NORTHBRIDGE

Thomas P. Koopman, 90, known affectionately as Tom to his family and friends, passed away peacefully in his sleep, in the early morning hours of May 8, 2024, in the home that he had built. Tom was a lifelong resident of Northbridge. He was born on May 12, 1933, the eldest of five children to Peter T. and Henderika (Vanderbrug) Koopman. Tom leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, most notably to his devoted wife of 58 years, "the most wonderful part of my life", Joan E. (Pilgrim) Koopman. Tom also leaves his four children, Heather Urbon (James) of Ludington, MI, Crystal Stockwell (Thomas) of Uxbridge, MA, Trent Koopman (Ann Labonte) of Whitinsville, Travis Koopman (Tammy) of Northbridge; eleven grandchildren, Faith Nelson, Emily Mieras (Brandon), Natalee Urbon, Brittany, Cody(Jessica), and Maya Stockwell, Marley, Teagan, Camden Koopman, Chloe, Avery, Riley, and Gracie Koopman; eight great-grandchildren, Colton, Caroline and Charlotte Stockwell, Trevor and Claire Mieras, Charlee, Max and Isla Nelson; Tom truly loved being their "Grika". Tom also leaves two brothers, Donald Koopman (Doris) of Whitinsville, Robert Koopman (Dianne) of Northbridge and one sister, Dorothy Jaasma (Edward) of Richmond, TX; a brother-in-law, Willard Banning of Whitinsville; numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his sister Helen Banning.

As a young man, Tom attended Whitinsville Christian School and Northbridge High School, graduating with the class of 1951. His patriotism and dedication to his country was evident as he honorably served during the Korean War, after which he furthered his education at Calvin College where he ran cross country. Tom's first job was working with his father for the family business Koopman Lumber. Tom's work ethic was evident throughout his career as a professional truck driver, where he spent over 45 years hauling automobiles with Anchor Motor Freight. During this time Tom was honored with the prestigious Million Mile safe driving award, a true reflection of his commitment and skill. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Union. After retirement, Tom continued driving for several more years with Tri-State Transportation and Holland Express, Co.

Tom was a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church and a charter member of Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church which he helped build and served in various roles including deacon, elder, and catechism teacher. He, alongside his wife Joan, were Youth Group leaders for many years. His volunteer work extended beyond the church walls participating in numerous mission trips, helping to build Whitinsville Christian School and serving on the Whitinsville Retirement Society Board. Tom's life followed the examples set by his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was humble, generous, understanding, and always ready to lend a hand at a moment's notice. In a tense situation Tom remained calm and often shared a sense of reason or moment of laughter to ease any situation. Tom had a special ability to connect with others. A stranger was just a friend Tom hadn't met yet. Simply described, Tom was special.

Tom's zest for life extended to his many interests. In the early 1960s, he raced with his cousins and friends as the 4 Flying Dutchmen, at Westborough Speedway. It was here he was introduced to his future wife, Joan. A longtime Harley Davidson enthusiast, Tom was known for his adventurous spirit. Road trips with Joan to Sturgis, Newfoundland, and Michigan. With his daughter Crystal and friends Lanny and Sarah Hanscom to Vermont, upstate New York and Cape Cod. Then with his grandson Cody to Mississippi, Michigan, and Washington DC for Rolling Thunder. Well into his 80's, Tom could be found packing his full dresser and heading for a weekend campout with the boys during Laconia Bike Week; never worrying about keeping up with the pack. Only in recent years did he trade two wheels for three. He would regularly deliver fresh veggies to family and friends from the back of his trike. His internal compass was as legendary as his morals, always knowing his location and the right direction to turn.

Traveling with family was another joy for Tom. Family vacations when the kids were young to Cape Cod and Florida and in later years, making memories with Joan during trips to Costa Rica, Hawaii, Greece and on an African safari. A hard worker, whose hands were never idle and work ethic unwavering, Tom spent his off-road hours tending to his garden, cutting firewood, or beautifying the yard with Joan. He cherished gatherings at the homestead with friends and family for pig roasts to celebrate birthdays, weddings, and retirements as well as their annual Christmas Eve Open House. He found pleasure in playing a round of golf, swimming, surfing and skiing. Tom fulfilled his lifelong dreams of learning to fly an airplane and skydiving.

Visitation with his family will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 4-7pm at Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church, 305 Goldthwaite Rd, Whitinsville, MA. Tom's funeral will be held at Fairlawn CRC at 12 Noon on Friday, May 24 with Pastor Joel Vande Werken officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, MA.

Tom's family respectfully request any memorial donations be directed to Whitinsville Christian School, St. Jude, Shriners Children's Hospital, IBD Connect, or the USO.

Arrangements are under the care of Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA.