Murray Copot

Murray Copot, beloved husband of Mary Copot, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2011, at the age of 87 years. Born in Bladworth, Saskatchewan on September 17, 1923, Murray was the youngest of two children (sister Pauline) born to Stephan and Maria Copot. Murray joined the Royal Canadian Navy and on August 21, 1944, the corvette that Murray served on (HMCS Alberni) was torpedoed in the English Channel. Murray was one of thirty-one survivors. Believing he was kept on this earth for a reason, Murray decided that he would help make the world a better place, and that he did! He enjoyed many successful years with London Life and Western Development Corp. In 1948, Murray met the love of his life, Mary Wintonyk. They married on June 11, 1949 and have been soul mates for more than sixty-two years. Murray and Mary's life together is celebrated by their five children and spouses: Terry (Sharon) Copot, Ruth Copot (Harry Hobbs), Debbie (Tom) Peacock, Joanne (Keith) Leggat, Carol (Jim) Stone; as well as nine grandchildren and one great grandson: Mike and Chris Copot, Greg and Julie Peacock, Sarah (Gerald) and Chad Leggat, Kyle, Ryan (Jenna and baby Jett Murray), and Colin (Ashlee) Stone. Murray loved all his family equally. Christmas was always a special family time steeped with love, laughter and tradition. Murray enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting and school events and he and Mary attended them all! Murray was happiest when he was at home surrounded by family. Murray was very proud to be a Canadian, Albertan and Calgarian. Murray was recognized many times over for his contributions to hockey as President of Calgary Minor Hockey Association; President of Alberta Amateur Hockey Association; and a director with the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. He was the Canadian Hockey Association Volunteer of the Year in 1991; Calgary Booster Club Sportsman of the Year in 1993; and an Inductee to the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993. The Thornhill Hockey Arena in Calgary was rededicated the Murray Copot Hockey Arena on March 9, 1992. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers held at St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 404 Meredith Road N.E., Calgary on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 6:30p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at Foothills Alliance Church, 333 Edgepark Boulevard N.W., Calgary on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, it was Murray’s wish that all donations be made to the Salvation Army Agape Hospice, 1302 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8 or Minor Hockey Calgary in memory of Murray Copot, c/o Max Bell Sport Arena, 1111 Barlow Trail S.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6S2. Our deep appreciation to all those who provided care for Murray; Dr. Jim Mayhew, Dr. Todd Anderson, Dr. Tony MacLean, Agape Hospice, Father Taras Krochak, and all of Murray’s friends and family who comforted him with their presence during his final days. There are no words to express our sorrow, and how deeply we will miss this special man. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.net.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial