Nicholas Paul Kopcha, 82, Mountain Home Resident and Fishing Guide, Passes Away

Kopcha was known for his love of the outdoors, artistic talents, and dedication to his community.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:20am

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A softly focused, abstract photograph in warm earth tones depicting the tools and crafts of an outdoorsman and artist, conveying a sense of tranquility and nostalgia.

The artistic pursuits and outdoor passions of Nicholas Kopcha, a beloved Mountain Home resident, are memorialized in this impressionistic tribute.Mountain Home Today

Nicholas Paul Kopcha, a longtime resident of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away on April 7, 2026, at the age of 82. Kopcha was a well-known fishing guide on Norfork Lake and the White River, and he also enjoyed hunting, writing, gardening, and playing the banjo. He was remembered for his artistic talents, including crafting wooden flutes and jewelry.

Why it matters

Kopcha's passing marks the loss of a beloved community member and outdoor enthusiast in the Mountain Home area, where he had made his home for many years after relocating from Missouri. His dedication to fishing and the natural world, as well as his creative pursuits, left a lasting impact on those who knew him.

The details

Kopcha was born on August 14, 1943, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to Stephen and Christine Nelms Kopcha. He married Leslie Berry on March 7, 1976, in Ladue Chapel, Missouri, and the couple later made Mountain Home their home. Kopcha was known for his deep love of the water and his work as a fishing guide on Norfork Lake and the White River. In addition to fishing, he enjoyed hunting, writing, gardening, and playing the banjo. Kopcha also had a talent for crafting beautiful Indian-style wooden flutes and creating handmade bracelets and jewelry.

Kopcha passed away on April 7, 2026, at the age of 82.
Kopcha was born on August 14, 1943, in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Kopcha married Leslie Berry on March 7, 1976, in Ladue Chapel, Missouri.

The players