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Thomas Lopp Obituary

Thomas Bennett Lopp July 22, 1948 May 28, 2013 Tom Lopp, 64, passed away peacefully at home the morning of May 28th. He was born in Tacoma, WA to Orville and Marie Lopp, and was raised in Spokane from age 5. Tom graduated from Central Valley High School in 1967 and went on to Yakima Valley Community College on a football scholarship from 1967-1969. He then attended Washington State University where he graduated with a teaching degree in 1972. He was an Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor as well as boys soccer coach for 10 years at North Thurston HS and was named Black Hills Coach of the Year for 3 years before leaving to work with professional organizations and state government. Tom finished his career as an Assistant Superintendent for Federal and State Legislation at OSPI. Tom was well known for his positive attitude and outlook on life. His foremost passion was his family. Tom and Kathleen were married May 26, 1991, and were each other's constant companion and best friends. Tom's passing leaves an irreplaceable hole in the hearts of his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Lopp; his children Brian (Lauren) Lopp, Stephanie Lopp, Jennifer (Richard) Lamont and Joel (Melissa) Preston. He was also the proud Papa to ten grandchildren. Tom also leaves behind his brother Dennis (Diane), several nieces, nephews and cousins and a tremendous circle of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Judy Clark, and one grandson. Tom was dedicated to Career and Technical Education. He pioneered three programs for Washington State students: The WAVE Award, Jobs for America's Graduates, and Automotive Youth Educational Systems. During his work with the legislature, he was instrumental in passing several bills that resulted in improved student learning. The Tom Lopp Memorial Scholarship has been established at WSECU. Contributions can be made at any branch. A Celebration of Life will be held June 21, 2013 at 2:00 pm at New Market Skills Center. Information and online condolences can be left at DignityMemorial.com.

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Published by The Olympian on Jun. 6, 2013.

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I found this poem and it made me think of my Dad

Brian Lopp

September 17, 2013

See you again pop's! Love you!

Dr. Andie Webb

July 26, 2013

Kathleen,
I am deeply saddened at your loss and at the loss of such a phenomenal advocate for CTE. Both of you were instrumental in so much of the work that resulted in improvement and perpetuation of agriculture education and all of CTE in the state of Washington. I remember Thom as being so very earnest in all that he did and bringing such reverence to the teaching profession as well as our professional associations. Prayers and strength to you and your family as you grieve Thom's passing. Please know he was well respected and will forever be part of the strength our programs have here in Washington.

John Okerman

June 21, 2013

Kathleen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Working with Tom and you while I was at PEMCO was one of the highlights of my career. Tom's passion for young people, vocational education, and providing youth educational opportunities was always apparent! Many people wonder if the work they did ever made a difference. With Tom the work he did for youth and education on the local, state, and National levels was readily apparent. He was a very unique, committed person who gave generously of himself to others. He will be missed. It was my distinct honor and privilege to know and work with Tom.

Jane Greenwood

June 17, 2013

Kathleen: I shall always remember you and Tom and all the great things you did for Vocational Education. I know that this is an old name but it is the name I started my career area in. I watched Tom work to make education a goal for all kids, whether it was technical education or academic excellence. He just wanted them to have a chance for success in the world.. He made a difference with his life and career choices!!!! Love you both.

Angi Lee

June 17, 2013

Tom touched our lives and our hearts so deeply His kindness is unforgettable, and his love for life, friends and family contagious. He will always be remembered by us with lots of love.

Rob, Angi, Danny, Brian, Tucker and Angelina

Jill Pilbro

June 14, 2013

When Tom walked into the room, it brought a smile to my face. I will miss him.

June 14, 2013

Kathleen,
You have my deepest sympathies and prayers. I love you two and remember with great fondness when Tom was on the AVA/ACTE Board. He put his heart and soul into education and always tried to do the right thing for kids. He was a tireless advocate for education and had many great successes in his advocacy efforts. Both of you have done so much for career and technical education. I will always remember how much help Tom was to me at ACTE and I will always treasure his friendship - and yours. God rest his soul and may He watch over you and your family.
Bret Lovejoy,
ACTE Executive Director (1994-2001)

Cynthia Lyon

June 13, 2013

Kathy,
I am so saddened to learn of Tom's passing. I always enjoyed working with the two of you on the national level. He always lead with his heart. He was special! Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dr. Bob McLaughlin

June 6, 2013

Tom was a great influence on many teachers, administrators and students. He was a gentle man with a soft voice but when he spoke we all listened and learned. We went through the Washington Vocational Association presidency chairs together and really got to know each other. He will always be remembered for his endless fight to make schools better for students. May Kathy and the family feel and know how he was loved and the good he accomplished in his life help comfort them at this time. We will all see Tom again!!

don schultz

June 6, 2013

Tom Lopp had a heart for students, he was committed to technical education and made a difference in the lives of thousands of kids. He always had a positive outlook and I considered it a privilege to work with him on the AYES Program. Tech Ed has lost a real champion and he will be missed.
don schultz

Mark Yeager

June 6, 2013

Tom Lopp started coaching soccer at NTHS when I was a freshman, and took over the varsity team when I was a junior. He worked hard to be the best coach possible, and it showed in his 10 years in that role. My time on the NTHS soccer team has had a very positive impact on my life, and Tom was an integral part of that experience.

Jon Halvorson

June 6, 2013

Dear Kathy & Family: So sorry for your loss. Tom was an outstanding, compassionate soul and will be greatly missed by many. I fondly remember working many Democratic campaigns with you and especially the wonderful bowling fundraiser your son conducted. Remember the good times. Jon W. Halvorson, former Mayor of Lacey

Len & Liz Booth

June 6, 2013

Kathy & Family:
Tom was one of the most fun-loving loyal friends anyone could ever have. His light has left our lives but his memories will remain forever.

Venetia Holbrook

June 6, 2013

Dear Kathleen,
Tom was a mentor to me for as many years as I have been in CTE. He had a subtle leadership style that was effective and impactful. I was always impressed by his knowledge and ability to make anyone comforatble right away. His positive outlook and support will be something I remember my whole life. He will be dearly missed, but his good influence will be felt every day.

Dennis & Diane Martin

June 5, 2013

Tom Lopp will always be "outstanding in his field." Thank you Tom for your encouragement, enthusiasm, and faithfulness. Thank you for sharing your bright shinning star with all of us. When we remember you, we will with a smile. You gave so much to so many. We will miss you Tom. Until we meet again.... May you rest in Gods arms. We love you.

Ron Jensen

June 5, 2013

RIP Tom, thank-you for all of your dedicated work and service and the love and time you gave to others. Kathleen & family, thank-you for sharing Tom's time with all of us who he helped and taught. His time with us physically was not long enough but his work and memory will live on forever, he touched a lot of lives.

Anne Moneymaker

June 5, 2013

Dear Kathy,
I'm thinking of you and sending my deepest sympathy. Tom was such a special, kind, funny man...and you two were among the best couples I've ever had the opportunity to know. I can still see the two of you smiling at each other...playing off of Tom's humor. We know he is pain free now and spreading his smile and humor in heaven. I hope to see you soon.
-Anne Moneymaker and family (Yakima, WA)

Tami Palmer

June 3, 2013

Dear Kathleen and family,
I'm saddened to hear about Tom's passing. I pray you will find some peace and comfort in the memories of your wonderful life together. His love of family was so apparent, even to those who didn't know him well. Please take care.

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