John Albert Kopec

Born on July 10, 1927, in Los Angeles, California, to Albert and Stella Kopec, John graduated from Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, Ca in 1945. Following high school, he served in the Coast Guard Merchant Marines for four years, sailing on various ships.

In June 1950, John married the love of his life, Ruth V. Zimmermann, and together they shared an extraordinary 74 years of marriage. In 1951, they purchased their first home in La Puente, California, and around the same time, they opened their first business, Eastland Tropical Fish Hatchery in City of Industry, California. In the mid 1960’s they opened Hacienda Aquatics (tropical fish store) in La Puente California. In the early 1970s, they sold the business so John could pursue his true passion—of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver. John started a Single Action hammer repair business, and begun the huge undertaking of collecting data, to write his first book “A Study of the Colt Single Action Revolver, which was published in 1976.John was a passionate author of several books, and recognized expert in the field of the “Colt Single Action Army Revolver” John had a deep love for learning about the history of antique Colts, and authenticating them. John was interested in anything regarding the Wild West.

He also enjoyed tinkering with his Model A Ford. Years ago, he enjoyed raising goats, and fish. John and Ruth cherished their travels, particularly trips to antique shows, the desert, and to Hawaii. Known for his great sense of humor, and honesty, John was deeply respected in his community.

John and Ruth moved to Whitmore California in 1982, and later moved to Redding Calif. in 2003 where they attended Grace Baptist Church.

John was an active member of the Redding Rambling A's Model A Club, and also the Shasta Arms Collectors. John was always eager to share his knowledge, and passions with others. A man of great faith, he was also known as a devoted prayer warrior.

In April 2022, John was honored with a Special Recognition award from the United States House of Representatives, presented by Congressman Doug LaMalfa of California's 1st District.

One of John’s favorite childhood memories was flying in the Goodyear Blimp with his father, aerial photographer Albert Kopec in the 1940’s and 50’s in Los Angeles.

John was blessed to be reunited with his beloved wife, Ruth, just Thirty-three hours after his passing, and they are now together in heaven. John passed just thirty days after his official retirement date.

He is survived by his daughter Lynette Helle and son Jerry Kopec, both of Redding, as well as three grandchildren: Lorene Foster, Jennifer Wilson, and David Taylor U.S.N. John and Ruth also had nine great children.

The family would like to thank Visiting Angels of Redding for such great in-home care they gave to mom, and dad the last several years.

Psalms 23

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Redding Christian Fellowship at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in memory of Ruth and John, to one of their chosen charities: Elevate Camps (elevatecamps.org) or The Oikos Movement (oikosmovement.com).