Michael Popovich

Popovich proudly served in the US Navy during World War II from 1944 to 1946. Upon his return, encouraged by his younger brother Joe to use their swim talents to earn a college scholarship, they headed west to California. They both attended Santa Monica City College, and because there was no swim program there, they started one. Joe went on to swim for UCLA and Mike accepted a scholarship to the University of Oregon where he played football and swam. He went on to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees there. In Eugene, he met and married Karen Terry.

Mike Popovich always had a zest for life and an independent spirit. He loved being both an observer and participant in the lives of his family. He often flew to Chicago to visit all of his relatives there. Seeing both young and old brought him great joy. He often felt torn between his roots in Chicago and his love for Oregon. In 2008, he played a huge role in helping his granddaughter Lindsay Calmettes start her business, Beatnik Studios in Sacramento, which began as a photographers’ co-op and quickly morphed into a flourishing event venue. He could often be found wielding a vacuum or broom as they prepared for a wedding. Perhaps it reminded him of the big swim meets he once planned. In August 2014, he was an honored guest at the 6th year Anniversary and grand re-opening of the building Lindsay purchased in August 2013 to house the new and improved Beatnik Studios.

As everyone knew, Mike’s passion involved water, the ocean, whales and especially getting in for a swim. The only thing Popovich held in higher regard than swimming was his family. He was preceded in death by his wife Karen in 1992 and his beautiful youngest son Terry in 2009. He is survived by his sister: Dorothy (Dolly) Butkovic; his brother: Joe; his son: Michael and daughter-in-law Donna; his daughter: Karen; his grandchildren: Lindsay, Jett, Terrence, Kevyn, Trent, Tyra, Charles, and his great grandson: Terrence Jr., as well as many nieces and nephews. Popovich’s huge heart, his big smile and sparkly blue eyes will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to thank everyone for their loving support and kindness. A memorial service celebrating Mike’s life will be held at Lincoln Memorial Park, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd. on June 16, 2015 at 12:00 pm. A committal service will follow 1:00 pm at Willamette National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his honor to the Worship and Healing Center (PO Box 1146 Lincoln City OR 97367) or your favorite charity.