Melvyn Frank Chopp

Melvyn Chopp of Gig Harbor passed away peacefully on June 26, 2019 at the age of 79 surrounded by his loving wife Ruth (Muyskens) Chopp of 57 years, and children David Chopp and Jennifer (Scott) Lommers. He is also survived by his grandchildren Henry Chopp, Kendel Chopp, Payton Lommers, and Carson Lommers, sisters Anita (Kelly) Robinson and Jo Anne (Earl) Wilson, and brother Frank (Nancy) Chopp.

Mel was an avid mathematician his entire life. After receiving his BS in Mathematics from UW and his MS in Education from U. Oregon, he taught math at Stadium HS in Tacoma for over 20 years, and then led the math and science education for the Tacoma School District for several years. He then left the Tacoma school district to teach several more years at Gig Harbor HS and Tacoma Community College. During summers he did odd jobs including working as a fire lookout for the Forest Service, computer programming for a local chemical company, and roofing houses.

Mel was also a multi-talented craftsman in his spare time doing fine woodworking, pottery, stained glass, and drawing. He built a cabin, two sailboats, a canoe, and furniture among other things. He also enjoyed fishing in Puget Sound and local lakes and camping all around the Northwest.

There will not be a memorial service. In leiu of gifts, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org) or the Michael J. Fox Foundation (www.michaeljfox.org) to support finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

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