Selina Marie Koop

Selina Marie Koop was born on February 10, 1984 in Abbotsford, BC, to Margaret Ann and John Koop, a baby sister for Amanda, who had turned three the day before.

Selina was an immediate unique presence. Her larger-than-life personality manifested itself in squeals of protest or delight, gregarious laughter, and a go-go-go nature. She was an artist from the first, painting on her bedroom walls while still in her crib. She had a life-long, insatiable curiosity, and a sensitive spirit with a special heart for all living things: people of all ages – marginalized or mainstream – and animals.. She loved the outdoors, camped often near the ocean, in forests, by rivers, and in farm fields.

Music was a significant part of the Mennonite tradition in which Selina was raised. She outlined her own passionate musical journey on her website: “... I always gravitated towards any instrument that was nearest to me...so whichever instrument I could get my hands on, I would try.” She played violin for as long as her parents could endure the noise after which she started piano lessons at age five. While volunteering in Jamaica, she met an elderly man there who showed her how to play guitar. Thereafter, she taught herself how to play. She took drum lessons, and ..practised in her psychedelic drum room in the family garage with her usual joie de vivre. Mostly, though, her early-life focus was in classical piano. Selina pursued her passion of music even more when she realised that she could apply her skills “in a more expressive and creative way.” She played drums, guitar and keyboard in bands from grade seven on, but more seriously after college when she founded "Selina Koop and the Blank" followed by the "Glad Rags", an all female rock band, of which Selina said “It was a ‘Let’s crank it to 11’ kind of thing.”

After high school, Selina attended Capilano College and Vancouver Community College (VCC) where she studied music and voice. She earned a Diploma of Music with a Major in Classical/Contemporary Piano which culminated in her becoming a piano and voice teacher. While still a student, she taught for a number of years at Long & McQuade, Staccato Music, and Creativ Music Centre in North Vancouver. Her passion for teaching grew there, and then her entrepreneurial spirit led her to offer private lessons. “Learn in person. Learn online. Pick your plan,” states her website. “We set goals, we learn, we practice.” A student’s mother said “Selina adapts to what works and it works for us.” In addition to teaching, she performed in the Vancouver area at private parties, weddings, corporate events, and in hotel lounges, such as The Fairmont Pacific Rim and The Botanist.

Though music was central to Selina’s life, she had other interests, too. She loved animals, especially horses and dogs from her early years on. Most recently she had acquired chickens, and built a coop with her Uncle Henry. In April, she showed off the first egg on her Facebook page, where she also solicited names for her Rhode Island Red Rooster.

She travelled extensively, from Kenya, Jamaica, Germany, Holland, California, Portland, New York and in Canada, to Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Haida Gwaii, Tofino. She spent a lot of time on Galiano and Salt Spring Island, and enjoyed the slow pace of living. The best, most prized, souvenir she ever brought home during her travels was her dog, Toby, whom she rescued in Sayulita, Mexico. Toby was the love of her life, her unconditional companion. The two travelled together, and walked many trails and beaches. Evenings, Toby lay on Selina’s feet, keeping her warm, staying close.

Gardening, and the great outdoors were also Selina’s passions. From a young age, Selina loved to put her hands into dirt; she helped her mom in the garden, then later, planted a garden of her own, and pursued garden-related employment. The plants in and around her home thrived. She also worked for the Vancouver Parks Board, where she received training as an arborist. In early May 2023, she began working for the White Rock City Parks board. She left an impression on people, and on the earth, wherever she went.

Ever the artist, Selina’s dressed the part. Her clothing and accessories were colourful, funky, most often found in thrift and vintage stores. She was not materialistic; she lived a simple lifestyle, not averse to owning used furniture and collectibles. She repurposed items.

On the evening of Saturday, May 20, after a morning of gardening with her mom, and attending a friend’s birthday party in the afternoon and into the early evening, Selina’s life came to an abrupt, tragic end. The enormous outpouring of grief since news of her death spread throughout B.C. reflects the vast impact her life had on others.

She leaves behind her mother, Margaret Ann; her sister Amanda (Bibiano), nephews Elijah, Gabriel, and Lucas; her dog Toby; uncles and aunts: Walter (Rita) Klassen; Henry (Kathy Peters) Klassen; Ernie (Michael) Barwell-Klassen; Elsie K Neufeld; Charlotte (Rob) Lepp; eleven first cousins, including special cousin/friends Natalie Klassen-Smith and Matthew Neufeld, and countless friends. Special great-aunts on her dad's side are Marie Janzen and Neta Ewert, great-uncles Wally (Mary), Harry, and many cousins. Selina was predeceased by her father John Koop, her uncle John Klassen, and her beloved Oma and Opa Klassen.

A private memorial service will be held by those closest to Selina on June 18th. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Selina Koop to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside Women’s Shelter; an organization that Selina supported.

This can be done online here: https://dewc.ca/donate-online.