POPP, GEORGE

George Popp passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on October 16, 2026, at Nipissing Serenity Hospice, at the age of 86.

George was born on December 21, 1939, in Neu Pasua, Yugoslavia (present day Nova Pazova, Serbia), to Friedrich and Maria Popp. He held a special place in his heart for Emerkingen, the town where he grew up, and spoke of it fondly throughout his life. It was there that he played soccer, performed with the local brass orchestra, and learned his trade as a blacksmith—skills and passions that would remain an important part of who he was.

In 1970, George married Brigitte (Rehm), and together they began a new chapter of their lives in Canada. They put down roots in North Bay and began building their life together. In 1972, George and his brother Philipp founded G&P Welding and Iron Works, combining skill, hard work, and craftsmanship to build a lasting legacy.

George loved being part of his community. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Germania Club. Soccer remained a lifelong passion. He played for the Germania Soccer Club before going on to coach for many years. Photographs celebrating his involvement can still be found hanging in the hallways of the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame.

Above all else, George was a devoted family man. He cherished his wife of 56 years, Brigitte, and their three children: Christian (Chantal Chirgwin), Marcus (Renée Clouthier), and Maria “Mary” (Bruce) Moore. His greatest pride and joy were his eight grandchildren: Olivia, Cameron, Chloe, Carlie, Isabelle, Sophia, Anna, and Stefanie. He loved them dearly, and his presence will be profoundly missed by each of them.

George was predeceased by his brothers Fritz, John, Willi, and Philipp. His beloved sister, Maria, travelled from Germany and was able to spend precious time with her brother once more before his passing—a final gift that will be treasured.

Though George is no longer with us, his spirit will live on in the everyday moments that remind us of him: fishing, heading into the bush in search of chanterelle mushrooms, watching soccer, sharing a laugh over one of his jokes or familiar expressions, and simply sitting together over a beer. These are the moments that made George who he was and the memories that will keep him close to our hearts.

George leaves behind a legacy of hard work, community, laughter, and, most of all, love. He will be remembered not only for what he built but also for the life he shared with those around him and the countless ways he touched the lives of those who knew him.

We love you, Opa. You will be missed more than words can say, and you will never be forgotten.

Friends may call at the Martyn Funeral Home on Friday November 6 from 1-3 pm and 5-7 pm. The funeral service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 725 Ferguson Street, on Saturday November 7 at 11 am with a luncheon to follow in the church hall. Interment North Bay Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Nipissing Serenity Hospice or Redeemer Lutheran Church would be appreciated.