1926 - 2018
Gerhard Gustave Poppinga 'Gary Poppinga'
March 26, 1926 - May 8, 2018
Gerhard Gustave Poppinga "Gary" Poppinga, passed away unexpectedly from complications, Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Gary will be dearly missed by his wife of 67 years, Norma Jean; as well as his children, David his wife, Yvonne Marte, Scott and Kim (Spathas) her husband, Thomas; as well as his 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his loving daughter, Karen in 2011.
Gary was born in Portland and raised in Hubbard until his parents moved to Ohio when Gary was 16. He then enrolled at Wheaton College Academy for High School. Post high school he completed the U.S. Naval Academy's Flight Training Program, then graduated from Wheaton College, with a degree in Mathematics. Later he completed a Masters Degree from Colorado State.
Post college graduation he returned to the N.W. to complete a teaching certificate at the University of Oregon and at which time he met Norma Begg, who he married in August 1951. Gary and Norma later served as missionaries at Faith Academy, a boarding school for missionary kids. They were at 'Faith' for nine years where Gary had a tremendous impact as teacher and Superintendent. He was honored later in life with a portion of Faith Academy being named 'Poppinga Hall'.
Upon their permanent return to the states, in 1967, Gary taught for 19 years for the Parkrose School district both at the Jr. High and High School in Mathematics. Gary served various times as department chair, coach and athletic director.
He was not a man of material things but cherished the intangible. He was devoted to Norma, family and friends, loved to work and was passionate about the outdoors. He often had the best of two worlds when he and Norma would host family barbeques in their backyard overlooking Grant Park.
He climbed every mountain in Oregon and continued hiking into his 80's. Many hikes were enjoyed with family or friends. One of his most treasured hikes was a six year-long completion (in segments) of the Oregon Coast Trail, which he shared with his beloved brother Jay and dear friend Bob Finzer.
Jesus Christ was the center of who Gary was. He led a life in true relationship with Christ and he and Norma demonstrated countless acts of generosity. Gary was a true servant at heart and served many years as Chairman of the Board of Deacons at both Evangel Baptist and Hinson Churches. Every person who got to know and love Gary, experienced his mark of integrity. He and Norma formed MANY deep friendships over their 67 years together. They often talked of friends, not places, from days at Faith Academy, Evangel, Hinson and then Hollywood Park Plaza. Gary's wry sense of humor kept Norma laughing especially in his later years when he was ever so grateful for Norma's love and care.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Gary requested any remembrances to be made to either Wheaton College or Faith Academy.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits
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Sponsored by The Family.
Mr. Poppinga truly lived the life of a believer. The kindness and help he gave my sister Kay and I will never be forgotten by us. The way I best describe Mr. Poppinga is through this Bible verse Matthew 25:40 ....truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Mr. Poppinga will have his crown overflowing with jewels in heaven. My life is filled with the sweetest and most memorable memories because of the kindness Mr. popping showed my sister and myself. May God be with Mrs. Popping and family and surround them with his mercy and love.
Kitty Robertson Van Andel
July 1, 2018
I was part of the first graduating class from Faith Academy, 1965. Mr. Poppinga attended our 25th reunion and asked all the grads to call him "Gary". We tried, but out of great respect for what he meant to us all, he was always MR.POPPINGA! He influenced so many. Thanks, Mr. Poppinga.
June 30, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Poppinga's passing. He was a very kind man. I was a student at Faith Academy in the '60's and early '70's. I am so glad I held a Faith Academy First Generation HS Reunion in Newberg, OR just 4 years ago and Mr. Poppinga attended. It was so wonderful to have him there where many of us could reminisce with him and be honored with his presence! I am hosting another "Faith" reunion in NC this coming week. We will mention his home going and we will remember him with fondness. Helen Eyestone Peterson '72
Helen Eyestone Peterson
June 30, 2018
I just learned of Mr. Poppinga's "homegoing" today. Mr. Poppinga was my principal when I was a student at Faith Academy in the 1960s. Though I remember being called into his office only once I also remember that he handled me with kindness as he also dealt with me firmly. I will always have fond memories of Mr. Poppinga and am so grateful I had the chance to know him and his family. I especially remember "Aunt Norma" and his son David. I pray all of you continue to find comfort, peace and many good memories as you continue your journey in this world without his presence.
June 13, 2018
An excellent teacher and role model for kids at Parkrose Middle and High Schools. I am thankful to have known Mr. Poppinga. He was a favorite. -Emily (Colburn) Baginski, class of 1991.
Emily Baginski
May 23, 2018
I had him for math in high school, it was the only time I ever enjoyed math class. You will be missed Mr P,I had him for math in high school, it was the only time I ever enjoyed math class. You will be missed Mr P
April Kelly (Sowders)
May 23, 2018
I will always remember one summer morning in 2014 a friendly gentleman shared a smile and a "That looks like hard work" as I struggled to unearth another dandelion from my front yard. This same gentleman reappeared 15 minutes later, on what I learned was his regular morning walk, and this time he stopped and we chatted. It didn't take us long to find out that his kids attended Grant High School in NE Portland as I had and that he was the father of an old high school friend, Dave Poppinga! Dave had played on the the 1969 Grant HS boy's Oregon State basketball championship team and was friends with my boyfriend, Steve Crane, so we were friends, too. Mr. Poppinga was so friendly and warm and I asked that he give Dave a "hello" from me the next time they talked. He assured me he would as he headed on his way home to finish his walk. It was the same afternoon that I picked up the phone and on the line was my old friend, Dave. We hadn't seen or heard from each other since 1970 and we had a lovely conversation catching up with each other's life and actually met for tea a few months later. Mr. Poppinga was the connection that enabled me to reconnect to an old friend and I will always remember and thank him for this kind deed. I know that he will be missed by many as he was a kind soul who shared so easily with others in such a kind and loving way. May the blessings be.
Sincerely,
Ann Seidel Garrett
May 20, 2018
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