Tripop Noiwan

Tripop Noiwan, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2026. He was 58 years old. Tripop was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Kelly Turner; his brothers, Chin, Chatch (Heather), and Sompop (Marnie); his nephews and nieces, Guy, Gabby, Phoenix, and Marley; and many friends who will miss him deeply.

The Great Gatsby was Tripop’s favorite book — a story about brilliance and fragility, about love that shapes us and dreams that propel us forward. He was drawn to its belief in possibility, and he carried that same quiet optimism throughout his life.

Tripop was born in Nong Khai, Thailand, to Saeng and Thanomsri Noiwan. In the 1970s, he and his family immigrated to the United States, first settling briefly in California before making their home in Northern Virginia. He attended Annandale High School, where he played tennis with his older brothers, dabbled in graphic arts, and did his best — most of the time — to stay out of trouble.

After high school, Tripop enlisted in the United States Army. He completed training at Fort Knox, where he was named Soldier of the Year, and was later deployed to Germany as an air-to-surface missile operator during the last stages of the Cold War. His fascination with aircraft began there and never left him; even decades later, he could identify nearly any plane by sight or sound alone.

He loved recounting stories from his time overseas — spirited exchanges taunting Russian and Czech soldiers across the border, using a weekend pass to attend a Madonna concert, or charming Dutch girls — tales always delivered with humor, pride, and just a hint of mischief. That lifelong passion for aviation made him an enthusiastic, if unofficial, tour guide at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, where outings with family and friends often turned into detailed, all-day history lessons. No one was safe from being “dragged” to an air show if one was within driving distance. He was the kind of man who could turn a casual museum visit into a master class in history.

In recent years, Tripop proudly volunteered at the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, sharing his knowledge and love of military history with visitors. Service to his country — and to its stories — remained a steady thread throughout his life.

Tripop earned his undergraduate degree in History from George Mason University and later completed a master’s degree in Security Policy Studies at George Washington University. Never one to stop learning, he pursued an MBA at George Mason in his late 40s. Local librarians knew him by his first name, and he always had an audiobook on hand while doing the dishes, driving, or getting ready. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he began his career in the late 1990s in the graphic arts sector, helping publishing companies navigate rapid technological change. He later built a career in the defense technology field, where his analytical mind and customer-focused approach served him well.

It was at George Washington University that Tripop met Kelly — the love of his life and his partner for 26 years. He liked to say he had always dreamed of marrying the Vlasic Pickle girl with the blond ringlets, and that when he found her, he would be the happiest man alive. When he met Kelly, he believed he had.

Tripop and Kelly shared a life filled with laughter, loyalty, sports, dogs, adventure, and silliness. They traveled the world side by side, returning often to beloved places across Asia, South America, and Europe. They dreamed of one day crisscrossing the country in an RV — though Tripop insisted that mandatory hotel stops would be required in lieu of too many campgrounds. Eventually, they hoped to retire in Thailand.

When they weren’t exploring somewhere new, they cherished quiet evenings at home, often winding down with Netflix or watching movies. Tripop loved the films of Whit Stillman and Richard Linklater and could watch them on repeat. Before Sunrise was his favorite, cherished for its dialogue — which he could recite by heart. He was also a lifelong Star Wars fan, drawn to its mix of adventure, loyalty, and the enduring belief that light ultimately prevails. Kelly even built him a light saber to hang in his office — mismatched aesthetic and all. That, too, was love.

Tripop also had an over-the-top love for New Wave music, especially Depeche Mode and New Order. When the music came on, he couldn’t help but wiggle his hips — enthusiastically and without apology — proving that coolness was entirely optional when joy was involved. His friends and wife made repeated attempts to update his musical taste over the years, but he remained steadfastly loyal. Some things, in his view, simply did not need improvement.

His love of Washington sports was legendary. He was a devoted fan of the Redskins — now the Commanders — and once skipped high school to be front and center during a Super Bowl victory parade, proudly preserving the front-page newspaper photo that captured the moment. He was equally passionate about the Capitals; his Dino Ciccarelli jersey was worn faithfully to every game for more than twenty years, unless Kelly insisted it be washed.

Tripop’s laugh and good nature were infectious. His love for others was unmatched. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and felt most himself when serving others — whether friends, family, or animals in need. It was in those quiet, generous acts that his character shone brightest.

He loved deeply, laughed often, and showed up fully — and he will be missed beyond measure.

Tripop will be cremated in a private service at the Murphy Funeral Home in Arlington, VA. The family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Penderbrook Community Clubhouse, 3704 Golf Trail Lane, Fairfax, VA 22033.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tripop’s honor to a local animal shelter or to The Army Historical Foundation. Friends and family may also contribute to his Forever Missed online memorial.