Peter Albert ‘Al’ Koop
March 16, 2023
It is with sadness that the family of Al Koop announces his passing on Thursday, March 16, 2023. Al was born on November 1, 1931 in Altona, Manitoba. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Helen, and their sons Brian, Gary and his wife Lise, and David.
Al Koop was Professor Emeritus in Economics at King’s University College in London, Ontario. He received degrees in Actuarial Mathematics at the University of Manitoba and an MBA at the University of Toronto. After 8 years at the Crown Life Insurance Company, he was awarded the Stanford Sloan Fellowship at Stanford University in California. Al taught at the University of Redlands in California and received his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Southern California. In 1970, he was hired at King’s University College and taught Economics there for 28 years, retiring in 1998.
Al loved teaching, had a keen interest in Mennonite history and enjoyed travelling to visit family and friends in Ireland, Scotland, Mexico and other countries. He loved spending time at the Hobbit’s Haven, a farm that the family shared with other professors from King’s University College.
Funeral service will be held at Valleyview Mennonite Church, 1170 Melsandra Avenue, London on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
To view the livestream, please click here: Al’s livestreamed service on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mennonite Central Committee or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Leave a tribute for Peter Albert ‘Al’ Koop
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I just learned today, June 20, of the passing of Dr. Al Koop. He taught me introductory economics and micro economics from 1979 to 1981, at King's. He was a wonderful teacher and a very kind man. He was always available to give extra help when his students needed it. Please accept my condolences for your loss.
Sorry to hear about your Dad, Brian. It is a great summary of your Dad’s legacy. I now know why you had such high marks in Math and became an actuary, it’s in the genes! My condolences to you and your family.
I just watched the livestream of the celebration of Al's life. I agree with all the tributes of others but wanted to add two other important sides of Al's contribution. Professionally, he was an excellent administrator. And in terms of social justice, he also supported women in our quest for equality. Personally, when I first started working at King's, Al was the head of my department and was very supportive in helping me learn how to do my job.
Al was everything one could have hoped for in a colleague and a friend. He had an endearing, unusually well developed, welcoming manner. For me, just starting out as a young academic, he provided a kind of moral compass. Not in the sense of telling you the "right" way to think. More along the lines of what you should be thinking and talking about with others. Then encouraging you to think about and discuss it further. I know he will be missed and also fondly remembered, not only for his accomplishments, but more importantly, for his unfaltering kindness, generosity, patience, tolerance, and sincerity. One felt proud and privileged to know him. My heart goes out to Helen and all his family.
I was so sorry to hear the news about Al's passing. I first met him when I was a faculty secretary at King's. He was the most gentle and kind of people. My condolences to his family - I'm sure he will be missed greatly.
This is very sad news. Al and I started at King's together though I was just a naive beginner. He was always a willing mentor, honest, fair, tolerant and energetic. A model colleague for a beginner. Deepest sympathy for Helen and all the family. I regret I am still recovering from a hip replacement and will be unable to attend, but my thoughts will be there.
Brian. Sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. From reading of his educational accomplishments you certainly are a chip off the old block.
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. James Rempel
A donation has been made to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
Marie and I were saddened to hear about Al's passing. Both of us knew Al (and Helen) very well, particularly as part of our church family in London. One could describe Al in many complimentary ways, but we will remember him as a true gentleman, very gentle and caring, wise, thorough, with many abilities and interests including love of life, love of music, and many friends. I (Clare) remember well working with him on a committee updating Valleyview church history, possibly ten years ago. Al was chairperson of the committee. I enjoyed our regular meetings, each one of us doing our assignments responsibly, along with Al's leadership. A memorable part of every meeting was the delicious food prepared by Helen, typically a fruit plate, always with a freshly baked dessert. We extend our sympathies to Helen and family.
Al Koop was a dear friend, congenial colleague and constant supporter of my interests in social justice for many years at King's. So many wonderful memories come flooding back and all remind me of his immense contributions his family, to his colleagues, to the college and to humanity. His was a life well-lived! My sincere condolences to Helen and all the family!
Services for Peter Albert ‘Al’ Koop
Funeral Service will be held at:
Valleyview Mennonite Church
1170 Melsandra Avenue,
London, Ontario
March 20, 2023 2:00 pm
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Dr. Koop established my love of Economic theory at UWO’s Kings College in the Fall of 1977. I’ll never forget his style of relating basic microeconomic theories to everyday life whether that be the life of a farmer, the operations of a Colombian drug cartel or a domestic Telco oligopoly. You succeeded in Dr Koop’s class by attending his class and not by reading the text book. He made an impression which has lasted a life time.
~ Mark J Miatello