Mr. John M Koopmans

John M. Koopmans, D.C. was a loving husband and father, caring doctor, sports enthusiast and a friend to all. After a brave five month battle with pancreatic cancer, John went to be with the Lord on October 13, 2010 at the age of 60. Born in Portland, Oregon on January 1, 1950, John was five years old when his family moved to California. He met his future wife, Karen, in college and they were married September 1, 1973. John attended Los Angeles College of Chiropractic where he graduated January 1976. He began serving Humboldt County with his gift of chiropractic that following August. Having never met a stranger, he saw his patients as friends first and patients second. He loved his many animal patients as well, which included cats, dogs and horses. They, in turn, loved him as well for making them feel so much better. John was a firm believer in giving back to the community. He loved sponsoring local youth athletes and sports teams, of which there have been countless over the years. John was a long-time member of the South West Rotary Club in Eureka where he led and participated in many charity fundraisers such as Bowl for Kids' Sake, the Annual Blood Drive, Salvation Army Bell Ringers, charity sporting events and many others. He was a member of the local chapter of Business Networking International (BNI). For many years he was a regular donor of blood and platelets at the Eureka Blood Bank. His final year was highlighted by celebrating his 60th birthday while snowboarding at Mt. Shasta with friends, attending several Giants games with his family, the arrival of his first grandchild, Chloe, and the upcoming marriage of his second daughter. The family would like to thank the many doctors who consistently went above and beyond to make the final months of John's life more comfortable. They would especially like to thank Dr. Kusem Stokes, Dr. Tom Rydz, Dr. James Jaworski, Dr. Michael Harmon, Dr. Greg Holst and the many nurses and hospital staff who laughed at his jokes and helped put a smile on his face. The family would also like to thank all the people who have shown them continual love and support. The outpouring of love shown by so many dear friends and neighbors, family, office staff, doctors and patients has been comforting. Many thanks go out to everyone in the community who sent cards and prayers. They were very much appreciated and never failed to lift John's spirits. The family would like to give our special appreciation and thanks to Pastor Kiyle Decker and the Grace Baptist Church family for taking care of our family during this very difficult time. John will be dearly missed by his wife of thirty-seven years, Karen, his four daughters; Sarah, Mindy Kingery (Mark), Elizabeth Williams (Daniel), Ashley, first grandchild, Chloe Williams and his dog, the faithful sidekick and shadow, Tucker. He is also survived by his mother, Olive, brothers; Dwight (Ruth), Tim (Holly), Paul (Judy) and Jim (Debbie), sisters; Ann (Norm Hobbs), Kay (Greg Crocker), Clara Woods, and Benita (Kevin Wilson), numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his father Sigbrand Koopmans and nephew Jeff Crocker. A celebration honoring John's life will be held on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 1:00 pm at Faith Center Church in Eureka. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Triumphant Life Camp, in care of Grace Baptist Church in Eureka. His laughter, jokes and love will be greatly missed by many. Arrangements are under the care of Pierce Mortuary Chapel, Eureka, CA 707-442-3751, www.piercemortuarychapels.com.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard from October 19 to October 20, 2010