The owners of Glenpool-based Champagne Metals were killed in a plane crash on June 29th in Botswana, a country in the southern part of Africa.
The passing of Mike and Kim Champagne was confirmed in a press release the company made available on its LinkedIn profile.
“All of us at Champagne Metals are a part of the amazing culture and generosity the Champagnes fostered for so many years,” the statement said. “Mike and Kim devoted their lives to the best interest of their family and their business and will be forever remembered by their son Brandon, their daughter Brooke, and their four grandchildren.”
According to Botswana-based news outlets, the Champagnes died when their plane failed to take off from Eaton and Sons Farm near Ghanzi in Botswana. The plane was reportedly unable to achieve liftoff and crashed into a building on the farm.
The Champagnes began Champagne Metals from their living room and had recently celebrated 27 years in business. It was at one time the fastest-growing aluminum service center and processor in the country, according to a 2016 article in the Tulsa World.
The Champagnes were well-remembered in their obituaries, which described not only the passion with which they ran their business, but also their dedication to the community of Glenpool and various other charities and organizations.
Memorial services for the Champagnes were held on July 14th at Asbury Church in Tulsa.
Champagne Metals says they will continue to operate under the leadership of their founders’ son Brandon.
