After 32 years, Kofin leaves treasurer job with historical society

A selection of chocolates, piles of musty books and a dogged determination to sell memberships.

With those three elements, Fred Kofin helped build the Jasper Yellowhead Historical Society into the organization it is today. 

But after 32 years and the construction of the Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives, Fred Kofin is retiring from the treasurer position with the organization.

The society took the time to honour the career of Kofin, noting how he helped build the museum, and ensure it was paid off only seven years later. Penny by penny, nickel by nickel, his contributions added up to help maintain the community’s history, turning an old scout hall into a legitimate museum.

“Over the years, Fred has spent over 800 hours a year volunteering and raised between $200,000 and $250,000 for the organization,” said Joe Couture, who hosted the event. “He has a passion for the organization and preserving the history of Jasper.”

“Fred is the heart, soul and fiscal conscious of the Jasper Yellowhead Historical Society,” said friend Wayne Waxer. “Most of us aren’t worthy to carry his cashbox.”

Kofin’s own personal history was also noted. While training to be a judge in his native Poland, his life was changed forever during the outbreak of the Second World War. After surviving the nazi death camp in Auschwitz, he came to Canada with his wife Gertie and settled in Jasper and became an integral member of the community. He has served on several boards, and was also a renowned singer in the community. Today, his book sales and chocolate drives are still popular, and keep revenue flowing into the organization.

Friends and well wishers took turns roasting Kofin on the evening at the museum. Kofin was notorious for his spend thrift tendencies and many shared stories of the 87-year-olds dogged ways. That included turning lights off, collecting dues, flirting with young cashiers and doggedly chasing down delinquent membership dues. One yarn was told where Kofin collected dues in church... at a funeral. 

Along with the laughs, the dedications were heaped upon Kofin – a portrait by Alan Butler from the historical society; a plaque from Parks Canada, countless praise and a few kisses.

The evening concluded with a dedication ceremony, as the Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives main gallery will be known as the Fred Kofin gallery. For the evening, the gallery captured Kofin’s life in a nutshell, displaying much of his work.

Kofin is remaining a member of the historical society, so he will still be involved.

He said he was humbled by the accolades.

“I am overwhelmed by your generosity. I have to do something always. I did quite a lot, but what I liked most was working with the historical society. I have no other words but thank you, thank you, thank you.”