Bill Cuppen — 1928-2002
“Rest now, dear one, who fought so courageously to stay with all of us.”
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father and grandfather, William Francis (Bill) Cuppen, who passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Sept. 27, 2002, at the age of 74 years.
Bill was born in Ede, the Netherlands on May 11, 1928. During his years in Holland, Bill ensured the survival and safety of his family during the occupation of the Netherlands.
His adventurous spirit brought him to Canada on July 1, 1948, where he lived at Granum, hoping to pursue agricultural interests.
He moved a short time later to Fort Macleod and discovered his love for the railroad. Bill started working as a brakeman for CP Rail in Fort Macleod, eventually moving and making his home in Cranbrook, B.C.
In Cranbrook he continued his employment with CP Rail as a conductor, putting in 32 years of service until he was forced to retire because of his health.
Bill loved gardening and carpentry work and often won prizes for his garden and Christmas lights display while living at Fort Macleod. He also loved his home and vacationing, especially at Maui, but his greatest love was his family.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 26 years, Ellen; his children, Jack (Connie), Joyce (Jerry Widmer), Doug (Debra), Nolan (Vicky), Nony (David Orr) and Brenda Cuppen; and by his stepchildren, Brian (Tisha) Flint, Susan Russell and Barry (Shannon) Flint.
He also leaves his 24 grandchildren, Matthew, Allison and Rheya Cuppen; Kim (Steve) Hoglund; Jason (Tonya) Widmer; Wes (Jamme) Widmer; Vanessa and Nony Cuppen; Josh, Justin and Kyle Cuppen; Ashley Konowalyk; Kristopher, Dallin Brittany, Ashley and Rachelle Orr; Jennifer, Brian and Cori Flint; Kristy and Scott Russell; and Emma and Sarah Flint.
He is also survived by his six great grandchildren, Joel and Rachel Hoglund, Justin and Chase Widmer and Jordan and Rayna Flint.
Bill also leaves to mourn his sister E. (Nony) Wiegant-Cuppen; the mother of his children, Jean R. Sinclair; his two sisters-in-law, Miek Cuppen-Pieck and Heloisa Cuppen; three brothers-in-law, Bert (Myrtle), C.C. (Mary) and Keith (Anne) DeArmond, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and treasured friends.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Frans and Marie (Van Der Stok) Cuppen; three brothers, Frans, Tony and Hein Cuppen; his sister Jetty; and his mother- and father-in-law, Ethel and Lester DeArmond.
An informal celebration of Bill’s life will be held Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. in the reception room of McPherson Funeral Service at 2200 Second St. S., Cranbrook.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Heart and Stroke Foundation, 44 Sixth Ave. S., Cranbrook, B.C., V1C 2H3.
Think of Bill where red geraniums grow.