February 22, 1933 - August 31, 2020
On Monday, August 31st, 2020 Philip John Sopow of Nanaimo B.C. passed away at 88 years of age from complications due to blood poisoning which he contracted after an unfortunate fall several days prior to his death. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him as being endlessly enthusiastic, hardworking, and generous.
Phil was born in Creston BC on February 22 1933. He grew up in the interior of British Columbia where he learned to appreciate the outdoors and particularly fishing for trout in the various streams and rivers that surrounded him in his youth. In his early working life, he was involved in the construction of the Kitimat/Kemano aluminum facility, the largest privately funded construction project ever undertaken in Canada. In the gold rush-like environment of the camps he developed a certain zest for cigars and poker that stayed with him most of his years.
In 1965, he moved to Point Roberts, Washington where he started Sopow Construction, building many homes on Point Roberts till his moving to Vancouver in 1980. He spent the last 20 years of his life in Nanaimo where he developed property and built several homes.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Lorna Solow, who passed away the 30th of January 2009. Philip is survived by sisters Kathleen Parker of Forest, California, Anne Coulombe of North Vancouver B.C., Mary Shellard-Sopova of Nanaimo, B.C. and brother Sam Sopow of Burnaby, B.C. He will also be affectionately remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.