1956
Brian
2012
Brian Kopf
May 24, 1956 — May 29, 2012
Family and friends far and wide are sadly marking the untimely passing of Brian Kopf on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at the age of 56. Known throughout the Valley for his compassion, intelligence, purpose and love of life, he leaves a wide path of loved ones in his wake who admired his depth of character and highest level of integrity.
Born April 24, 1956 in Geneva, IL to George and Priscilla Kopf, he moved to his beloved adopted home town of Phoenix in 1970 where he attended Arcadia High School (class of 1974) and met many of those who proudly called him a life-long friend. Higher education took him to Arizona State University (Bachelor’s, Political Science, summa cum laude) and DeVry Institute of Technology (Associates, Computer Science). Wherever Brian went, he created new friends and inspired those around him with his wit, love and inspirational way of meeting life’s challenges.
Brian spent 24 years in the Information Technology world after working his way through college at Fry’s Grocery. Starting as a programmer at First Federal Savings in 1983, he moved to Valley National Bank where he followed the organization to JP Morgan Chase from which he retired in 2008 as a senior vice-president. He then set about making more changes to the world as a volunteer, traveler and devoted son. He was recently named as Volunteer of the Year by St. Vincent de Paul for his outstanding, selfless efforts in helping the less-fortunate. Brian also volunteered at the Sun Valley Animal Shelter helping his canine friends get a second chance in their lives. Known as a tireless booster of all things dealing with sports in the Valley of the Sun, he was a long-time ASU Sun Angel member as well as supporting the Valley’s pro teams, having recently regaled his friends with stories of the Coyotes’ playoff run and the Diamondbacks’ World Series victory. He had become an avid fly-fisherman over the years while continuing to be an enthusiastic hiker, wilderness supporter and lead-footed driver.
Brian has joined his father George and brother Toby. Left behind are his mother, who joyfully greeted him a minimum of three times weekly at her Scottsdale nursing home, his beautiful and enraptured soul mate Janelle and the dozens of friends who are lost without his beacon of honor, integrity, love, laughter, good beer and fajitas. Brian passed while enjoying life to its fullest, with his hiking boots on in Canyonlands National Park. He lived life with a passion, a depth and a purpose that few amongst us will be honored to see again.
A memorial service celebrating Brian’s life will be held at a later date. A special sadness for his loss, a celebration for sharing these years; his compass always pointing true, his bright and steadfast determination will continue to guide those left behind. Farewell, true friend.
In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to St. Mary’s Food Bank and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Born April 24, 1956 in Geneva, IL to George and Priscilla Kopf, he moved to his beloved adopted home town of Phoenix in 1970 where he attended Arcadia High School (class of 1974) and met many of those who proudly called him a life-long friend. Higher education took him to Arizona State University (Bachelor’s, Political Science, summa cum laude) and DeVry Institute of Technology (Associates, Computer Science). Wherever Brian went, he created new friends and inspired those around him with his wit, love and inspirational way of meeting life’s challenges.
Brian spent 24 years in the Information Technology world after working his way through college at Fry’s Grocery. Starting as a programmer at First Federal Savings in 1983, he moved to Valley National Bank where he followed the organization to JP Morgan Chase from which he retired in 2008 as a senior vice-president. He then set about making more changes to the world as a volunteer, traveler and devoted son. He was recently named as Volunteer of the Year by St. Vincent de Paul for his outstanding, selfless efforts in helping the less-fortunate. Brian also volunteered at the Sun Valley Animal Shelter helping his canine friends get a second chance in their lives. Known as a tireless booster of all things dealing with sports in the Valley of the Sun, he was a long-time ASU Sun Angel member as well as supporting the Valley’s pro teams, having recently regaled his friends with stories of the Coyotes’ playoff run and the Diamondbacks’ World Series victory. He had become an avid fly-fisherman over the years while continuing to be an enthusiastic hiker, wilderness supporter and lead-footed driver.
Brian has joined his father George and brother Toby. Left behind are his mother, who joyfully greeted him a minimum of three times weekly at her Scottsdale nursing home, his beautiful and enraptured soul mate Janelle and the dozens of friends who are lost without his beacon of honor, integrity, love, laughter, good beer and fajitas. Brian passed while enjoying life to its fullest, with his hiking boots on in Canyonlands National Park. He lived life with a passion, a depth and a purpose that few amongst us will be honored to see again.
A memorial service celebrating Brian’s life will be held at a later date. A special sadness for his loss, a celebration for sharing these years; his compass always pointing true, his bright and steadfast determination will continue to guide those left behind. Farewell, true friend.
In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to St. Mary’s Food Bank and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Brian Kopf, please visit our flower store.