It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to William Chopp Sr. who passed away on May 18, 2021 just shy of his 100th birthday. He was the beloved husband and best friend of the late Audrey Chopp (nee Simpson). William died peacefully at home in Port Dover with his granddaughter Kristal at his side. William was born to Frances and Philip Chop on June 15,1921 in Calumet, Michigan. William was also predeceased by his stepfather Frank Stampfl, his brother Philip and sister Francis. He was proud to be the father of three sons William (Dana), Carl (Rochelle) and Neil (Anna)(Cindy d.) He was a major presence as a grandfather to Aaron (Vicki), Leanne (Derek), Kristal, Kayla (Arun) and Elliot. William cherished his time as great-grandfather to Sydney, Carter, Anderson, Paddy and Daniel.
William had a remarkable life, soon after his birth the family moved to Cobalt, Ontario. Unfortunately, his father was killed in a mining accident in 1923, just weeks before his sister’s birth. His mother moved the family to the Brightside Area of Hamilton where she raised her three children while running a boarding house. Growing up in the 1920’s and 30’s William quickly came to understand the value of family and friends. It was here that he met his future bride Audrey, who was from a family of 15 children.
As a young man he learned to work hard and take whatever job was available. William was drafted into the Canadian Army in 1943. He served in Labrador as an anti-aircraft radar technician. He married the love of his life Audrey in 1944. They were inseparable for 73 yrs. until her passing in 2017.
After his military service he took a job at Dofasco where he remained for 43 yrs., working as a Crane driver, a shift boss and a Fund Representative. While at Dofasco he developed many lifetime friendships. He soon learned to become a Jack of all trades, electrician, plumber, painter and carpenter. William and Audrey started their family with a son in 1948 and had two more sons in 1953 and 1958. While raising a family William also ran a cherry orchard for Mr. Best in Stoney Creek.
In the early 1960’s William used all of his trades skills to build a cottage on the shore of Lake Erie near the Sandusky Creek. At the cottage he was able to play horseshoes with friends and relatives while sitting in the sun and having his favourite beverage, a beer. Many memorable Sunday pig and lamb roasts were enjoyed. Expropriation of the cottage led to the buying of another cottage at Lake Eugenia, Ont. As William and Audrey grew older and wanted to enjoy the sun, they spent winters at their trailer at Tiger Camp, Florida.
Due to his upbringing and his relationship with his God, William never forgot to help others. Many came from Yugoslavia. As he helped them to get jobs and settle into Canada, he taught himself to speak Croatian to better serve his new friends.
In retirement William soon became an entrepreneur by offering to assist people with their income tax forms, continuing to do so well into his nineties. In his spare time William loved to make Canadian wine and play Poker, Cribbage and Euchre. If you did not play Euchre factory style you would soon need to learn. The Hamilton Tiger Cats were his favourite team.
In 2019 after selling his home in Stoney Creek, he was very content in moving to Port Dover. A special thank you to Melissa Reu and Jen Cole for their support and care this past year.
Due to COVID 19 restrictions, private family services and burial at Mountview Gardens in Stoney Creek will take place. A Celebration of William’s life will be held at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions to a charity of your choice would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
Read Less
Tuesday May 18th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de William Chopp Sr Tuesday May 18th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:, Province: Ontario