It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Rick John Kopec of Weyburn. On January 2, 2016, at the age of 58, Rick lost his courageous battle with cancer. Rick was predeceased by his grandparents, Karol and Anna Plonka and John and Katie Kopec; in-laws, John and Gladys Simmons; brother, Ken Kopec; brother in law, Gerald Simmons and many aunts and uncles. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 38 years, Dorothy Kopec of Cedoux; daughter, Amanda Kopec of Weyburn, and grandson, Calder; son, Kevin (Trina) Kopec of Weyburn, and grandsons, Holden and Noah; parents, Leo and Rose Kopec of Weyburn; sisters, Debbie (Lynden) Guest, Kelly (Raymond) Paslawski & Cory (Jerry) Ewanchyna; brother, Barry (Sharon) Kopec; brother-in-law, Ken Simmons; sister-in-law, Lynda (Del) Gaab as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.Rick was born on February 8, 1957. He grew up helping on the family farm near Cedoux and attended school in Weyburn. Rick married Dorothy Simmons on May 21, 1977. They lived and raised their children in Weyburn until they moved to the family farm near Cedoux in 2009. While farming was a large part of his life, he worked 27 years at Watson Distributors in Weyburn, and six years at Southland Pulse in Estevan. In 2009, Rick was able to pursue his passion of farming full-time until 2015. During those years at Watson’s and Southland, he made many life-long friends. Rick was fortunate to travel to many places across Canada, the US, and the Caribbean. Most notably was a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 2011, to see his son get married. Rick loved his grandsons very much and would make every effort to attend the activities they were involved in, namely hockey and soccer. His love of the game of football goes back to when he played football himself in high school and enjoyed cheering on the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was thrilled at the opportunity to attend the 2013 Grey Cup game in Regina with his son. He enjoyed playing crib and was a gracious host as he entertained family and friends at his home over the years. Rick was a pillar of strength to those who depended on him. He always knew what to say and always put others before himself. He was generous to a fault. His quick-witted sense of humor and light-heartedness will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, January 8 at 10:30 a.m. from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic, Weyburn with Father Gerry Bauche celebrating. A funeral lunch reception followed. Interment will take place at a later date at Cedoux Cemetery. Donations in memory of Rick may be made to Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn 306-842-5432.
