Christopher Keith Ropson died unexpectedly in the afternoon of February 12, 2026 at the age of 62.

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces that his life was cut too short, too soon. He will be forever missed by his family, his friends, his crew, and his shipmates.

Chris was born in Great Harbour Deep on February 14, 1963, where he was loved and raised by his parents, Rachel and Winston, and his three sisters - Pam, Karen, and Gaye. Chris began his schooling in Great Harbour Deep and graduated from Herdman Collegiate in Corner Brook in 1980. He grew up fishing with his father and after high school he returned to the sea; graduating from the Fisheries College Nautical Science program. During this time he met his soul mate and chief mate Karen, who he married in 1987. Chris sailed around the world and then began his career with the Coast Guard in 1985 on board the CCGS Skidegate. He earned the title of Master Mariner in 2004.

Chris was born for the sea. He sailed aboard research vessels, fisheries patrol ships, and ice breakers. He retired as the commanding officer aboard the CCGS Sir Wilfred Grenfell, where he did largely Search and Rescue. When anyone needed him, Captain Ropson and the crew were coming. For his dedication to his work in the face of what was labelled "The Biggest Storm on the Planet" he was awarded an Exemplary Service Medal in 2019; when he was told he didn't have to go out if it wasn't safe he responded that he "couldn't have those men out there knowing that no one was coming for them. This is what we do". He retired with 35 years of service to Canada and to the sea in 2020. When he wasn't on the water, for work or for leisure, Chris spent most of his time in the woods, on snowmobile, or with his family - who he loved above all else.

After living in Gambo for 10 years, Chris, Karen and their two sons - Justin and David - moved to Lewisporte in 1994. He loved every minute he spent with his boys and Karen - family was his everything. On his time off he shared his passions with them, always squeezing in an adventure and countless memories into his time ashore. He absolutely lived for his sons, and more recently his grandkids. Outside of Lewisporte Chris spent much of his time in Trinity East, Pollard's Point, and down home in Harbour Deep; always with Karen by his side.

Chris is predeceased by his mother Rachel Ropson (nee Pittman). He leaves behind with broken hearts his wife Karen (nee Kelley), his two sons Justin (wife Nicole), and David (wife Jessica) and two grandchildren, Isaac and Naomi, who idolize their pop. Also grieving his sudden passing are his father Winston and his sisters Pamela (husband Rod), Karen (husband Bruce), and Gaye (husband Edgar) as well as a large and growing circle of extended family and a lifetime of friends.

Visitation with Chris will take place at Gordon Woolfrey Funeral Home on Thursday, February 19th from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. The Funeral Service will take place at St. Paul's Anglican Church, Lewisporte on Friday, February 20th at 1 PM.

Chris will be missed forever and loved for even longer. In his memory we are asking everyone to spend time with their families and to keep doing exactly what they love to do.

Fair Winds to our Captain Chris.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gordon Woolfrey Funeral Home, 262 Main Street, Lewisporte, NL.