville, Ontario.  

Meindert leaves behind his dear wife, Attie (Roffel) Koopman, whom he lovingly cared for at home until this past January 2015 when she took up residence at Valley View Nursing Home.  

He also leaves behind his six children and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: 

Jim & Audrey Koopman – Peter (Andrea), Sam, Naomi, ClaireJohn & Sue Koopman - Scott & Jen (Jenna-Grace, Owen, Mayelle), Ben, Josh & Naomi, Erin, CalebCindy & James VanderHeide - Brianna & Jacob, Danielle (Matthew), Nicolas, Brayden, Kierra, Kaitlyn, SerenaCarol & Paul Laman – Hadassah, Josiah, ShifrahMel & Monica Koopman– Jared, Wyatt, ZoeMark & Linda  Koopman– Alex, Carsten, Savannah 

Also survived by brothers, sisters and in-laws:  Tom & Grace Koopman, Marg & Hielkje Zuidema, Grace & John Pennings, Ge Koopman, Harry & Diane Roffel, and Anne Koomans. Predeceased by his parents, Jacobus & Geertruida Koopman, parent (inlaws) John & Siemkje Roffel as well as brothers, sisters and in-laws:  Pearl & George Greevink, John Koopman, Wiecher & Jannie Koopman, Trudy & George Brink, Mabel & John Roffel, and Harry Koomans.  

The family expresses heartfelt thanks for the compassionate and outstanding care the medical team from the ICU at Victoria Hospital showed to Dad.  Special thanks to nurses Paula and Sandy.  Dad also expressed his appreciation for the tender care that Kim Pennings showed to him and mom.   

The funeral service will be held Thursday morning at 10:30 am at the Free Reformed Church of St. Thomas (145 St. George Street).  His son, Pastor John will officiate.  Interment will follow in Elmdale Cemetery. Visitation at the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home 31 Elgin St, St. Thomas (519-631-0570) on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer Society Elgin-St. Thomas or Word &Deed Ministries.  

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We visited Mom the following day, Mother's Day, and gently told Mom that Dad passed away and is at home with Jesus...she said, "He's home." We as a family, decided that while visiting Mom, we ask that you do not discuss Dad's passing away anymore. We understand there are many different thoughts and opinions regarding how to help a loved one with dementia/Alzheimer's work through the death of a loved one. Recognizing how vastly her days vary in how much she is able to remember and process, we do not want to cause her unnecessary grief each time she hears the news. To her it may seem like the first time she is hearing it. As always mom enjoys having visitors and especially enjoys when people take the time to sit with her and sing with her. We appreciate everyone's visits with her and your continued love and care for her. 

While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about...thankful for my kids. 

"You don't need to be rescued from life-threatening danger or see God's miraculous provision in the direst of financial crises to truly know the faithfulness of the Lord. God remains faithful day in and day out in the largest and smallest circumstances."