Michael Dennis Kopach

Michael Dennis Kopach

Michael Dennis Kopach, 66, died on February 10, 2018 at Nash Health Care in Rocky Mount of complications from hereditary spastic paraplegia. Born in Washington D.C. on October 28, 1951, Michael grew up in Falls Church Virginia as the oldest of six children and graduated from Falls Church High School. While working at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, he completed an associate degree in machining and tool and die making. An accomplished model maker, he fabricated several experimental instruments at NRL that remain on the moon from the Apollo landings.

Later Michael applied his skills at Andrews Air Force Base helping to maintain Air Force One, the Speckled Trout and the rest of the fleet. In Rocky Mount he retooled parts for jet fuel control systems at Bendix and Honeywell. His early retirement was forced by hereditary spastic paraplegia, which eventually caused him to be homebound for years.

Following his marriage to Bettie Kirkpatrick in 1987, they moved to Rocky Mount where she had been called as associate pastor for First Presbyterian Church. During the next 25 years, Michael was also an active member at Rocky Mount's West Haven, Second and Bethlehem Presbyterian Churches where his wife served as pastor. He was a member of the Bethlehem Church. As the pastor's spouse, he was a constant encourager and supporter of her ministry, as well as volunteering with community agencies.

A nurturing and gentle soul, Mike was always responsive to his extended family's needs. In 1999 he brought into his Rocky Mount home his two-year old twin grandchildren to care for until they were six when they were able return to their own home in another state.

Michael was predeceased by his parents Harold and Mary Kopach of Falls Church Virginia. He is survived by his wife, the Rev. Bettie Kirkpatrick of Rocky Mount; his daughter Wendy Kopach of Manassas Va; sister Linda Ahlers (Tommy) of Manassas Va; brothers Robert Kopach (Iris) of Fairfax Va; Paul Kopach (Carla) of Lorton Va; Harold Kopach (Debbie) of Jacksonville Fl; and David Kopach (Jodie) of Fairfax Va; grandchildren: Skyler, Cassidy and Hunter Torbett and Jody Worthy, and many nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 17th with the Rev. Dr. Scott Solether, the Rev. Dr. Preston Smith and the Rev. Dan Davis leading worship. The family will greet friends at 1:00 in the fellowship hall. Instead of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 1460 Bethlehem Road, Rocky Mount 27803, United Community Ministries; P.O. Box 2624; Rocky Mount 27802, or the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation; 1605 Goularte Place; Fremont CA 94539.

Arrangements are by Cremation Society of the Carolinas.

Condolences may be shared at CremationScoietyNC.com.

As published in the Rocky Mount Telegram