I first met Frank in the early 1990s on the Sand Point Community Liaison Committee, which was tasked with coming up with a recommended master plan for Naval Station Puget Sound adjacent to Magnuson Park, which had been surplused by the feds. Frank represented the Seattle King County Coalition on Homelessness and the interests of homeless service providers in acquiring some of the property for housing and services for people who were unhoused. I was his alternate on the committee, and attended the meetings, which were led by former city council member Jeanette Williams and included representatives of all the neighborhood organizations in the area, and other interested parties. As you might imagine, the idea of housing hundreds of formerly homeless people in the park was not the most popular idea among the power brokers in the room. But over a 2+ year planning process, Frank slowly warmed the group up to the idea. One of his most effective strategies was bringing his young daughter, Ellie, to the early morning meetings and plopping her in her car seat on the table in front of him at the start of the meeting. For the representatives of community orgs in the area it was hard to maintain fear and distrust of potential homeless services/people in the face of this hard working dad, supporting his hard working wife by taking his turn at childcare. Ellie and Frank charmed the crowd and soon everyone was on the same page, figuring out how to include 200 units of housing in the master plan. 

Nancy and family -- my heart goes out to you all in the loss of your Husband & Dad, Frank.  A life well lived but cut short.  My thoughts and support are with you, Nancy, as you navigate this journey....so many good memories and the support of many who know you and rremember Frank.... to help you navigate this journey forward.

Sandy

Devastated by this news — we were all together just a few months ago.

Frank was a great ally, securing programs and funding for UW — 

The entire Seattle community will miss him deeply. Sending warmest wishes to his family — 

My condolences to Frank's family. I first met Frank when he and I were elected to the House of Representatives in 1994. I was an R and he was a D and even though we disagreed on many political issues, we always remembered that "freshman class connection".  I moved to the senate in 96 before he was the Speaker, but we always maintained our friendship. He was gracious with power and always tried to help me where he could throughout our time together in the legislature-I did the same. A true gentleman and real colleague and friend. I will miss his him and his positive smile. 

Every year since 1994 I would meet with Frank Chopp in Olympia. We shared a passion for housing issues and work on solving problems. I appreciated his "roll up our sleeves" and "let's figure it out" style and his decades of service. Frank was passionate about causes he held dear. My condolences to the family on your loss of a loved one. He was a great man and left the world a better place through his service to our state. 

Sending my condolences to Frank's family! One memory of Frank that stood out to me was that he made time to have a meal with me to strategize ways to keep the youth philanthropy program, Penny Harvest, running when we encountered financial challenges.  Despite his busy schedule, he made time for me and countless others that shared his values of social justice. I am so appreciative of his leadership, his kindness and his advocacy! 

Thank you Frank for All You’ve done for low income families and séniors. You will be missed! 

With Frank Chopp's passing, a brilliant champion of affordable housing and a personal hero of mine was lost. Frank spent his whole career fighting for the most vulnerable, and finding new ways to fund affordable housing, health and community building.

Where others would complain about problems or say there was not enough money, time and time again Frank Chopp would just suggest a creative solution to get the money and then go get it in Olympia. From the Housing Trust Fund, to setting aside surplus TOD land for affordable housing, direct appropriations and combing health and housing, Frank made it possible.

A favorite memory is Frank at the opening of 12th Avenue Arts. It was not an opportunity to ramble on about a policy. It was a chance to make the case for arts AND housing, further a movement and motivate us all to fight harder.

Chopp recited James Oppenheimer’s poem “Bread and Roses” to great effect: “Hearts starve as well as bodies; give us bread, but give us roses!” he roared as the assembled artists and politicians stood up and cheered.

And then he woke up the next day and kept fighting.

-Michael Seiwerath, SouthEast Effective Development

I'm so sorry to read of Frank's sudden passing.  The Fremont Public Association was in full bloom when I moved to Seattle.  I have affordable internet service because of their program.  I have updated my service with every organization change.  I'm grateful for Frank's leadership for all people of the Great State of Washington.  His visionary leadership will be missed.

My condolences to his family and many friends. I met frank while homeless and advocating for the housing trust fund. He was so kind to me during a difficult time in my life! I’m forever grateful for my housing at Sandpoint (solid ground). He changed so many life’s including mine! Rest in peace Frank and ThankYOU for your kindness! Amen

I was devastated when I heard the news of Frank's passing. Loss by death is always painful, but sudden death seems more so to me. 

No words are adequate to express how devastating this loss is to the state of Washington. Frank got stuff done well to help people who need support. He was a modest person with a huge heart and brain. I admired Frank for how much he gave of himself to make Washington state a better place. Nancy, I am a neighbor and a widower. I will stop by sometime to see if you want to meet up for a walk.

Rest in Peace Frank. 

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Frank Chopp. This news, came as a shock to us all. Frank dedicated his life to fighting for low-income individuals and families, and his impact on our communities is immeasurable. His unwavering commitment to equity and his tireless advocacy for affordable housing, healthcare, and economic opportunity have left a lasting legacy for Washingtonians.

At Open Doors for Multicultural Families, we will always remember his kindness and his support for the development of Multicultural Villages over the past three years. Frank believed in the idea of One Washington—that by putting everyday people first, government can do good work that improves lives. The best way we can honor his legacy is by continuing this vision: supporting one another, taking the time to understand each other, and finding joy in our shared humanity. Let us honor his legacy and work together to build a future where all people, regardless of background or ability, can thrive.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His work will continue to inspire us. Thank you, Frank, for being our friend, advocate, and ally.

Nancy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers for you in this time of loss. I did not know Frank but I followed his career because it always gave me the hope that someone was looking out for us in Washington State. A statesman who actually put people first. Thank you Frank Chopp.