John Edward Popp

On Tuesday, May 21st, John Popp, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend lost his battle against vascular dementia. He was the son of John and Louella Popp, born in Chicago Illinois in 1940. Before retiring and moving to California, he worked as a college physics teacher for over 30 years. He was devoted to all forms of learning, loved science, and enthusiastically embraced all forms of inquiry and discovery. He was never so happy as when he was proving (or disproving) a theory or debating a topic.

John is survived by his wife and two children and two grandchildren and leaves a strong legacy within his family. He was the kind of person who always tried to help or support others. He never failed to step up in support of the family.

In his lifetime, he taught in a college and on a navy ship, built a barn, rebuilt a TR3b, tore 2x4s to make a 15’ canoe, created furniture, served in the Air Force, helped rebuild a Spanish galleon for the San Diego Maritime Museum, built and learned how to play a guitar, and lost many battles to ants (much to everyone’s chagrin).

But we see his spirit alive in each of us. We see it in his daughter, Susan, who is always building and creating things. We see it in his son, David, in his giving and support of his family and ability to think through problems. We see him in his granddaughter, Abbi, in her academics and practical nature, and we see him in his grandson, Nathan, in his passion to enjoy life and adventure.

One man, so many sides, and so much impact. He will be missed.

A service for close friends and family will be held in September to honor his memory.