June 3, 1944 - June 4, 2021
Peacefully on June 4th, 2021, Johannes "Hans" Coppens passed away surrounded by family at the age of 77 years. Hans was born in Haarlem, Holland on June 3, 1944 and was one of 12 children.
Hans will be lovingly remembered by his wife Helene; son Roland (Shelley); daughters Michelle (Jason), Rachelle (Paul), Jessica (Jason); grandchildren Elyse, Bennett, Carolyn, Johannes, Shelby, Jayna, Kale, Abigail, Ethan, Roman, Darius, Octavia; great grandchild Emmett; as well as his numerous family members and many friends.
Hans immigrated from Holland to Canada in 1959 with his family. They arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia and took the train across the country to their family in Didsbury, Alberta.
Hans was very proud to become a Canadian Citizen in November 1967. In 1966 Hans married Helene. Helene was the love of his life until the day he took his last breath. Together they bought his parent's bakery in 1967 and later moved to the Sylvan Lake community. Hans enjoyed baking and blessed many family homes with delicious baked goods such as; Lakers and Sugar Bread.
He retired in 2000 from baking. Hans was a man of service that lived his commitment to his community; he became the Mayor of Eckville, Alberta at 24 years of age, he coached gymnastics, he served his church and worked with St. Vincent de Paul in Red Deer.
He loved travelling for pleasure and to share his gifts with those less fortunate in the third world. Hans was a family man and supported his children through love, care, action, always being willing to help and later cheering on all of the grandchildren.
His Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Sylvan Lake, Alberta at 11 am Friday June 11, 2021 with the burial to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Red Deer, Alberta.
The family is sincerely grateful for the exceptional loving care he received at the Michener Extended Care in Red Deer, Alberta.
Memorial donations can be made to the Red Deer Lending Cupboard. The Lending Cupboard was an essential part of supporting Dad as his needs changed over the past several years. You can use this link https://www.lendingcupboard.ca/