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Theodore Poppinga Obituary
Born on June 10, 1926 to Riemke and Johan Poppinga, he spent his childhood and early adult years in the Netherlands. Prior to immigrating to America in 1952 he served in the Dutch Airforce and was stationed in Indonesia. After graduating from UC Davis, Ted became a long time resident of Colusa, CA, where he enjoyed performing veterinary medicine with his wife Ruth by his side, in their large and small animal practice.
While having a strong appreciation for music, literature and poetry, he expressed his own artistic mastery through painting. His love for the arts also motivated him to volunteer his time to the Colusa Stagehands organization.
After years of being a regular at the Butte view Racquet Club, he traded his tennis racquet for a set of golf clubs and could often be seen driving his white "gem" golf cart to and from the course.
Ted loved and lived by the motto of Rotary Club International, "Service above Self" and served as President of the Colusa club. Whether as a rotary member, neighbor or friend, he looked for opportunities to show kindness and provide laughter through his humor and wit.
Ted is survived by his special love and life-long partner of 58 years, Ruth Poppinga, and their three children; Ted (Sheila) Poppinga of Sacramento, CA., Ellyn (Matt) Stephenson of Live Oak, CA, Jeff (Starr) Poppinga of Yuba City, CA. Ted and Ruth were also blessed with seven grandchildren, Tyler Poppinga, Kaylee Poppinga, Kyle Poppinga, Luke Poppinga, Brandon Stephenson, Sara Stephenson, and Ashley Stephenson. He is also survived by his siblings Joeke Kemper, Jetske Porte and Hans Poppinga.
He is preceded in death by his brother Jan Poppinga.
Ted will be missed by all who knew and loved him for his contributions to the community, family and to life.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Colusa.
In Memory of Ted, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Colusa or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of McNary-Moore Funeral Service.
www.mcnarymoorefuneralservice.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Poppinga
Lyn Emery Stutz
January 30, 2013
My thoughts and sympathy go out to Ellyn and family. What a fine and kind gentleman he was!
Nikki Arbuckle
January 26, 2013
Besides the regular great care my animals had with Dr. Poppinga at his office, 2 memories stand out for me with this man. Just about 41 years ago, when I was in my last month of pregnancy with my oldest son, we were in Dr. Poppinga's office. I got quite dizzy and both he & Ruth jumped in to help me first. About a year later, we had some puppies and a very early morning mishap harmed one of the pups. I called Dr. Poppinga and he generously got up, answered his door and took the puppy who had to be put down. No charge. Caring and generous, those are the words that will define Dr. Poppinga for me. My prayers go to God for the family. Your husband, father and grandfather will be missed.
Charlie and Kathleen Lazarski
January 23, 2013
Very saddened to learn of Dr. Poppinga's passing. So many years have gone by since last we met, yet his kindness and caring are embedded in memories. Our sympathy to the Poppinga family.
Janis Freed
January 22, 2013
I remember as a child going with my dad to Dr. Poppinga's office and feeling so good about having our pets in his and Ruth's care. Dad thought so highly of the Poppinga's and they were always so warm and friendly.
Frances Kelley Austin
January 20, 2013
As a little girl I remember my Dad being so impressed with Dr. Poppinga he told my Mom he wanted Dr. Poppinga to be his doctor.
Julie Vaughn-Stone
January 19, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers to Poppinga family. He was not only a great vet, but a very kind hearted person.
Jacquie Weare
January 16, 2013
I am so saddened to learn of your loss. My family knew him as Dr. Poppinga - he and Mrs. Poppinga took wonderful care of all our animals until their retirement. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless each one of you.
Phyllis Cervantes
January 16, 2013
Our prayers go out to Ted and his family, he will be missed, Ted saved many of our animals in our life time. Rest in peace Ted.
Audrey Taylor
January 15, 2013
Ted saved the first dog Lee and I had, he ended up living 14yrs. Ted and Ruth both made us laugh so much. My prayers go out to the family.
January 15, 2013
What a wonderful man and veterinarian. You'll be forever in our hearts Mr. Poppinga. May you rest in peace.
Craig McBride
January 15, 2013
Our prayers go out to the whole family, he was a great man and will be missed.
Craig McBride
January 15, 2013
Sorry for your loss, are prayers go out to the whole family, he will be missed.
Luis Bautista
January 15, 2013
Great guy and terrific tennis player. Thanks for all of your valuable advice. My condolences to the Poppinga family.
Debbie Dickens-Bacon
January 14, 2013
Mr Poppinga, for I simply had a hard time seeing you as anything but a Mr; My earliest memory of you is at the vet clinic, taking care of my dogs and "Ruth" working right along beside you. Then Stagehands Bd a very good production of South Pacific, I was surprised to be in the production with our family vet, and he could sing to us girls anytime! Finally at family parties, BBQ,s and celebrations, You always had a glass of wine to share with me a d of course a very European since of humor. I will remember you each time I see Jeff imitate you telling stories, when I pass the golf course,and when the Poppinga's take the stage at any moment in life for they take your talents with them.
All my love,
Carol Genera
January 14, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you. I wIll always remember his warm smile and great sense humor.
January 14, 2013
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
~ The Appeal-Democrat Family
Brenda Burdick Steele
January 14, 2013
To the Poppinga Family,
Words alone cannot express my sympathy for the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was a wonderful man with a broad smile, a hearty laugh, and a great sense of humor. I will remember him fondly.
I'm sure the outpouring of sympathy you have received since his parting has been of some consolation. Hopefully it will serve as a reminder to you of how well-loved and liked he was.
I hope that you find comfort in the knowledge of love's everlasting connection; and may that love lift you up, hold you close, and offer you peace.
With heartfelt condolences,
Glenn Hicks
January 14, 2013
To the Poppinga family, may i offer my heartfelt condolences.... i recall meeting this very funny, charming man on several occasions while in your company at the house or one of your musical events. may he dwell in the house of god, and may he also live in you now Jeff. blessing unto the entire poppinga family at this most difficult time. god speed sir.....
January 12, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Ted. Ted was a great veterinarian and he had a great sense of humor.
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Crystal & Dennis Whiteleather
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