Webster, FL Northbridge, MA - Theodore S. Koopman, "Ted", was welcomed into his eternal home on December 1, 2022 after a brief illness; he was 86 years old. Ted was born on November 18, 1936 in Northbridge MA, the son of Albert & Hilda (Nydam) Koopman. Ted grew up in, and raised his family in, the Pleasant Street and Fairlawn Christian Reformed Churches (Whitinsville MA), later attending First Congregational Church of Douglas MA until his move with Earlene to Florida in 2005. Growing up on the family farm (Maple Shade), "The Flying Dutchman" could be found in his younger years racing stock cars on the dirt tracks (or on Quaker Street) with his buddies (4 Flying Dutchmen) or delivering milk to local homes and businesses. In 1965, to provide for his family and build a home on family land, he began delivering cars up and down the east coast for Nu-Car Carriers - a career that would last over 25 years and in which he took pride as an owner-operator. Ted also enjoyed spending time in the Moosehead Lake area of Maine - hunting with friends and taking his children on annual summer vacations to "the camp". In his "retirement years", he was the owner of Koopman Custom Sawmill and continued to be active and interested in anything that had to do with hard work and the outdoors. Ted may not have always had a lot of money but he was always willing and ready to lend a hand, time or a backhoe for whatever needed to be done. Toying with "one-lunger" engines, selling and helping others' set up sawmills, setting up at and attending agricultural fairs, haying, building any project you'd like ("just need a tape measure, chainsaw and a welder"), becoming a "rib-master" with his smoker, driving anywhere for anyone no matter how many miles (just don't ask him to fly!) - these were just some of the many facets of Ted. Ted was full of life and always happy to share a story, a laugh and a smile - and if you knew him, you likely had the same to share about him. There wasn't a place he didn't travel across the country where he couldn't strike up a conversation and find someone who had Blackstone Valley connections. He was known to many and loved by all. While the realization is setting in that we can no longer call him for advice or hear his signature laugh over the phone, there is great comfort in the assurance that Ted was confident of his faith and his future in the presence of his Lord and Savior. Ted is survived by his wife of 22 years, Earlene (Ebbeling) Koopman of Webster, FL; his children, Dawn Lefrancois (David) of Uxbridge MA, Shelby Taylor (Kevin) of Parkman ME, and Jeff Koopman (Rachel) of Northbridge MA; his step-children, Jonathan Postma of Morgantown WV, Tracey MacNeill (James) of Douglas MA, Julie Postma of Douglas MA, Craig Bloem (Cynthia Laflash) of West Yarmouth MA, and Dana Bloem (Nicole) of Clinton ME; and his brother, Dennis Koopman of Northbridge, MA. He was also cherished by 16 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, family and friends - many of them lifelong and far too many to name. He has also been reunited with his parents, Albert and Hilda Koopman, and his infant brothers, James and Richard. A celebration of Ted Koopman's life is planned for Saturday, June 24, 2023. It will be from 11-2 at the Whitinsville Christian School, 279 Linwood Ave, Whitinsville. There will be no formal service. Instead, family and friends are invited to bring along your favorite pictures and/or stories of Ted to share. As would have been Ted's preference, grab your chair, your stories and come for a casual time of food (Ted's favorites), fellowship and laughter (two of Ted's favorite pastimes) to celebrate a life well-lived and sorely missed. Please RSVP by phone or text with your name to 508-789-2944 (Dawn) to help plan food accordingly. Memorial gifts in Ted's name may be made to the Whitinsville Christian School, Tuition Assistance Fund, 279 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville, MA 01588 or by copying and pasting this link into your browser (https://www.whitinsvillechristian.org/support-wcs} . To leave a condolence online please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com. A celebration of Ted Koopman's life is planned for Saturday, June 24, 2023. It will be from 11-2 at the Whitinsville Christian School, 279 Linwood Ave, Whitinsville. There will be no formal service. Instead, family and friends are invited to bring along your favorite pictures and/or stories of Ted to share. As would have been Ted's preference, grab your chair, your stories and come for a casual time of food (Ted's favorites), fellowship and laughter (two of Ted's favorite pastimes) to celebrate a life well-lived and sorely missed. Please RSVP by phone or text with your name to 508-789-2944 (Dawn) to help plan food accordingly.