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 taught Agriculture, was a Future Farmers of America Advisor and coached boys soccer for 10 years at North Thurston High School and was named Black Hills Coach of the Year for 3 years. After his time at North Thurston High School, Tom left to work with professional organizations and state government. He served as president of WVA and AVA and was Region V Vice President and strongly believed in the value of professional associations. Tom finished his career as an Assistant Superintendent for Federal and State Legislation at Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Tom was well known for his unyielding positive attitude and outlook on life which he maintained even through his most challenging illnesses. He wore a golden “Attitude” pin every day and believed so strongly in the idea that attitude effects everything in life that he handed the pins out to nearly everyone he met. His fabulous sense of humor got him and everyone he came in contact with through even the most difficult days, and his smile would brighten up any room.

His foremost passion and love 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 and lives 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 grandchildren: Jakob Parrish, Josh Larson, Riley Lamont, Brady Larson, Jack Lamont, Christian Larson, Sawyer Lamont, Paiton Jensen, Samantha Lopp and Drew Lopp. 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 grandson John Morgan Lamont.

Family gave Tom the utmost pleasure and happiness in life. He loved to watch his grandchildren play football, baseball, basketball, soccer, and hockey. He recently began fishing off the dock in front of his home and taught Jakob how to fish two weeks prior to his passing and was looking forward to teaching his other grandchildren this summer as his health was improving. He shared his Seahawks season tickets with sons Brian and Joel who will be attending the upcoming games in their father’s honor. All who knew him know he was a diehard WSU Cougar and wore Coug clothing endlessly. His other hobbies included buying scratch tickets (he regularly gave the kids scratched tickets in their cards), playing slot machines, and cracking slapstick jokes. He and Kathleen recently had planned a trip to Las Vegas, his favorite city in the world. He also loved auctions and donated generously as well as making many purchases as is demonstrated by all the sports memorabilia at home. Tom loved life and lived it to its absolute fullest and made sure that everyone around him was doing so as well.

Tom loved his and Kathleen’s life together on the lake in their log home. He especially enjoyed having the kids, grandkids and friends there to go boating, tubing, jet skiing, fishing, playing cards and have a great time. He and Kathleen took many vacations to their favorite spots, including Hawaii, Mexico, and Las Vegas.

Tom was dedicated to Career and Technical Education. He and Kathleen enjoyed working together on legislative issues and were well known on the Hill as “The Lopps.” He pioneered three programs for Washington State students: The WAVE Award, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), and Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES). He was instrumental to the creation of the WAVE Award which has assisted over 4,000 students receive two years of tuition to higher education. During his work with his many friends in the legislature, he was instrumental in passing several bills that resulted in improved student learning and, consequently, the enhancement of the lives of students. He remained a Jobs for Washington’s Graduates board member because he truly believed that the program was the answer to improving the high school dropout rate. He often said, “Every child deserves the opportunity succeed and with JAG they will.” He was incredibly passionate about helping our most vulnerable youth. He worked with General Motors to develop the AYES curriculum which will educate and train students in high school to become certified auto technicians. He brought the program to Washington State when GM was only going to start it on the East Coast.

The Tom Lopp Memorial Scholarship has been established at WSECU to assist at-risk youth. Contributions can be made at any branch.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held June 21 at 2:00 pm at New Market Skills Center. Please feel free to wear your WSU, Seattle Mariners or Seattle Seahawks memorabilia if you wish.