April 20, 1944 - December 30, 2020
On Wednesday, December 30, 2020, Brian Loptson, loving husband and supportive father of four, passed away at the age of 76. Brian was born on April 20, 1944 in Winnipeg, MB to Margery and Cam Loptson.
He spent most of his youth growing up in Vancouver, BC, and attended UBC (Point Grey Campus) for his B.Sc. in Zoology. While at UBC, he met and married Patricia Loptson (nee Balmos). Their life adventure would see them move to Terrace, BC, to raise their family and follow his career in educational administration.
His career began at the Registrar's Office at UBC before moving on to Douglas College and settling at Northwest Community College (now Coast Mountain College) as Registrar and Director of Student Services.
Brian and Patty raised 4 children and were blessed with 11 grandchildren: Sandra, married to Tom, with children Mariah, Farren, and Shawn Devcic; Scott, married to Parinya, with children Aiden and Alysiah Loptson; Steven, with children Konnor, Kiara, and Kollin Loptson; and Stacey, married to Adam, with children Mason, Mary, and Alice Leclerc. Brian was so proud of everyone, and they all felt lucky to have him as a Dad/Grandpa.
Brian is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, sister Penny (& Paul) Vroom, and sister- in-law Mary (& Gord) Wood as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He is predeceased by his parents and his older brother Bob (& Linda) Loptson.
Brian will be remembered for his humour, compassion, rock-steady temperament, intelligence, and his impeccable attention to the small details. He loved animals, sports (never missed a home game for his kids and grandkids), the outdoors, and good company.
Brian was an active volunteer and supported numerous activities for his children including: Cub Scout leader, softball coach, soccer coach, swim club timer, and Nancy Greene Ski League Northern Zone Chairman and BC Division Chairman.
Fond family memories center on winter weekends at the ski hill, either at Kitsumkalum or Shames Mountain, where he would be assisting with the Nancy Green Ski Programs and perhaps sharing some warm cherry beverage to chilly gatekeepers. If Mom is our heart, Dad was our anchor, and he will be deeply missed.
Memorial services will be arranged at a later date to respect the current gathering restrictions. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brian Loptson Bursary at Coast Mountain College. This can be arranged through Regina Saimoto at rsaimoto@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Education was important to Brian. It didn't matter what you chose to study but providing the opportunity and the encouragement to do something for yourself and your future was his goal.