Rafal "Ralph" Kopec

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Ralph Daniel Kopec on October 6, 2026, at the age of 87. A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, successful entrepreneur, avid golfer, passionate fisherman, and cherished friend to many, Ralph lived a remarkable life filled with adventure, laughter, hard work, and enduring friendships.

Born in Kamloops, British Columbia, on August 28, 1939, Ralph was the son of Walter and Leona Kopec. Alongside his brothers, Joseph (Fran) and Norman (Diane), and sister, Mary (Frank), he grew up on the family farm in Brocklehurst. Life was not always easy, particularly following the loss of his father when Ralph was just 13 years old. Those early challenges helped shape the determination, independence, and entrepreneurial spirit that would define much of his life.

Ralph's business instincts emerged at a remarkably young age. At just nine years old, he began collecting golf balls at the Kamloops Golf & Country Club and selling them back to the members. Before long, he was a member himself, caddying and travelling to golf tournaments with other members. It was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the game of golf.

By age 16, Ralph and his brothers owned a pool hall, an adventure that produced countless stories, many so entertaining that separating fact from fiction became part of the fun. 'Rifle' was never short of a good story, and those who knew him understood that the telling was often just as enjoyable as the tale itself.

In the early 1970s, Ralph opened his first tire shop in Merritt, British Columbia. Through hard work, determination, and a keen sense for business, Kopec Tire grew to an impressive 14 locations by the early 1980s. His entrepreneurial pursuits continued with Capital Tire and two golf cart companies before his retirement in 1996. His accomplishments reflected a man who was never afraid to take a chance, pursue an opportunity, or build something from the ground up.

On September 9, 1973, Ralph married Patricia, beginning a partnership filled with love, travel, friendship, and shared adventures. Together, they built a wonderful life that took them around the world and introduced them to countless people who would become lifelong friends.

In 1983, Ralph and Pat moved to Rivershore, becoming part of a close-knit community that would remain an important part of their lives for decades. Golf was far more than a pastime for Ralph; it was a lifelong passion and the foundation of many treasured friendships. His life was filled with golf tournaments, friendly competition, and innumerable rounds shared with people whose company he genuinely enjoyed.

A trip to Mexico in 1994 led Ralph and Pat to purchase the first of several homes in San Carlos, Sonora. Following Ralph's retirement, they embraced a lifestyle that many could only dream of, spending half the year overlooking the eighth hole of a golf course in Mexico and the other half overlooking the fifth hole in British Columbia. From 1996 through 2025, their lives revolved around sunshine, golf, good friends, and the communities they loved on both sides of the border.

After retiring in 1996, Ralph was rarely home at lunchtime. He was almost always "gone for lunch" with one of his countless friends, a daily tradition that reflected his love of good company, great conversation, and lasting friendships.

In Mexico, Ralph particularly enjoyed his daily walks with friends and the fellowship of his church community. Wherever Ralph and Pat made their home, friendships flourished.

Together, Ralph and Pat explored the world, travelling throughout Hawaii, the Mediterranean, the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Among their most extraordinary experiences was the honour of being invited to a private audience with Pope John Paul II.

While golf held a special place in Ralph's heart, fishing was another lifelong passion. Over the years, his boats grew from a modest 12 feet to an impressive 32 feet, taking him on fishing adventures around the world. From Kamloops trout and salmon to yellowtail tuna, grouper, bonita, and marlin, Ralph delighted in the thrill of the catch. Pat's efforts smoking and canning the bounty ensured that family and friends shared in the rewards of his many adventures. There was rarely a shortage of fish, or fishing stories, to go around.

Ralph was also a proud, longtime member of the Kamloops Elks Club, where he was honoured with his 50-year membership pin, a testament to his enduring commitment to fellowship and community.

Above all, Ralph's life was defined by the people who shared it with him. Whether on a golf course, aboard a fishing boat, gathered around a table, or enjoying the warmth of the Mexican sunshine, he valued friendship, companionship, and the simple pleasure of time spent together.

His colourful stories, entrepreneurial spirit, sense of humour, and enthusiasm for life will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Ralph leaves behind his beloved wife, Patricia; his daughter, Jacqueline (Scott); and his cherished grandchildren, Cache (Tara), Kaylei (Richard), and Columbia (Dallas). He is also remembered by his nieces and nephews, Liz, Jeannie, Susan, Kathy, Karen, Kelly, and Michael;

and his great-nephew and great-nieces, Jessica, Joseph and Abby, along with his extended family and many dear friends in Canada, Mexico, and beyond.

The family wishes to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to Jon and Shannon Fox, Mark Billington, the attending emergency medical technicians, and the cardiac unit at Royal Inland Hospital for their kindness, care, and assistance.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the cardiac unit of royal inland hospital would be gratefully appreciated.

Ralph lived life on his own terms, worked hard, played hard, travelled far, and made friends wherever he went. From the fairways of Kamloops to the shores of San Carlos, he leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and memories that will be treasured forever.

May the fairways always be green, the waters always calm, and the fish always biting.

A Celebration of Life honouring Ralph will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, located at 2826 Bank Road, Kamloops, British Columbia.

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance of Ralph, to celebrate a life well lived, and to share the many stories, laughter, and cherished memories he leaves behind.