Daniel Kopec

Meticulous to the point of perfection, Dan Kopec was a creative and purpose driven individual who counted family and friends as his greatest treasure. His life was filled with the things he loved as he surrounded himself with those that meant so much to him. Although his struggle has come to an end, his love and countless memories will forever remain in the hearts of many.

The 1950s marked a quieter time full of hope in the U.S. The United States became the world's strongest military power, and the economy boomed with prosperity. New cars, suburban houses and other consumer goods were introduced and readily available to more people that ever before. An age of innocence, it also became clouded with the conflicts of war. In the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the attention of Michael and Ruth (Balcerzak) Kopec was focused on the blessed birth of their son, Daniel, born on February 3, 1951.

An engineer, Daniel's father provided for their family while his mother, a homemaker, lovingly looked after Daniel and his older brother, Michael, who was four years older. They made their home on Fairfield NW until Dan's second grade year when his father took a job transfer to England. It was a time of adventure for Dan and his brother. Many of their new friends were inquisitive about life in America, and asked a variety of questions. They asked if the streets were really paved in gold, and his brother even told them they lived next door to Elvis Presley! After a year abroad, they returned home to the U.S. aboard the S.S. America.

Lovingly referred to by family as "Danny Boy", during his youth Dan enjoyed the friendships of many, especially while attending Shawmut Hills Elementary. He grew up sharing adventures around the neighborhood and building model cars. With a new found zeal for cars, Dan and his buddies often went to the local car lots to sneak peeks in the windows at the new models. This was perhaps the first indication of Dan's love for cars and appreciation for a freshly waxed and shiney one!

Family vacations were spent camping in Grand Haven or visiting his aunt's cottage. His first job included flipping hamburgers at Sehler's Restaurant and at Dog-n-Suds. Times were quickly changing during this time in Dan's life. Life revolved around the peace movement, civil rights and equality; politics and the Vietnam War. He went on to graduate from West Catholic High School with the Class of 1969.

Although Dan preferred everything in its place, he also had the desire for the open road. He enjoyed traveling on his Yamaha Enduro motorcycle, especially taking road and backpacking trips to the Upper Peninsula. He loved all the area had to offer along with the good company of friends, and never hesitated pulling over and pitching a tent for the night.

Dan spent much time with friends, Mary Jane and Bill. One time he happened to meet their children's babysitter, Kathy Magin. Even though Dan was eight years older, he had an eye for her right from the start. Soon after beginning her senior year in high school, they went out. For their first date, they went to a favorite Chinese restaurant downtown, and before long Dan's parents came walking in. Needless to say, they shared dinner together but it was a nervous evening for Kathy! They dated for two years and on July 22, 1978 they were married at St. James Catholic. They spent a memorable honeymoon in Traverse City and enjoying Mackinaw Island.

Their first place together was located in Comstock Park. Dan work in assembly at GM and Kathy worked as a hairdresser. She worked days and he worked nights, but they spent weekends enjoying the company of one another and good friends. About a year later they purchased their first home on Walker Avenue NW. Dan enjoyed working around the house and kept busy with home projects. Quite specific about the way he wanted things, nothing ever seemed quite right until he worked hard at getting it just the way he liked it.

In time their lives were blessed with children. Kylie came along in 1986 and son, Devin completed their family in 1994. As a family they enjoyed summer vacations camping and time spent by the water. They took trips out west and always made time during the summer to visit friends.

Dan enjoyed a variety of activities with his kids. He and Devon enjoyed a great time at the Detroit International Auto Show and taking in the Metro Cruise. Dan continued his love for cars, and although he wasn't one for working under the hood, he preferred detailing them, bringing them to a meticulous shine. One of his own favorites included his 1972 Cadillac. He also enjoyed watching car shows and auctions on tv.

Dan could be quite creative, too. Each Christmas he made elaborate creations as the "gift wrap" for Kathy's presents. One time he made a cardboard unicorn, and a large swan. Of course, they had to be made from the shiniest, glossiest paper he could find, topped off with the prettiest of bows and perfect knots and corner folds. Dan also liked a variety of music. Even though he liked rock, back in the day he was known as "the cool uncle" because he liked current hits, too. Some of his favorites even included Kid Rock and Vanilla Ice.

His love for yard work continued when they moved to 859 Oakhurst NW. They spent many enjoyable Friday nights with friends simply hanging out and often enjoyed a good meal out together. A meat and potato kind of guy, Dan appreciated a good cut of beef and loved grilling out, especially with a Bud Light in hand. After working at GM, Dan worked for Diesel Tech and later, Bosch. He retired in 2005 and with all the free time on his hands, Kathy worried how he would keep himself busy.

It was hard on Dan when his father died in 2005. That same year he began developing some health issues, which progressed to problems with his lungs. Diagnosed with COPD, he needed oxygen for the last two years. Even still, he loved playing the lotto and often sent the kids or Kathy to get his tickets.

Dan was cordial in many respects. Often described as a caring man who was funny and enjoyed telling a good joke, he also told a "dirty" one now and then to his son, Devon. He was good with conversations, and when someone called for Kathy, Dan inevitably ended up talking to them for 30 minutes or more! He had his share of quirks like many of us do, but his idea of keeping Windex and paper towel handy in the car was a handy trait he passed down to others. Loyal and loving, he cared deeply about his in-laws and took a keen interest in their everyday lives.

Above all, Dan Kopec was a well loved and admired man who worked hard for the things be believed in. Deeply missed, he will be fondly remembered.

At the age of 60, Daniel Kopec passed away peacefully at home on June 8, 2011 with his wife, family and friends at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Ruth Kopec and is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kathryn; daughter, Kylie (Jesse) Nyboer; son, Devon Kopec; brother, Michael Kopec; mother and father-in-law, Barbara and John Magin; brothers and sisters-in-law: Mary (Brian) Wisinski, Sharon (Kip) Engen, Deborah Datema, Susan Magin, Timothy (Moira) Magin, Patrick Magin; Jill Greenop; special Aunt, Barbara Nink; aunt, Nancy (James) Clay; many nieces, nephews and cousins. A great lover of animals, he especially loved his two dogs, Murphy and Charlie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Dan on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may visit with his family on Monday from 6-9 PM, with a Vigil service at 7 PM, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in his memory to Heartland Hospice or Humane Society of Kent County would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to submit a favorite memory, photo, or to sign his online guest book.