Wilmer Edward Koop
1955 – 2018

Wilmer Koop passed into glory at St. Boniface Hospital on September 30, 2018 after years of heart issues and, ultimately, a stroke.

He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 11, 1955, the third child of Henry and Helen Koop. He attended schools in River East School Division and then MBCI. At the University of Winnipeg, he majored in philosophy and developmental studies and earned silver and gold medals before entering the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba. He exercised his talents at various firms, most recently at Number TEN Architectural Group.

Wilmer met Elenore while both were still in high school. It was love at the balloon races (their first date), and they were married a few years later, with her supporting him through university. He often commented that he was smarter than she was because he had married her while she had married him.

Wilmer’s interests included travel, photography, stained glass, politics and coins. He and Elenore enjoyed many hours at Wally’s cottage in Gimli.

He always found unique ways to see things and to solve problems. His quirky sense of humour, manifested in endless puns and Dad jokes, surfaced even in the ICU. In countless ways he showed consideration and caring for others. His love for Elenore and the girls was fierce and passionate; he would do anything for them. He was generous with his time, always willing to act as chauffeur, even if he had to be awakened first. As a man of faith, he gave time and energy to support building projects with Habitat for Humanity and was generous with his resources. His generosity was also shown in his willingness to donate blood for as long as he was able and, ultimately, through the donation of his organs.

Wilmer was predeceased by an infant daughter, Ria and by his parents.

Mourning his loss are his wife Elenore, daughters Amara (Ben) and Kira (Levi); stepmother, Agnes; siblings, Ruth (John), David (Dolores) and Art (Christine); and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Also grieving are Elenore’s siblings, Ted (Margaret), Elsie (Doug) and Wally.

He will be sorely missed.

Thanks to the skilled and compassionate staff at St. Boniface ICU and Medicine, the caring pastoral staff at Jubilee Mennonite Church, and to the many people who prayed and sent messages of support and love to the family. All are greatly appreciated.

A memorial reception will be held at McIvor Avenue Church on Friday, October 5 at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements by Friends Funeral Service. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Habitat for Humanity, MCC or Winnipeg Harvest.