Van Joseph Kupser

January 20th, 1949 - April 4th, 2012

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Van Joseph Kupser. Van leaves to mourn him, his wife, Phyllis, of nearly 42 years; his two sons, Sean of Lumby, Sheldon (Selina) of Australia; and one daughter, Kelly Hodgins (Liam) of Cherryville. Van was a devoted and loving grandfather (Pa Pa) to his grandchildren: Jordan, Vanessa, Alira, Kaige, Lennex, and Maddy. Van was born the eldest of six children to Anne and Joseph Kupser. He had three brothers: Brian (Annwen), Ken (Lil), Ron (Wendy), and two sisters, Joanne Kryshuck (Norman) and Lana Lammerts (Leo) and numerous nieces and nephews. Van was predeceased by his father in 1996.

Van spent the majority of his life working on our highways; initially working for the Government and then with Okanagan Aggregates (VSA), then YRB and back to Okanagan Aggregates. Van enjoyed and treasured the time spent working with his many friends. While living in Lumby, Van had many interests. He loved sports, especially the Montreal Canadians. He was frequently referred to as “Guy”. He played slow-pitch and helped organize tournaments in Hawaii. Van reffed hockey and umpired softball. He drove ambulance for years and was on the Disaster Planning Committee. He represented Lumby as Alderman for 13 years. Van enjoyed music and played guitar in three different bands. Along with his family, Van enjoyed years of outdoor fun such as 4-wheeling, camping, fishing and traveling in various lengths of RVs. Anyone who knew Van knows that his favourite activity was finding and getting firewood! Van was blessed with a great sense of humour, a twinkle in his eye and the willingness to help anyone at anytime.

In February 2010, Van was faced with his greatest challenge of his life. A terminal diagnosis giving him only weeks, maybe months to live. He took this on like everything else in his life - with courage, determination and grace. He led his family and friends through this journey with his strength and optimism, making it easier for us all. Van left this world peacefully in the arms of his family and surrounded by the love of his many friends. We were all extremely fortunate to have a man like Van touch our lives. He will be missed.

The Celebration of Life will be held at the Cherryville Hall on April 13, 2012 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, those friends wishing to make memorial contributions in memory of Van may do so to their charity of choice.