Joel L Gopan, fondly known by many as G.I. JOE, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2023 at the VA Home in Bangor with his family by his side. Joel originally from Bangor, moved to Hampden in 1977 with Rhonda (Moir) Gopan his loving wife of over 53 years.
Joel was a veteran, patriot and proud Owner and President of Military Motors, Inc. Joel’s life passion for Military history was evident through his dedicated military service and his lifelong pursuits restoring countless military vehicles. His notable major accomplishments included restoring two vintage 1944 and 1955 Army Jeeps, a Korean War era army tank, as well as 1941 GMC CCKW 6x6 all to original condition. Often volunteering to honor local veterans and service members, celebrating their accomplishments at local parades and service related events. He was a Lifetime member of the American Legion, DVA, VFW, and 40 & 8th charitable organization for Veterans. He was honored with the 2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD recognizing Joel's significant contribution to the advancement of military vehicle collecting and restoration.
He is survived by Rhonda Gopan, the love of his life, his son Josh Gopan of New York and his two precious twin grandchildren, Drea and Dax Gopan of New York.
A special thank you to his gifted Nurse, and friend, Rose Cyr, for caring for him for many years.
At Joel’s request there will be no public service. He will be laid to rest in the Veteran’s Cemetery in Caribou, Maine.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joel Gopan, please visit our flower store.
Joel was a veteran, patriot and proud Owner and President of Military Motors, Inc. Joel’s life passion for Military history was evident through his dedicated military service and his lifelong pursuits restoring countless military vehicles. His notable major accomplishments included restoring two vintage 1944 and 1955 Army Jeeps, a Korean War era army tank, as well as 1941 GMC CCKW 6x6 all to original condition. Often volunteering to honor local veterans and service members, celebrating their accomplishments at local parades and service related events. He was a Lifetime member of the American Legion, DVA, VFW, and 40 & 8th charitable organization for Veterans. He was honored with the 2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD recognizing Joel's significant contribution to the advancement of military vehicle collecting and restoration.
He is survived by Rhonda Gopan, the love of his life, his son Josh Gopan of New York and his two precious twin grandchildren, Drea and Dax Gopan of New York.
A special thank you to his gifted Nurse, and friend, Rose Cyr, for caring for him for many years.
At Joel’s request there will be no public service. He will be laid to rest in the Veteran’s Cemetery in Caribou, Maine.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.
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