Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Govert Copier Jr.

FUNERAL HOME

McDougal Funeral Home

4330 South Redwood Road

Taylorsville, Utah

Govert Copier Obituary

1947 ~ 2013
Govert Copier Jr., 66, passed away December 25, 2013 in Bountiful, Utah
Born May 1, 1947 in Amsterdam, Holland, son of Govert and Frederika Copier. Graduated from Granite High School followed by service in the US Army. He loved fishing and golfing and spending time with his large family. Retired from Union Pacific Railroad after 30 years of service.
Survived by children: Denise (Roger) Hobbs, Jenny Sandberg and Tony Copier; grandchildren: Trevor Hobbs and Kylie Sandberg; siblings: John (Wanda), Jean (Gordon) Jolley, Fred (Judy), Marsha (Ron) Vandermyde, Dave (Pam), Sandy (Glenn) Neill, Shirley (Greg) Hill, Steve (Jane), Joyce; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by brothers Rick and Ron.
A celebration service will be held Sunday, December 29, 2013, 3-7:00 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 1104 West 2100 South. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please bring your favorite memories and stories of Govert to share.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Dec. 27 to Dec. 28, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Govert Copier

31 Entries

Dennis Draney

January 12, 2014

John and all, sorry to hear of Govert's passing. It has been a lot of years since I had the pleasure of seeing and doing things together with all of you. You have my condolences and best wishes at this time and loss.

January 1, 2014

Copier family, We were so sad to hear of Govert's passing. We were out of town when we heard and didn't return in time for his celebration of life. Govert was unique in every way and we are so glad John and I had the pleasure to know him and for John to have worked with him. He will truly be missed.
Warmest Regards,
John & Rose Kocinski

michael vlamakis

December 30, 2013

Govert was truly a unique person. Helping others was always important to him. So many memories. So maybe we'll play the windy 5 again some day. God Bless !!

Kathy Cram Holmes

December 29, 2013

I don't remember Govert very well, since he was one of the older bothers, but there will always be a special place in my heart for his family and especially his little sister, Shirley. I remember playing at their house and seeing Shirley's dad and brothers coming home with paint all over their clothes from working together all day. I send my condolences to your loving family. I am so sorry for your loss!

Philbert Garcia

December 29, 2013

He will be missed. Great co worker and friend. Made working a blast! RIP Copier

December 29, 2013

I met Gofer about 20 years ago, and was blessed to know him. He helped me and was there for me so many times and that's how he was with his friends and family. He had a big heart. He will be missed! And yes, he always had a smile on his face. God bless his family in their time of loss. Luanne Winters

December 29, 2013

Govert was like family to me. He called me "niece" and I was to consider him UNCLE Govert. I will treasure the times we shared and look forward to the day we meet in heaven!

Robert Cattelan

December 28, 2013

He always had a smile> He would call me Kid.. I talked to him on Dec 23. I will miss our talks>>>Cat

December 28, 2013

So sorry to hear about Govert passing away. What a great guy he was! I am sure he will he will be greatly missed by his family and many friends! RIP Govert Copier. . .

Doug Egbert

December 28, 2013

This is hard because words cannot describe what Govert Copier represented too many of those who were close to him. He was pillar of strength and vast knowledge to those of us who he mentored while learning the job of railroading. He was always the first to take responsibility when things went wrong, and the last to take credit for success. I will forever be grateful for the memories he left me with and would pray for the family's hope and comfort at this time.

Jen Peterson

December 28, 2013

I have so many fun childhood memories with Govert. He made our summer trips so much fun. He always made us laugh. Sending our love to the Copier family. xo

Paul & DeAnn Kleinman

December 28, 2013

Gofer, what a guy. Wanda's comment of "Hey kid", went right through me, how many times have I heard that? His infectious smile, laugh and golden heart were truly remarkable. It was my honor to fish, golf and trade stock tips with Gofer. He will be missed.

Bret and Charisse Pierce

December 27, 2013

Goph! We totally enjoyed you through the years! You're a special man and always cared about others! You will be missed by many! One day we will meet again, friend! Peace be with you and your family!

Natalie Lawson

December 27, 2013

This photo is exactly as I remember him. Always a big smile on his face. He raised a beautiful daughter Denise, a dear friend. I'm sure that she is a chip off the old block. Rest in Peace.

Greg Smith

December 27, 2013

My father Steve G. Smith worked with Govert at the Union Pacific Railroad. In a few of the summers of my childhood a week was spent with six railroad families on Lake Powell. Govert's, Keith's, Jerry's, Dee's, and Larry's. The time spent with these families will always be looked back upon by me as some of the greatest times of my life. Govert's joyful spirit and kindness to the kids I will always remember. Govert, I truly thank you for the great memories. Rest in peace friend.

Gayleen Pilgrim

December 27, 2013

Rest in Piece Gopher. You will be missed by all. Keep golfing.

Trygve Sandberg

December 27, 2013

So sorry for the loss of a GREAT MAN!
R. I. P. and Take Care.
The Sandberg's

Wanda Copier

December 27, 2013

Govert was always so kind to me. Every time I saw him he was always saying, 'Hey, Kid… how you doing'. Not sure if he was rubbing in the fact that I was younger than him or if he called everyone that.

He was a very unique person with a huge heart of gold who would have given the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. He will be missed.

Kristy Rigby

December 27, 2013

So many of my childhood memories involve your family. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I am so sad you have left this world but certain the impact that remains because of you will be felt forever. You will be missed.

Dixon and RoseMary Tiffany

December 27, 2013

There is no doubt that we will miss Gofer. He kept us all close and informed about each other. Working with Gofer was always a pleasure and a lot of fun. He had his own way of traveling through this life and that was all a part of his special flavor. Thanks for the great memories my friend.

Marsha Stephens

December 27, 2013

I've never met anyone like Govert. What a great guy. Always helping someone else quietly. In Milford, every Thanksgiving, he would buy a bunch of turkeys and take them to single mothers and widows to make sure they had food. In Elko, he made sandwiches for the trainmen whod been up working all night and hingry when they got to the hotel. He raised money for widows or widowers of his friends and fellow railroaders and made sure they received it. Sometimes a mysterious check or cash would show up in a mailbox of someone he knew needed it.

But the love and respect he had for his parents always also stuck out to me. He honored them and loved them. He also honored the mother of his children and his children.

I'm really going to miss him, his stories, his recipies, his railroad pictures, his kindness, and his reminder to not be quick to judge...ya might not know the whole story...

Bye friend. See ya on the other side.

Marty Rice

December 27, 2013

Govert, You are one hell of a guy! A ledgend in your own mind.You made us smile. You made us laugh. You helped so many of us FNG's learn the ropes of railroading. You would help out a friend or a stranger in need without thinking twice about it. I will miss the times we spent together on and off the rails. I will miss you, your sense of humor and your clever wit my friend. So long for now. We'll see you at the ninteenth hole someday. I'll look forward to hearing some new stories from you.

Otto Ostrander

December 27, 2013

Rest in peace gopher!

Freddi (VanDerWouden) Plaudis

December 27, 2013

Thank you, Govie, for all the warm smiles and bright hellos whenever we happened to meet. And thanks for playing golf with this old duffer.

Patrick McDaniels

December 27, 2013

Really going to miss you Old Man, it was an honor knowing you!

Dee Carr

December 27, 2013

Govert would be pleased at the outpouring of condolences of his passing. He did things a little different from the rest of us, but that became his signature. The grieving will slowly dissipate, but the memories will be with us forever.

Chris and Lianna Madsen

December 27, 2013

Rip Copier... you will be missed by so many...
Keep swinging those clubs!

Chris and Lianna Madsen

Malcolm Whitney

December 26, 2013

Rest in peace Gofer, you'll be missed but not forgotten.

Brent & Linda Jepson

December 26, 2013

What do you say about a DEAR FRIEND like Govert. Over the years he truly did many things for me. We were best friends when we were single. We shared our single lives together. When Linda and I married he became her good friend. He always made her feel like I made the right choice. He was a unique man. We will miss his talking, his stories, and his laughter. We send our love and prayers to his family and want you to know how much we loved Govert.
All Our Love, Brent & Linda Jepson

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results