Obituary of Barbara and Robert Kopperson

Barbara and Robert died unexpectedly while traveling in the Province of Alberta on Wednesday, June 12, 2019.

Barbara Ann (Christensen) Kangaloo Kopperson (RN, retired), 81 years, was the loving wife of Robert, doting mother and grandmother of Bryan Kangaloo and his wife Nicole and their children Nicholas and Alyssa; Shona Kangaloo; Murray Kangaloo and his wife Denise and their children Amanda and Jonathan; Ian Kangaloo and his wife Fiona and their children Arnim and Aoife; and Rodney Kangaloo and his family.

Barbara was born in Edmonton to Heino and Phyllis Christensen.  She leaves behind her brothers Phillip, Alan, Ross and her beloved nieces and nephews especially Beth and Debra.  She graduated in 1959 from the Edmonton General Hospital’s School of Nursing.  Barbara married Arnim Kangaloo in Trinidad in 1959 who predeceased her in 1980.  After returning to Canada in 1981, Barbara returned to nursing and retired in 2002.  Barbara and Robert were married in 1996.

Robert Allan Kopperson, 74 years, was the devoted and loving husband of Barbara.  Born in Kitchener in 1945 to parents Jerome (Jerry) Kopperson and Salome (Somie) nee Moogk.  Caring and loving brother to Martha Jane Robb and her husband George.  Loved uncle to his favourite nephews Christopher Robb (Holly Dee) and Kyle Robb.  Proud father of Tina Zembashi (Peter) and Michael Ducey (Sherry).  Loving grandfather of Christina, Antonis (Katie), and Angelo Zembashi and Myria (Zembashi) Reinink and Nicholas and Candice Ducey and great-grandfather of Melanie Reinink and June and Skylar Ducey. 

Robert taught Driver Education for the Waterloo Region District School Board until the program was cancelled.  He then became a cab driver and was a cab owner for City Cabs of Kitchener.  He joined the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada while in his teens and proudly trained and served until 1967 when a workplace accident changed his life and ended his ability to serve.  He became a member of the Fred Gies Legion Branch 50 in Kitchener as a member of their executive.  He was a proud and determined champion of Veteran Affairs Canada. 

Cremation has taken place.  To honour Barbara’s wishes, there will be no visitation for Barbara at the funeral home.  At Robert’s request, a Royal Canadian Legion memorial service will be held for Robert at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.  A funeral mass to celebrate their lives will be held at St. Joseph’s RC Church, 148 Madison Ave. S. (at Courtland Ave.) Kitchener on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.  A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Hall.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, or the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 50 Kitchener may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.