Mitch Popoff
October 25, 2023
In Loving Memory
Mitch Popoff
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Mitch Popoff. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 25th, at the age of 65. Mitch leaves behind a legacy of love, forever cherished by his sons, Adam and Joel, as well as his brother, Gary, and sister, Gloria.
Born on March 6, 1958, in Nelson, BC, Mitch’s life was a tapestry of diverse experiences. After high school in Castlegar, he worked in a foundry, later moving to the Kootenays and navigating the Arrow Lakes on tugboats. He moved to Kamloops, leading him to Bible college and culinary arts school. In 1988, he married and ventured into gold mining and construction. Mitch’s entrepreneurial spirit thrived in the ‘90s with “Top Dog”, a downtown hot dog stand he ran with pride for eight years. A brief stint in the pizza business followed. He found joy in capturing moments through photography, often turning his lens towards friends and family. He loved the outdoors, motorcycle rides, skiing, swimming, and muscle cars. Mitch’s legacy extends beyond professional and personal achievements. His life was marked by a deep spiritual commitment and a bond with his sons, Adam and Joel.
Mitch enjoyed sketching and architecture, a passion that manifested in the creation of Son Country Chalet. Mitch personally designed the blueprints of his dream log home, which operated as a BnB. However, just after turning 30, a diagnosis of an autoimmune condition altered the trajectory of his life. Despite its challenges, Mitch faced his health struggles with unwavering positivity, living with the condition for 35 years. His entrepreneurial spirit persisted, with the chalet evolving into a vacation home for a decade. In the last seven years, Mitch resided in a care home. Despite physical limitations, his zest for life was obvious. He would go to Riverside Park daily for live music. Music and YouTube travel vlogs, especially those filmed by his son Joel, brought him tremendous joy. Living vicariously through his sons’ experiences, he avidly followed Adam’s daily outdoor adventures.
Mitch’s daily calls to friends and his sons reflected his genuine interest in their lives. As his health declined, affecting his lungs, he faced the challenge with resilience. Ultimately, the journey led him to the hospital, where, surrounded by his family, Mitch peacefully transitioned from this world, leaving behind a legacy of courage, curiosity, and unwavering love.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Home Front Evangelism (#118962133RR0001) of Langley, BC.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 2
We send our heartfelt condolences to especially Adam & Joel, as well as cousin Gary, Gloria and all your family. Mitch was our 1st cousin, and we had many wonderful and beautiful times together as we were growing up. Mitch was a gentle soul and overcame a lot of physical adversity during his lifetime, yet he never seemed to let it slow him down. We recall how proud his dad, Uncle Mike was of the log home he created and set out to build at Scotch Creek. Our mom, his Aunt Anne Soukeroff who lived in Shoreacres, BC,would always describe how beautiful it was, when she had a chance to be up in the area and the times when her closet brother Uncle Mike lived up there and helped Mitch. We are sad we aren’t able to make it to the service on Oct. 30, however you will all be in our thoughts and prayers. Cousin Mitch was 2 years younger than I. We also know how deep Mitch’s faith and devotion was toward his belief in Jesus. In Mitch’s memory we are making a $100 donation to the Home Front Evangelism from The Soukeroff Family – Shoreacres, BC. Rest in Peace and Painfree Mitch. With Love to you all. From: Evelyn Voykin (nee Soukeroff), London, ON; Dan Soukeroff, Nelson, BC & Vickie Surina, Trail, BC.
Music in the Park will not be the same without Mitch there, and I am sorry to learn of his passing today. For someone with such a terrible disease, he put up a good fight. Will miss him dearly. XOXO.