Dirk passed away suddenly on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Victoria, BC.
He was predeceased by his father, Omer Poppe, and his fathers-in-law, Antonio Fedrigo and Ernest Simson.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Diana; his daughter Leslie (Mauro) and son Randy (Sada); and his cherished grandchildren: Daryon, Kaeden, Xavia, Rowan, Mateo, and Levi. He is also survived by his mother, Paula Poppe; his mother-in-law, Carolina Simson; his siblings; many extended family members and friends in Canada and Belgium who will miss him deeply.
Dirk was proud of his Belgian heritage, having been born in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. He moved around during his youth before eventually settling in Victoria, BC, where he built a career as a small parts mechanic and later worked as an automotive parts man and Service Manager.
At age 20, Dirk met the love of his life, Diana—though Diana remembers first catching a glimpse of him when she was just 13 and somehow knowing, even then, that he would be her future husband. They were married on June 16, 1979, and soon started a family, welcoming their daughter in 1980 and their son in 1983.
Dirk was a hardworking man whose life centered around his family. He was our anchor—the steady presence we could always rely on. With a gift for fixing the unfixable, Dirk was the one we turned to when things needed mending, both big and small. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: long walks with his best friend and wife, Diana, days spent fishing and hunting, the thrill of riding his motorcycles, and the quiet satisfaction of tinkering with anything that needed repair. His hands were always busy, and his heart was always full.
To us, he was a star—someone we all looked up to.
His brother Mark described him best: a mentor, advisor, guide, protector, the best big brother a man could ask for, and a man who carried a shining love for his wife and family. And, of course, we can’t forget—he was a real butt-kicker, in the best way.
Dirk was also a devoted man of faith. His deep compassion and empathy for others reflected that devotion in everything he did.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 753 Burnside Rd W, Victoria, BC. Interment will follow at Royal Oak Burial Park, with a reception to follow back at St. Joseph the Worker Parish.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Dirk’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Poppe” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
19 Responses
Onze oprechte deelneming voor gans de familie
Familie Rudy en Gracienne De Clercq Baert België
Mijn oprecht medeleven aan de nabestaanden Familie en vrienden heel véél sterkte.
To Diana, Leslie,Randy and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Brent and Lili Johnstone
Diana, you are so precious to Trish and me. The words I’ve already written are so inadequate, but I had to try. We’re praying you and your family. Miss you so much. We remember being at you wedding and all the guys were kissing you during the seven course dinner. What a time that was. You can call us or text us anytime. Love to hear your voice.
My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. The loss of your beloved husband and father is deeply felt, and I want you to know how truly sorry I am.
His presence touched many lives, and his memory will continue to do so. My memories of him were of a kind, genuine man with kind eyes and the friendliest smile. My mom always spoke highly of him and had a special place in her heart. They are together with our Lord and Savior reminiscing I imagine.
I hope you can find some comfort in the love that surrounds you, in the memories you hold close, and in knowing that he will never be forgotten.
With all my love and deepest sympathy,
Tanya (Stroeve) Slomp and family
We are crushed to hear of this sudden and unthinkable loss. You are all a testament to a life well lived. A man could not wish for more on this earth than such a beautiful family. He lives on within all of you. We are sending all of our love to you as you navigate the days ahead.
Dirk and I first met at Plimley Motors in 1974 as I remember, when he joined the staff in automotive parts. We quickly became good friends, but then who wouldn’t with a great man like Dirk. One day at work I playfully performed a snow dance and would you believe it snowed. From that point on Dirk would remind not to do the dance. My wife, (Trish) and I consider Dirk and Diana our best friends. We missed them a lot after moving back to the U.S. in 1981, but every visit with them was as if we’d never left. Great friends can make you feel that way. It’s going to be very hard not to talk with my best friend. After the shock and then the grief that follows, where do you go from there. Must look to God for that. Has to be the only way. [Dirk, I will always think of you and miss you. I will always love you my dear precious friend. I have comfort knowing that Jesus welcomed you with open arms when you left us. Until we meet again at the river of life in heaven we’ll wait our turn to join you.
Diana, Leslie, Randy and families
My deepest sympathies to all of you for the tragic loss of Dirk. He truly was a wonderful, one of a kind man. I will always treasure the time that I got to spend with Dirk and your wonderful family. I know with all my heart that you all were his world and he was so proud of all of you. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his beloved family. I will deeply miss my cousin who always kept in touch and made me feel so welcome and loved whenever we got together. My heart is with you all❤️
Helen Poppe
Dear family in Canada,
Me and my husband Kevin send you all our deepest condoleances for the loss of Dirk.
I remember him as a kind and caring familyman.
Wish we could be closer to do anything to help you through this time of grieve.
Love Evi & Kevin
Leslie, it sounds like your Dad was a wonderful man and his absence will leave a huge hole in your family! Praying for peace for you and yours during this time