I first met Frank when he lived in his geodesic dome in South Lake Union. Later, we became friends, and I convinced him to move into our collective home, Prag House, where he served as a steady voice of reason for the eighteen of us trying to figure out how to live cooperatively. Unfortunately, he couldn’t convince everyone to let him roast a lamb in our front yard. Main objection: “What would the neighbors think? We’re vegetarians!” Afterward, the state legislature was a bit easier to navigate in getting things done.

After Frank moved out, we worked together on issues such as preventing Sonic's owners from shifting the financial burden of building a new arena onto the city. We worked together on other efforts like saving Pacific Hospital for community needs and establishing Seattle's only live-in facility for TBI survivors. Above all, he was a close friend. We would entertain ourselves, laughing loudly as we recounted our foibles while walking around Green Lake. I miss him dearly.

Frank and I co-chaired the cascade community council.  He was all of 21 or so .. .we did amazing things ... I got him a bunch of summer youth core worked and he build such innovating experimental housing .. .and later when I was raising my child he bought me back in to activities  by asking me to save the downtown food bank .. which we did  .but besides the many things we did it was most important to me that he was such a good friend ... I was so proud that he asked me to tend the bar at his wedding ... Also spent a lot of time turning the lamb that were roasting ... Just so many things ...but just for now I will end by saying ... I knew someone for whom the governor ordered the lowering of flags ... Amazing 

Around the Mid-80's Frank served for a year or two as Director of the Market Senior Center where our downtown low income organizing project held monthly meetings.  We mounted a challenge to Paul Schells Waterfront Center Project that threatened over forty 1st Ave businesses. Frank put out a flyer for us headlined "the Schell Game". Paul got wind of it, called Frank and chewed him out. Frank and I had a really good laugh over that one.  With Franks help,our challenge won relocation money for all the business.  

A Social Justice Hero for the decades. Rep Chopp lit the fire to make Washington State a kinder place for all of Washington, and just as his family wrote, worked to create One Washington. He exuded optimism and opportunity to improve quality of live in our communities. I am honored to have spent time with him, though far too brief. I hope we can carry his spirit and presence going forward. We need it now more than ever !

I first met Frank when he hired me at the Fremont Public Association in 1978 (I think. That was a hell of a long time ago.) Somehow Frank, as an employee of the City at the North Seattle Community Service Center, was also the FPA Executive Director. Pretty sure nothing like that ever was done again. Those were amazing times. Frank was an awesome Executive Director in the school of thought where if you could do it you should. A sleepy housing counseling program was kickstarted into a broader range of services especially for renters and perhaps most noteworthy the birthing of the Displacement Coalition. Among my first collaborations with Frank was becoming a precinct committee representative so I could support him in some early political endeavor (being a convention delegate or something?) There also was some fun like the slivovitz fueled all night lamb roasts the night before the Fremont Fair. And that was not the wildest thing. Later there were all the game changing accomplishments we know well-creating the Housing Trust Fund, steering the first Seattle Housing Levy campaign, and being a one person Housing Caucus in the Legislature until others caught up. Most of all though I am grateful for being a friend and grateful for  meeting Frank at a pivotal point in my career which lead to a lifetime of activism in my personal and professional life.

— with Frank convincing two potential voters in Prag House dinning room to put him in the State Legislature

Frank was instrumental in creating Seattle's only live-in facility for those suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury, Brain Space operated by Provai. Without his guidance and leadership, it would never have existed received state assistance. My wife, Andrea, and I owe the secure future safety of her son to Frank.

Frank showed up in the Cascade Community as a young man, probably 19 or 20, attracted to the social action waged by the community council to protect low income housing in this geographic center of Seattle. I was impressed when he announced he'd be away for a week or so to develop his next five year plan. He was a visionary and strategist early on.

He worked with us to turn the apartment building behind the community center into cooperative low income housing, the Shelter Project. He was inspired to build his own "foam, dome home"  — which he set up behind the Lutheran church's community director's home. I fled to it to hide after a demonstration we held against the Seattle Times demolition of homes. 

He was a cherished friend of mine. Only a few years ago he joined us in Cascade at a restaurant on Republican Street, formerly my rental home. He introduced us to the new Cascade Community Council who told us about the housing preservation they were working on with Frank. 

I met Frank while working at the Low Income Housing Institute.  I was able to witness first hand his passion for the homeless crisis in our state. I listened to him speak at several meetings, ground breakings, and round table meetings.  Shortly after he passed away, I was looking at Washington State Housing Finance Commission's website and came across their homeownership programs.  I saw Frank's name connected with the Covenant Homeownership program.  I was unsure about the program and called Sharon Lee to confirm the details.  She assured me it was real and encouraged me to move forward and to tell others about it.  It is because of him that my son and I are now becoming first time homeowners.  It is because of his part in advocating for the State Legislature to pass the Covenant Homeownership Act that I am able to provide this legacy to my son.  If I had not recognized Frank's name, I may not have taken the first step.  I wish I could see him one more time to express my heartfelt gratitude and respect for his relentless advocacy and for making this a reality.  I keep looking at a photo of Frank and somehow, it's as if I'm standing in front of him and he is telling me that he knows this is happening for our family and he's smiling because he always knew this would happen - it's surreal.  

It has been a privilege and honor to work with Frank Chopp in different roles on many and varied projects for over 34 years. Frank supported others and led with vision, steadfast commitment, and profound compassion for justice and those in need. His tireless effort improved lives, uplifted spirits, strengthened bonds and bolstered community alliances. Frank’s contributions have left a lasting mark that will continue to improve lives long into our future through social services programs, housing initiatives and support for education.

I am grateful for the wisdom, leadership, kindness and time he shared so freely with me.    I am grateful to his family for allowing him the time to do all he did for others. 

This is Veterans’ Village, a tiny home community in Shelton, Washington. Like countless other affordable living spaces in Washington, Frank played a pivotal role in this community coming into existence. He discussed that role, with typical modesty, in a podcast that he and I recorded at the Capitol last year. That episode of “Capitol Ideas” was reposted on March 25, 2025 (http://bit.ly/4kHk7zN) That was the final long conversation I was fortunate to have had with Frank during my 30 years as a caucus staffer, and it’s the one I’ll treasure most. My condolences go out to everyone who knew, admired, and loved this special man.

As House Democratic Caucus Staff we had a front row seat to watch the combination of passion and strategy that drove Speaker Chopp as he worked to help the most vulnerable people in the state. It is not an easy job, but one of the most rewarding things I have done and I believe we are all better public servants because of Frank. Here he is with some of us in 2017 in the “wings” after a big bill passed off the floor of the House. With Dominique Meyers, Me, Suchi Sharma, K.D. Chapman-See, Debbie Driver and the Speaker.

Frank was a phenomenal political strategist and wonderful human being. He used his exceptional skills to improve the lives of the most vulnerable.  For 50 years I marveled on how he brought people together to pursue initiatives that made our lives better. He showed us how politics can be a force for good. I cherished our friendship and still can't believe he is gone. 

Frank, Marilyn Watkins, and John Burbank the evening the Legislature passed the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act into law — with Frank Chopp, John Burbank and Marilyn Watkins

Frank in the early days of TVW

Frank and I were about to go to lunch at Red Robin. I was picking him up at his community center in Fremont. There was an elderly couple that was seeking some assistance. Even though he could have had someone else assist this couple, he personally made sure they were taken care of before we left for lunch. I was so touched. I also remember how he make it a point to say good-bye to his grandmother before we went out. She couldn't speak a word of English but you could tell love it and loved him.

 

Frank spoke at the opening celebration of The Tony Lee Apartments in Lake City. He is here with Mayor Jenny Durkan, Alice Woldt, Larry Gossett and supporters. Frank paid a tribute honoring Tony’s work in the state legislature advancing social justice. Frank and Tony were quite the team advancing programs to expand opportunities and alleviate poverty. They will be forever remembered for their contribution to the people of Washington.

We think this is from a Nick Licata campaign event — with Frank Chopp and Jon Gould

Frank at the opening celebration of LIHI’s Sand Point Cottage Community at Magnuson Park, June 2023. He was instrumental in working with LIHI and the City of Seattle to create 22 cottages in a beautiful park setting for formerly homeless families, veterans and seniors.

Frank at the opening celebration of LIHI’s Sand Point Cottage Community at Magnuson Park, June 2023. He was instrumental in working with LIHI and the City of Seattle to create 22 cottages in a beautiful park setting for formerly homeless families, veterans and seniors.