CASTLE ROCK — Brian Kopp was always there to help others, whether on the job as a paramedic, at home with one of his children or with a friend who needed something done.
At a memorial service in honor of Kopp, 38, at The Rock church Friday, those who knew the 38-year-old paramedic from Larkspur praised him for his ability and desire to come to the aid of those in need.
“That job of helping others is what defined him,” said Kopp’s older brother, Kenneth Kopp, noting how his brother would never make it a big deal when he saved someone’s life. “That’s the kind of man he was — a quiet hero. That’s the best kind.”
Brian Kopp died Dec. 27 in an avalanche in Grand County. He was snowmobiling with a group of four people when the avalanche struck. He was trying to help the son of one of his friends when a wall of snow collapsed on him. Kopp and Mark Goetz, 19, of Arvada, were buried in the snow, and both died.
The tragedy has hit the firefighting community hard.
The church was packed with about 2,000 family members, friends and firefighters from throughout the state. About 50 firetrucks, police cars and ambulances left Station No. 34 in Castle Rock, and drove to the church in procession.
As the first truck approached carrying Kopp’s wife, Jennifer, and two children, Allan and Elli, both 11, a group of girls standing in line waved.
Kopp was remembered for his many passions. He was a pilot, a mechanic, contractor, house designer and more.
Mike Porter, a fellow firefighter with Kopp at South Metro Fire Rescue, said his buddy worked about as hard as anyone to achieve what he wanted. He also said Kopp had a tenderness not seen in many.
“He had the most important characteristic of all — compassion,” Porter said, before finishing with a personal note to his friend: “Brian, buddy, I love you, brother.”
Ben O’Brien, also a colleague of Kopp’s from South Metro, said Kopp had a curiosity for almost anything he came across. He would take things apart and figure out how they worked, O’Brien said.
” ‘What could I learn today?’ ” was what Kopp would always tell him.
“The man was never afraid of hard work,” O’Brien said.
Kopp’s brother read a note from Brian’s wife, Jennifer, who was strong enough to greet everyone who walked through the door of the church.
“He was my best friend and soulmate,” the brother said, reading from Jennifer’s note. “He always made me smile.”
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com.
