Hans H Kopper

Dr. Hans-Harald Kopper died December 20, 2020 at home in Williamsburg, VA. Dr. Kopper, whose native tongue was German, was born in the Polish Corridor of Europe in 1930. He was awarded a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Hamburg and completed a Post Doc in Chemical Engineering at Princeton University. He was a distinguished member of a Max Plank Institute. Dr. Kopper enjoyed a long career with BASF, the world’s largest chemical producer. In 1979, he and his wife left Germany and came to the United States when BASF promoted him to an executive position in America. In 1987, Dr. Kopper retired from BASF as President of the Fibers Division and Executive Vice President of BASF Corporation. He and his wife decided to permanently reside in the USA. Hans was married to Brigitte for 51 years before she passed away. While in Germany, he and Brigitte enjoyed many outdoor sports. Hans was an accomplished sailor and together they went sailing in the Baltic Sea. Every winter they traveled to the Alps to snow ski, and they played competitive tennis year-round. Upon coming to America, they enjoyed all these sports and more. Hans’ charisma and Brigitte’s hospitality combined for many evenings entertaining friends and family. In retirement, Hans excelled in chess and enjoyed playing against the best amateurs in the world. He also was drawn to a new adventure. He took flying lessons and earned a Private Pilot, Single Engine License and later an instrument rating. He purchased a Cessna 172 and with Brigitte at his side, they flew to all the contiguous 48 states. He donated numerous Angel Flights to parents and their children for medical transport. He was an active pilot into his eighties. Dr. Kopper is survived by two sisters, Heidi Morgan (in the USA) and Hedda Schostock (in Germany); one brother, Hilmar Kopper (in Germany); as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews in the USA and abroad. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to his devoted friends Dr. Peter and Anna Sim, his oncologist Dr. Christina Prillaman, and his Riverside Hospital Hospice team. Memorial donations may be made to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg VA 23185) or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.