H. R. 24
(Delegates Cann, Fragale, Linch and Warner)
"In memory of Donald L. Kopp, former member, former Speaker
and former Clerk of the House of Delegates from the County of
Harrison."
WHEREAS, Donald L. Kopp was born May 23, 1935, the son of
Francis and Jenny Kopp, in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
Don Kopp was educated in the public schools of the State and
immediately following his graduation, went to work in the glass
plants of Clarksburg, working alongside his father. He quickly
became an officer in the union representing glassworkers and stayed
true to organized labor for the remainder of his life.
Married to Beverly Wyckoff, they had three children: Donald L,
II, Jenny Le, Tina Marie, and four grandchildren.
His public service began at the early age of twenty-nine, when
he was first elected to the House of Delegates and continued for
more than thirty years. After having served twelve years as a
member and Chairman of the Committee on Industry and Labor and the
Committee on Interstate Cooperation, he was elected Speaker of the
House at the beginning of the 63rd Legislature. Following a severe
heart attack and a hiatus of two years, Don Kopp was reelected to
the House in 1980 and served as Speaker Pro Tempore until January
1, 1983, when he was appointed Clerk of the House, following the
resignation of former Clerk C. A. Blankenship. He was elected Clerk of the House on January 12, 1983, and continued in that position
until his retirement on December 31, 1995.
A strong Democrat during his entire life, he served as First
Vice Chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Executive Committee
and was active in party affairs. His political advice was sought
after by many who knew him.
Next to his grandchildren, his greatest enjoyment came from
riding his motorcycle. It was not uncommon for him to plan weekend
trips in the wilds of West Virginia to enjoy the natural beauty of
the State and the friendliness and openness of her citizens whom he
encountered at his many stops along the way. Once he even rode
his motorcycle across four states to attend the annual meeting of
the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries in
Illinois.
Donald Kopp ended his life as we know it on the 13th day of
June, 1996, in a fashion he would have himself chosen: riding his
bicycle with his son, Donny.
The Legislature has lost a friend, the House of Delegate has
lost a friend, colleague, and mentor; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That this House of Delegate hereby formally notes the life,
service and passing of Donald L. Kopp., Member, Speaker and Clerk
of the House, that it extends sincere expressions of its collective
sorrow to his surviving wife, son, daughters and grandchildren, and
that it recognize the years, service and accomplishments of a son, father, grandfather and friend; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates
prepare certified copies of this resolution for the family of
Donald L. Kopp.