Robert "Skip" Vance Northrop

Skip grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from South Mecklenburg High School in 1966 and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1970. Those early years brought dear lifelong friendships, and he quite literally leaped tall buildings in his loyalty to his friends– In college he once climbed a fire escape at midnight to officially welcome his best friend’s first baby into the world.

Soon after graduating from UNC, Skip joined the Navy. He was honorably discharged and moved to Atlanta to pursue his MBA at Emory University, thanks to the GI Bill.

Soon after moving to Atlanta, he met the love of his life, Regina Elizabeth McConnell, a stunning and feisty elementary teacher from Alabama. Skip worked hard to win over Regina’s heart, loving every second of her tough as nails attitude and razor-sharp sense of humor. They went on to have a beautiful life together, joined by their two daughters, Melissa and Amanda.

In 2009, Regina was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and Skip took care of her in every way he could until the end of her life. Their daughter Amanda, a true light in Skip’s world, unexpectedly passed away in 2013, bringing another devastating loss.

After this deep pain, Skip found a second act of great joy in being a grandfather to his daughter Melissa’s two children– he said it was the best job ever. They affectionately called him “Grumps,” and he happily volunteered to be their babysitter-on-demand. He always told them he would love them enough for three; from teddy bears special-ordered from Harrod’s in London to swimming in the ocean together at the family’s favorite beach in Ocean Isle, NC, there’s no question that he did.

When he wasn’t spoiling Melissa’s children, he was doing one of his two favorite things: joy riding around Dunwoody in his convertible with his beloved toy poodle, Maddie; or holding court on Melissa’s back porch, laughing with his oldest daughter and razzing his son in law while they watched the Georgia Bulldogs on TV.

During his last 8 months of life, Skip taught his family one great final lesson as he reacted with love, bravery, and strength when he faced serious health problems with his usual good humor and without complaint.

If you asked a hundred people who Skip was, you’d hear a hundred different answers. Bigger than life. A successful businessman. A Tarheel. A Georgia Bulldog. The life of the party. A charmer. Best friend. Devoted husband. But if you asked him who he was– he would tell you he was first and most proudly a father and grandfather. We are so, so blessed that he was.

We are all devastated by this loss but find solace that he is now without pain and embraced by Jesus, Regina, and Amanda.

Skip is survived by his daughter, Melissa; her husband, Bryan; his two grandchildren, McConnell(9) and Brooks(7) and his faithful toy poodle, Maddie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Robert Northrop; wife, Regina Northrop and daughter, Amanda Northrop.

Skip’s family will host a memorial service at 11 am on December 8, 2022, at Perimeter Church, 9500 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097.

He had no favorite charity (just a favorite bar), so memorial donations can be made to wherever you deem appropriate.