Michael Dayton Roper

Michael “Mike” Roper, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2021 in Longmont, Colorado. He was born on October 11, 1943 in Seattle, Washington to the late Stanley and Maurine (Bingham) Roper.

Mike grew up and attended schools in the Missouri Ozarks. He started college at Southwest Missouri State where he met the love of his life, Ellen, and they were married on June 10, 1967. Mike continued his education and earned his Doctorate in Biochemistry from University of Missouri. He then went on to work for 30 years in the field of medical biochemistry conducting research and teaching.

Mike had a life-long love of music. He played trombone with multiple groups over the years, making memories and great friends along the way. He played with Jefferson Symphony Orchestra for 20 years, and most recently with Flatirons Community Orchestra and the Boulder Big Band. Not only did he play beautifully, but he also had a great appreciation of music and shared the meaning and emotion with those around him.

Mike was a born teacher with a love for life and learning. Every new hobby Mike undertook he embraced with enthusiasm that he shared with those around him. He loved camping, fishing, and flying model airplanes with his family and friends. He never met a stranger and enjoyed sharing stories and wisdom. He will always be remembered for the knowledge he shared and the things he taught us: strength, passion, and, most of all, love.

Mike is survived by a host of family that includes his devoted wife, Ellen F. Roper; children, Matt (Amy) Roper of Arvada, CO; Kim (Kristina) Cummings of Smyrna, TN; grandchildren, Matthew, Elijah, Zach and Noah; and brother, David (Carole) Roper of Oronogo, MO.

Visitation will be held on July 6, 2017 at 5:00 pm at Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman St, Longmont, CO. Funeral Service will be held on July 7, 2021 at 10:30 am at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 7077 Harvest Road, Gunbarrel, CO. Interment will be held on July 7, 2021 at Ryssby Cemetery, 9000 North 63rd Street, Longmont, CO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra www.jeffsymphony.org.