Willard MacKenzie Soper

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Willard Soper Obituary


Family-Placed Death Notice

SOPER, Willard The Reverend Willard MacKenzie Soper (Bill), age 67, of Roswell, died June 10, 2009 at North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell. He was born in Sidney, NY on June 3, 1942 to the Reverend and Mrs. Willard Butler Soper. Reverend Soper graduated from Olivet College in Michigan and received his Masters of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He became the Assistant and then Senior Minister at First United Church of Christ, Congregational in Milford, CT where he stayed for 27 years before retiring. After his retirement, Reverend Soper moved to Atlanta where he worked as a Career Consultant and for the last 4 years as the Assistant Residents Coordinator for Canterbury Court, a retirement community in Buckhead. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Nancy Moore Soper, two daughters, Elizabeth Soper Coffin and Katherine Soper Abrahamson, three grandchildren, Anna, Ethan and Evan, his mother, Margaret MacKenzie Soper, his brother, Bruce Campbell Soper and 12 nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Reverend Soper will be held Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 3:00 PM in the main sanctuary of Roswell Presbyterian Church, 755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell, GA with a reception to follow. Dr. Lane Alderman officiating. Those wishing may make donations in Reverend Soper's name to the American Cancer Society or to the American Heart Association. Alpharetta-SouthCare Funeral Home, Alpharetta, GA 678-735-5500. www.alpharetta-southcare.com

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jun. 12, 2009.
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I had lost track of Bill a long time ago but was always wondering where he landed after he was in "Seminary and had worked at my church the Congregational church of Manhasset. He was a well liked by the PF at our church of which I was a member. I am sad to have lost touch but happy to read he appeared to have a wonderful family and life. Sincerely, Nancy Beinbrink Gilman

Nancy Beinbrink Gilman

Friend

January 17, 2023

Bill is one of those people who had a positive affect on everyone who knew him. He lived across the hall from me in Blair Hall at Olivet, and taught me how to do the twist. We pledged Kappa Sigma Alpha together. When Bill returned for Olivet's 2003 homecoming he was persuaded to sample some fine single malt scotch! His first whisky!

John Miller

June 9, 2022

Bill was one of the nicest people I met while I was a student at Olivet College. A fine, gentle and admirable fraternity brother.

John Clark

School

June 6, 2022

Will is my dear friend and has been since pilgram fellowship class of 1971. Will can be reached thru prayer. He is always ready to listen and always ready to help. We love Will Soper.Daniel Brennan. Milford Ct.

Daniel Brennan

August 3, 2018

Dear Soper Family,

Sorry for your loss, and sorry this is so late. My wife and I have a new email site and this was sent to our old one which I do not check too often.
The last time I saw Bill was his senior year at Olivet. I did not graduate until 1968, but remember what a great personality Bill had. It does not surprise me that he spent his life helping and caring about other people. That is how I remember him at Olivet.
Bruce, you were my roommate and I know you have lost someone dear to you and your family. I hope you will be able to receive my sympathy through this email. I have thought of you guys often but have not been able to find you.
Again, I can not express in words how sorry I am for your loss.

Jim McCloughan

July 16, 2009

Nancy, Beth, and Kathy,
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I would have been able to attend the service. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Bill was beyond special, he was a truly wonderful person so wonderful I always thought he was actually an angel in human form. One of the most thoughtful, easy going, and delightful people I've ever known. I wish I could have told him how much I appreciated him helping me when I was confused with careers, etc. He really had an impact on me and I truly admired him. I know God has big plans for him and probably needed him for something of the utmost importance. He will be so missed by all. My deepest sympathies.

Heather Mann

June 20, 2009

Dear Nancy, Beth, Cathy, & Family,
Bill was a special person and will be truly missed. He was always fun to be around and was up-beat about everything. Never did we hear him say a negative thing about anyone or anything. It was easy to see that he was sincere and truly cared. Conversation with him was easy and always interesting. We enjoyed the visits we had with both of you over the years and especially the flower talk. The landscaping you and Bill have done is lovely and so inviting. He really had a talent for it. We hope you will come to visit us. If we can ever do anything for you, just let us know. Love, Joan and Gene

Joan & Eugene Mann

June 17, 2009

Nancy, Beth, Kathy, & family
So sad to hear about the loss of Bill. Out thoughts and prayers are with you. We grew up together at First Church. We thank Bill (and Nancy too) for being a inspirational mentor for Kevin. Peace, Larry & Gail Urban

Larry Urban

June 16, 2009

Dear Nancy, Beth and Kathy,
Some of my fondest memories of my youth were around Bill and his leadership in the church; choir, PF, retreats, etc. Bill married my parents and was also a very large part in my life growing up. He is sorely missed.
My family and I send our condolences during this difficult time.

Clint Potter

June 16, 2009

Bill will be missed greatly. I know this has been a hard year for all of you, but please know that you all have many friends and family that love you and are here to support you. I will miss talking to him out on Kathy's back deck. I cherish my memories of him fondly.

Sandy Crook

June 16, 2009

Dear Nancy, Beth, Kathy and Family,
I am so saddened by the loss of Bill. My heart goes out to all of you. Growing up with my friend Beth, I had the privilege of spending time with the entire Soper family and I am grateful for this. I truly admired Bill for his kindness and dedication to his family. I always think of Bill’s beautiful garden at the old house in Milford whenever I tend to my own flowers on my deck. I will always have warm memories. Love to all of you!

Carrie Bryant

June 15, 2009

Bill truly was a fine man and I admired him for the way he conducted
his life even as a young man living at Olivet College. He left this world and his family too early, but his faith and values were beautiful always. He has to be in a wonderful peaceful place, hoping his family will not be too sad for his love is great.
Karen Ciesielski Bochenek '65

karen ciesielski/bochenek

June 15, 2009

Dear Nancy, Beth and Kathy-I am so sorry for the loss of Bill. He was a great minister and friend to so many of us at First Church. I miss the sight of his swanky Chrysler's in the parsonage garage, and cherish the memories of trips, PF retreats, super bowl parties and too many other memories than space allows. Thank you Bill, for everything.

Tom Williams

June 15, 2009

Dear Nancy, Beth and Kathy:
I was so saddened to hear of your loss....I have many fond memories of Bill. He was always very caring and loving to a host of teenagers that he treated like his own....it meant a great deal to me. I will always associate him and your entire family with my warmest church memories....I hope you are able to find some comfort at such a sad time. Lots of love to you all.

Julia LaVecchia (Skopp)

June 15, 2009

Dear Nancy, Beth and Kathy,
Bill was the best. He always treated my brother Tom like a father, and he made everyone in the Coffin family feel not just welcome, but that somehow, there had always been a place for us in his home; we just hadn't always known it. What a rare character he was.

In 2000, Bill baptized my daughter Fiona, ushering her from this temporal world and into her relationship with the Almighty. He did so in such a warm and welcoming way, it is a moment I have not forgotten, not even a little. I never will.

One of my favorite memories of Bill was when he showed me a truly wondrous treasure - an original manuscript of an unpublished short story by Mark Twain. I read the story with a twin rush of excitement; I was reading a gem of American literature that few others would ever lay eyes on. But I also knew that I only got that experience because of Bill's great generosity. He shared with me a document I could have easily folded or torn, but he shared it anyway, and I could see from his face the joy he got in bringing something wonderful to someone else.

That's what I think of when I think of Bill Soper. I think of a man whose kindly nature and generosity of spirit stood as a bastion in a world that too often is cynical and suspicious, lonely and cold. He brought warmth to this world, the kind of warmth that awaits him in the next.

Godspeed, Bill. You left us all better than you found us. And you live on in the deeds we do, inspired by your goodness. Allison, Fiona, Connor and I will think of you always.

And to Nancy, Beth and Kathy, your family will remain in the thoughts and prayers of our own. Families may be far apart, they may grow quiet, but they never really end.

Bill Coffin

June 15, 2009

This is what I wrote for Dad's service. It also included several comments made via Facebook from former PFers including Carla, Jonathan, Kevin, and Joe. He loved all of his PFers so very much.

My Dad's passion for working with young people was well known, no more well known than by the youth he assembled every Sunday evening for PF (Pilgrim Fellowship). Years later he would hear from former PFers calling on my Dad for advice, to be married by him, baptize their children, and in a few cases, lay some of them to rest. But I never really understood what it meant to all of these young people until I reached my Freshman year in high school. It was your typical youth group, rowdy kids on a Sunday night, mourning the passing of the weekend, speeding head on to another week at school. But Dad somehow turned Sunday night into a time where we were no longer teenagers meeting to act silly, dread school the next day and flirt with each other, it turned into an evening of discovering who we were as people rapidly approaching young adulthood. Once a month, Dad would have an evening dedicated to open discussion about anything we wanted to talk about. He called this the Plexiglass Shield. Nothing could penetrate it, nothing could leave its confines. Whatever you shared within the shield, stayed within the shield. Kids were able to honestly discuss whatever was on their minds. Dad knew that not only was it healthy to talk about your troubles but he knew how important it was that we learn we were not alone and to listen to one another. My Dad helped many of these young people overcome overwhelming personal obstacles. He never gave up on anyone, even when everyone else had.

Growing up as a PK (preachers kid) is not exactly easy. Unlike other professions, your Dad is the holiest of holies. Dating was a chore b/c most boys thought they might be burned in hell for wanting to even hold your hand, let alone kiss you! Teachers expected you to be well-behaved and get straight As. However, my Dad never made Kathy and I feel as though we were different or needed to be someone we weren't because he was a minister, he made sure that we lead a normal life and stayed true to ourselves. That meant parties (there was always one going on at our house), crazy hair cuts (and colors), camping in Vermont, trips to Alabama to visit family, long, deep discussions, visits to historic places, school concerts and all-state choir auditions, dance and gymnastics, boyfriends and breakups, teaching us to swim, silly girlfriends in the house daily, a deep love of family and tradition, knowing your roots, and working hard. Life was like it should be full of fun and a great deal of patience and love. Dad's love for us was never in question even when we disappointed him. I will miss our walks on the beach with the kids, wine at night on the dock, laughing at everything, parties at the house, Thanksgiving and his 25lb turkeys for 6 people, Christmas tree decorating and the reading of the Night Before Christmas, the pride he took in his garden, Soper Speaking, his patience, kissing him goodbye when it's time to go home, eye-rolling, hugs, his joy when I wore a dress, his kilt, just being with him. He loved my Mom with every fiber of his being. Not a day went by that he didn't tell her that. They were each other's best friend. Thank you Dad for everything you were to Kathy and I and for what you did for us throughout our lives. We are who we are because of you. In the immortal words of Dad, "may I make a suggestion...", work hard, but love even harder.

Beth Soper Coffin

June 15, 2009

Dear Nancy, Beth and Kathy,
I was so sorry to here of Bill's passing. Though we haven't had much contact in recent years, you all are always near to my heart. From the October ride of the parson and the wolfman in the Spitfire convertible, and the high speed rides in the mustang convertible on the way to Vermont. The retreats with Bill, Milt and I and the rest. Moving Nancy Sue from New York, running up and down the stairs, joyous singing..................and to a million other fond mind pictures and laughs and sorrows shared. I am very sad at the loss of Bill, but know if there is anything that I can ever do for you, you have only to ask.

Rick George

June 15, 2009

Dear Nancy, Beth, and Kathy- I am so sorry for your lost. Bill always was there for me in my teenage years with great advice. I will always remember what he taught me and I will miss him.

Scott Preiss

June 15, 2009

Dear Nancy, Beth and Kathy --
Bill was a good friend to our family. Kim and Kelley are also saddened to hear of his passing. We remembered his caring and presence shortly after moving to Milford when Kelley was hospitalized. He was there for all of us as both pastor and friend. Especially, Holy Week services have never been the same since you all moved south. Our prayers are with you.

Bill & Sue Roots

June 14, 2009

Dear Nancy, Beth and Kathy --
Bill was a good friend to our family. Kim and Kelley are also saddened to hear of his passing. We remembered his caring and presence shortly after moving to Milford when Kelley was hospitalized. He was there for all of us as both pastor and friend. Especially, Holy Week services have never been the same since you all moved south. Our prayers are with you.

Bill and Sue Roots

June 14, 2009

Dear Nancy,Beth,Kathy and family, I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Where do I even begin to speak of all he did for the Kelly family? He welcomed us into First Church as an intact family when Charlie was still alive and was there to comfort,counsel and mentor when we lost Charlie. He counseled me as a young widow,Cory as a scared eight year old,and mentored Blair through his teen years. He encouraged a 13 year old who hated to put his face in the water to become an outstanding swimmer and co-captain of the swim team his senior year. He was there for my sister,Ann,as she faced terrible health issues and delivered a beautiful memorial service for her. Lastly,he presided at my mother's funeral. He was always there when we needed him and we are forever grateful. To end on a light note,Nancy,I will always remember your duet at the Spring Follies of "Tea for Two"!Also does the name Doolittle still make you laugh?

June Kelly

June 14, 2009

June 14, 2009
Nancy,
Bill, Mick Jones and I performed a trio in "Once Upon A Mattress" at Olivet College. There is a picture of us in the yearbook. I have often looked at that picture with warm feelings of the collaboration. We sang together in the touring ensemble and we were brothers in KSA. I am sad to note Bill's passing. My prayers are with you and your family. Bill doesn't need them, he is in a very good place.

Mike Fittro (Marshall, MI(

June 14, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing from fellow KSA fraternity brother, John Miller. He was a truly wonderful soul with a beautiful voice and an unshakable set of values. He will live on in our memories.

John M Clark

June 14, 2009

Dear Nancy, Beth and Kathy - Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time - still remember how Bill always kept the parsonage yard so beautiful -- coaching the swim team and being so active with the youth of our church - we will miss him --

Joan and Lloys JACOBS

June 14, 2009

Dear Nancy,Beth,Kathy, I want to express my sympathy to a great Father, Friend, Mentor, and supporter of me and the Edmondson Clan. Bill was their for us with the passing of my Father and throughout our attendance at First Church in Milford. As you may or may not know, Bill gave me many hours of his time to lead me in the right directions of life and if it wasnt for him there is no telling where i may be today. I can't thank him enough for that. Please know that you are in my preyers and thoughts forever and know that your dad was loved by so many!!!! I am saddened deeply today to hear of his loss but am stregthened to say that we shall all see him again in heaven.God Bless, Jonathan Edmondson

Jonathan Edmondson

June 14, 2009

Rhoda and I were so sad to hear the news of Bill's passing. There are very few people we meet in life who are so openly warm, caring and genuine. We are thinking about you and the family Nancy. We are both very sorry for your loss.

Jay & Rhoda Freer

June 13, 2009

There are very few people you meet in life that you admire quickly. I admire your Dad greatly and that does not pass with death or time. Any Father could hope to be as well looked up to as Bill Soper. From the first time he called me about mortgage advice before we officially met until our last get together I felt at ease with him. You and Beth are so fortunate to have such a wonderful man as a Father. I am so very sorry for this loss to your life.

David Abrahamson

David Abrahamson

June 13, 2009

We are so saddened at the news of Bill's death. He was an exceptional man and we are the richer for having known him. Sunday morning the St. Luke's choir is singing "Deep Peace" as a benediction. I will be thinking about all of you when I sing it!

Susan Edmonson

June 13, 2009

Bill's passing has broken my heart. He had such a powerful, positive influence on my life. Bill and Nancy welcomed me into their house. The memories of holiday dinners and watching movies together will be forever cherished. Our long talks and his wise counsel are words that I still live by today. God Bless you Bill. My love to Nancy, Kathy and Beth.

Diana Simington

June 13, 2009

To Nancy and Family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Bill was an exceptional husband, father, and friend, and he will be missed. During this difficult time, cherish all the wonderful moments you have had with him. Know that he will always be with you...he will live on in your hearts!
With Love,

Tammy Lafoon

June 13, 2009

As a member of Bill's very, very extended family of sorts, I did not have the opportunity to spend a lot of quality time with Bill Soper. While I got to visit with him at several family functions, I do not feel I knew him that well.

However, one did not have to know Bill Soper that well to know what kind of a man he was. Bill respected everyone he came in to contact with. He always seemed to be genuinely happy and have a huge smile on his face. You could also tell what kind of man he was by the way he was when with his family and friends at these family gatherings.

I probably could have benefited greatly from spending more quality time with Bill and getting to know him. Now, that time won't come and that is a shame.

My deepest condolences go out to Nancy, Beth, Kathy and the rest of Bill's family and extended family.

I know he will be missed.

George Lafoon

June 13, 2009

Dear Nancy, Beth, Kathy and Family:

We were so sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys. Love,
Krissy, Derrick and Alle Eisenhardt

Kristina Eisenhardt

June 13, 2009

I was simply devastated this week when I heard that Bill had passed away. Some of my first memories are of being a little girl playing with his daughters at the parsonage (First United Church of Christ, Congregational) in Milford. I was between 3 and 5 years old and that was over 30 years ago, so those experiences must have had a deep impact on me. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Bill, Nancy and the girls, and my heart goes out to the whole family for this terrible loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Elise Page

June 13, 2009

Bill was nicknamed "Mother Soper" at Olivet College because he was our moral compass. He was one of the most loved and respected of our Kappa Sigma Alpha fraternity brothers. He will be sorely missed. John Miller, Olivet College Class of '65

June 13, 2009

We are deeply saddened by the loss of a devoted husband,father and grandfather. Our deepest condolences go out to you at this time. Keep all your memories close at hand as you are sure to find comfort in them.

Bill & Marge Coffin

June 13, 2009

Some months ago, I had the good fortune to connect with Bill in connection with the project to provide a new Kappa Sig house at Olivet College.

Since I also live in Chattanooga, I promised I'd try to visit. Alas, I just wasn't in time.

Bill was my 'hero' at Olivet. He was such a classy guy and I admired him so very much. When I learned he was a Kappa Sig I could only hope that I'd be selected to pledge that fraternity. I was and I did.

In addition to simply having the privilege of knowing him, my greatest memory of Bill was his singing voice and the tour we took to through the Northeast as members of the Olivet College choir. One of our performances was in my hometown church in Wenham, MA. I was so incredibly proud and Bill was a soloist. God will be looking forward to Bill's joining His heavenly choir.

To Nancy, the children, grandchildren and my other Soper friend, Bruce, I offer my heartfelt sympathy.

The world is a bit more empty.

Woody
Kappa Sigma Alpha '67
Olivet College '68

Linwood Wiley

June 13, 2009

Bill was a great man who touched the hearts of many people. I couldn't have asked for a better father-in-law. When my Uncle Henry passed away, Bill filled the role of a male role model to look up to and learn from on marriage and fatherhood and just being a good man in general. I never got the chance to tell him that I looked up to him like that, neither did I get to with my Uncle Henry. I know that they both know in Heaven. I will miss Bill greatly, as will all of us. Both Bill and Nancy of some of the most kind-hearted, fun, and loving people I have ever met and I am proud to call them family! My deepest sympathies go to Nancy, Beth and Kathy.

Paul Abrahamson

June 13, 2009

All of us are praying for each of you. I know that Bill will be incredibly missed and that he was a very special and kind man. He has an amazing legacy in each of you. We love you all and pray for God's healing. I also pray that you will feel the presence of God and spirit in the moments where you most need them... We are here for you

Julie Bloemeke and family

June 13, 2009

I am so sorry for you loss... He was a great man that will be missed. Love the Robertson Family, Alisha, Scott, Garrett, Ella and Lydia.

Alisha Robertson

June 13, 2009

I miss you Dad. I love you so much and was glad I was there to hold your hand in the end. Your garden looks so beautiful right now. You would be so proud. Bo is painting the shed and fixing Mom's piano bench, so all is right in the world. Take care of Tom. I love you. And just so you know, I will roll my eyes for you in choir now! :-)

Beth Soper Coffin

June 13, 2009

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and Kappa Sigme Alpha Brother Bill Soper. We shall keep him in our hearts and memories forever. Ron Bussey. Olivet College Class of 65.

June 12, 2009

The heavenly choir is a little richer today, but this is a sad day for the Olivet KSA (and other) alums from the decade of the 60s. Bill was so much loved and admired, and the world doesn't seem quite right at this moment, knowing he's not in it. As we rejoice knowing his eternal destiny, however, we also grieve his loss from our lives, and know his family is suffering greatly. We had so hoped for more visits together. Our deep sympathies to Nancy and his daughters and grandchildren. May you feel God's love and comfort. Lovingly, Larry and MaryMartha

Larry & MaryMartha Melendy

June 12, 2009

We are all so saddened by Bill's passing, but touched by having known him. He meant the world to my mother, Janet, especially. Comfort and love to you, Nancy, Beth, Kathy, and the rest of the family.

Jennifer Edmondson Sussman

June 12, 2009

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