VINCE MICHAEL LOPTSON

It is with heavy hearts we have to say farewell to Vince Loptson "Popa"; loving husband, father and grandfather who lost his last battle with Polymyocitis/heart disease at Grace General Hospital.

Vince fought like a warrior to stay with us right to the end. He was surrounded by the unconditional love and support of his family, wife Sandy, of 55 years; son Vince Jr. (Cheryl); daughter Kari (Mitch); and his beloved grandchildren Kristopher, Kolten, Madison, and Kyle, whom he loved to the moon and back.

Vince was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan and lived on the farm with his parents Stan, Florence and two “big” brothers Bill and Stan. He learned that he had to have long arms at the dinner table due to competition at the table with his older brothers (direct quote from Vince).

At the age of 13, the family moved to Winnipeg. Vince had to adapt to big city living so he exchanged his overalls and farm boots to city slicker jeans and sneakers. He kept his Saskatchewan upbringing near to his heart, including the Saskatchewan Rough Riders.......never wavered in his support even though his family were true Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans; which made for very animated conversations. He took us on a road trip to Bredenbury, Saskatchewan, back in 1982, and introduced to his hometown; again many stories that made us smile.

Vince met Sandy, the love of his life, in 1963. She literally roller-skated into his life as she was a car hop at A&W. They married in 1964 and had a son and daughter.

Vince's greatest joy was spending time at Balsam Bay cottage for 20 years. He loved watching his four grandchildren frolic in the water and seeing them grow up together, more like siblings than cousins. In the evenings we would be in the gazebo or on the deck playing cards, he loved to teach them new card games. Many games of Monopoly turned into a couple of days. Having the entire family for holidays and weekends were what he always looked forward to as his family meant everything to him.

One of his favourite places to visit with Sandy was Cuba, he immersed himself in the culture and the people. He visited Hemingway’s home and bar El Floridia in Havana, which he spoke about often. Visiting the Greek Islands and time in Saudi Arabia made for great stories with the grandkids, filling their heads with all kinds of adventures.

Vince was a history buff. He was an animal lover and over past three years his fur buddy, Sabu, kept him company. He had a great admiration for elephants, finding them to be majestic, loyal, and gentle.

Weep Not For Me

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Weep not for me though I have gone

Into that gentle night

Grieve if you will, but not for long

Upon my soul's sweet fight

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I am at peace, my soul's at rest

There is no need for tears

For with your love I was so blessed

For all those Many years

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There is no pain, I suffer not

The fear is now all gone

Put now these things out of your thoughts

In your memory I live on

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Remember not my fight for breath

Remember not the strife

Please do not dwell upon my death

But celebrate my life

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Farewell to a wonderful Husband,

Father and Grandfather.

Till we meet again

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The family wishes to thank the staff at the Deer Lodge Centre and the staff at Grace General Hospital, particularly Dr Joshua and Nurse Ester, for their end of life compassion and comfort to Vince and family.

In keeping with Vince's wishes, cremation has taken place and no public services will be held. Vince’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos and/or sharing your own memories and stories using the comment section on this page.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation or to Arthritis Research Canada.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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