Langenburg’s former mayor, Lorrie Popp, may have passed before completing one of his visions for the town, but his family is making sure one of his dreams becomes a reality.
Lorrie’s wife, Connie, and son, Kevin, are leading an effort to install two “Welcome to Langenburg” signs at the town’s east and west entrances, a project Lorrie began working on in 2020. It was an idea close to his heart and one he never got the chance to finish.
The signs will be paid for entirely by donations to the Lorrie Popp Memorial Fund with the remainder being paid by the Popp family. The Town of Langenburg has offered the ability to receive the donations so that donors have the ability to obtain a charitable donation receipt.
“This was Lorrie’s dream,” said Connie. “He started on it years ago. I found the original emails from 2020. He had a design drawn up, contacted Iron Works, got a quote. He was ready to go.”
Lorrie passed away during his first term as mayor and the file for the welcome signs was still sitting visible in his office. For the Popp family, seeing the project through isn’t just about a sign, it’s about honouring the kind of man Lorrie was: quiet, hardworking, and deeply committed to his community.
“This project is our tribute to him,” said Kevin. “Dad never wanted praise or attention. He just wanted to be the good guy to help, to build, to fix. This sign is a way for us to finish what he started.”
The signs will be 8 feet high and 20 feet long, featuring the Town of Langenburg’s castle-themed logo and the words “Small Town With a Big Heart.” A small plaque will read, “In Memory of Lorrie.” They are expected to be in place by September.
Lorrie’s family is raising donations through the Town of Langenburg so that donors can receive charitable tax receipts. Any additional funds raised will be used for community projects Lorrie would have supported. The Popp family will personally cover any costs that aren’t met through donations.
“We want people to know that this is how we’re paying tribute to him,” said Connie. “It’s the only way we can help him now, by finishing something he truly cared about.”
Lorrie was known for his quiet service, doing tax returns for clients for over 50 years, volunteering countless hours at Jackfish Camp, helping build local infrastructure, and mentoring others. He rarely asked for help and never sought recognition.
“He poured his soul into this region,” said Kevin. “From MacNutt to Langenburg, he was always fixing something or planning the next project. Even when he got sick, what bothered him most was not being able to finish things. This sign was on his list, and now it’s on ours.”
For the Popp family, completing the sign is more than a memorial, it’s a promise kept.
“Lorrie gave so much to this community,” said Connie. “Now it’s our turn to give something back, in his name.”
To donate to the Lorrie Popp Memorial Fund and receive a charitable receipt, contact Joanne at the Town of Langenburg. For more information, contact Kevin Popp at (306) 742-7795. Cheques payable to the Town of Langenburg, Memo: In Memory of Lorrie or e-transfers to office@langenburg.ca
If you want to support Lorrie’s efforts to complete this sign then please donate to the Lorrie Popp Memorial Fund prior to project completion in September.