Koopmans, Arven 1931-2004

KOOPMANS, BUYS

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 8/26/2014 at 18:32:38

Hawarden Independent Ireton Examiner December 16, 2004

Arven Koopmans of Renton, Wash., formerly of Hawarden and Ireton, (born )on May 12,1931, died Dec. 7,2004. Raised in Ireton, he moved to the Pacific Northwest after discharge from the service in 1956, and went to work for Boeing. He was married to Alta Buys for 15 years with whom they had their four children. He retired from Boeing in 1991.

He was always trying to turn the land (his property in Kent) into a small farm. He even experimented at raising cattle for a year or so. His pet chickens were his hobby and a source of pleasure for him. He would sell the eggs at the Senior Center where he was known as the "egg man."

He loved to cook and he always insisted on his family having Sunday dinner at his house every week. His roast and mashed potatoes became a treat everyone would look forward to all week. It has kept the family very close, and that could not have happened without his intervention. His family will all be forever thankful for that. He is loved and will be missed by all, but his legacy of family togetherness will continue on as he has nurtured that into strong growing relationships.

Survivors include his sister Henrietta "Toots" Kooi, his sons Rick, Randy and Ryan, his daughter Linda Noonan, and 13 grandchildren.