Obituary of Anthony Koop

Anthony Koop – Christ follower, amazing husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, coach, and mentor to so many people. His legacy is far reaching. Thank you for coming today to grieve with us, support Connie and the family, and also celebrate and reflect on a life well lived. We want to honor Jesus and Anthony’s life with this service.

Anthony Koop was born November 15, 1964, in Virden, Manitoba, to Ernest and Emily Koop. Anthony’s informative years were spent growing up in Elkhorn, together with his sister and brother. After Anthony’s dad would come home from work, he would rest, and then family WrestleMania would begin. Many evenings were spent practicing sports with his dad and siblings - hockey, baseball etc. Anthony was valedictorian of his high school graduating class. Following that, he spent 2 years at Briercrest Bible College. When his Grandpa Koop died suddenly, Anthony moved to Landmark to live with his Grandma and started stucco wiring for his uncle Bob. Other jobs that followed included time at a local fertilizer company, construction and most recently as the Shipper/Receiver at Trouw Nutrition in Landmark. On September 9, 1989, Anthony married his soulmate and best friend Connie.

With Anthony, “what you see is what you get”. He was not contrived or complicated. For Anthony, life was very simple – love God and love my wife. And from there this exuberant and emotional personality did this so well. Negativity and complaining were not allowed. Anthony impacted so many people with these sincere characteristics. When life handed him adversity, he would fight back. During Connie’s surgeries, Anthony would lead the way with positivity and encouragement. Recently, when he needed to lower his potassium numbers, he drastically altered his diet. When life threw things Anthony’s way, he’d grieve deeply and quickly, and then make a decision to get on with it. Anthony did not spend a lot of time doubting.

Because Anthony and Connie were a blessing to so many, they were blessed to call many family. Nieces and nephews, friends’ children, ball players – these were all their children. Deep relationships developed because of Anthony’s passion for people and life. He simply filled a room.

Anthony’s first love was Jesus. His prayers would begin with, “We love you so much Father”. Together Anthony and Connie faithfully attended Prairie Rose EM Church. Anthony made many friendships there as he participated in the men’s Sunday School class, creating children’s features, and rubbing shoulders with all ages. His infectious character and laughter made connecting with him easy.

Anthony’s deepest love was always to Connie. Together they have kayaked, golfed, hiked, camped, and biked across this world. Many memories have been made in Europe, Florida, Arizona, Canmore, Falcon Lake and numerous other places. Holidays were planned, but spontaneity was always part of it.

Attending Jets games and curling together were regular dates on the calendar. Anthony enjoyed life to the fullest with Connie. Their example of commitment to marriage was admirable. Thirty years of friendship, hand holding, coffee or burger runs, Saturday Home Depot stops, sitting around the fire pit and shared loyalty, are evidence of Gods faithfulness to them. Anthony was selflessly devoted and madly in love with her. This will have been obvious to anyone who ever met them.

Anthony’s investment in youth and young adults was effortless and from the heart. Over the years he has helped with ISCF, been hockey chaplain for the Selects, spoken at SBC chapels, and coached so many teams – both hockey and baseball. Anthony has eleven nephews and nieces who he bragged about regularly. He was so proud of each of you for different reasons. Anthony’s love for youth was true and authentic.

As those who love Anthony, it’s hard not to think he was taken too early. There were more things to do – more holidays with Connie, more coffee runs with friends, more Sunday lunches with the Reimers. However, like Anthony, we choose to believe in God’s sovereignty, whose timing is to give and take. We ask God to help us accept this difficult reality. The legacy Anthony leaves is his love for Jesus and his commitment to Connie. Thank you Anthony.

Anthony is survived by his wife Connie, mother Emily Koop, sister Suzanne, brother Sid & Jen (Payton, Cole). As well, Anthony will be dearly missed by his “other parents”, Menno and Lottie Reimer, brother-in-law Brian & Jackie ( Jesse, Hanna, Chloe), brother-in-law Trav (Taylor, Tori, Delainey), sister-in-law Marcia (Jonah, Nick, Xam).

Anthony was predeceased by his father, Ernest Koop in 1991.

The come & go viewing will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2020 from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The memorial service will be held on Friday, February 14, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. at Prairie Rose EMC, Landmark, MB., with viewing held from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

A private family burial will take place prior to the service.