Vancouver Whitecaps FC are mourning the passing of Fred Jopson, a beloved member of the Canadian soccer community and a friend of the club.
Jopson passed away last April 12 at the age of 98, and is survived by son Brad and daughter Sherry Sayers (Rick), as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many dear friends.
A Life Member with both Canada Soccer and BC Soccer, Jopson helped establish the West Vancouver Youth Soccer Association in 1955, before becoming a founding member of the Canadian Youth Soccer Association in 1969, where he served as vice chairman for 11 years.
In the provincial level, Jopson served 35 years with the BC Youth Soccer Association, including two years as chairman in 1968 and 1969.
A native of Vancouver, Jopson was awarded the Sport BC Daryl Thompson Award for extraordinary contribution to sport over a long period of time and his contributions to amateur sport in BC in 1993. Two years later, Canada Soccer named one of their select All-Star awards in his honour, the Fred Jopson Trophy, presented to the winners of the annual showcase for U-17 boys.
In addition, Jopson helped develop and grow the BC-Washington Soccer Exchange, and was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the West Vancouver Soccer Club.
The Jopson family will have a celebration of life on Monday, May 1 at 1:00 p.m. at the West Vancouver Yacht Club (5854 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC). Remembrances in his name can be made to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.
