May 7, 1929 – June 21, 2022
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and Uncle, Paul George Koponen, peacefully at Delta Mountain View Manor at the age of 93.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children Liz (Tim), Paul (Robyn), and (Reg) his grandchildren Kyle, Megan(Kyle), Ryan and Ian as well as numerous other family and friends.
Paul was predeceased by his wife Dorothy of 36 years, daughter Liisa, brothers Dave and Dick and sister Esther.
Born in Plymouth, Massachusetts Paul was the eldest son of the Rev George Arvid Koponen and Ester Elizabeth Koponen. He grew up in Maynard Ma where his father was a Minister in the Finnish United Church. He moved to Toronto with his family at the age of 17. In 1959 Paul met Dorothy on blind date and they were married soon after. Dorothy often said “he had met his match” and that was true in more ways than one. They started their family in Toronto before moving west to BC, then Alberta, and settling in Vernon in 1975. Vernon was the perfect place for Paul to continue to share his love of skiing with his family. In later years Paul and Dorothy would move to Coquitlam to be near their children and grandchildren.
Growing up Dad loved to entertain, whether it was a crazy story from his youth, playing guitar, singing a song or teaching his kids and grandkids how to play crib. He loved playing crib and the banter that went along with it, enjoying the game right up until the end.
Dad taught all of us how to get the most out of life, he also taught us what resilience is. He suffered loss and felt it deeply but showed us how it’s possible to carry on.
He will be greatly missed but his spirit will live on as we play a game of crib, retell one of his infamous jokes or crazy stories or spend a wonderful day on the ski hill. We were lucky to have had him in our life for as long as we did.
The family is grateful to the Delta Mountain View Manor for taking such good care of our Dad.

Obituary