Harvey Junior Hop, 95, of Paw Paw, formerly of Holland, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Grand Pines Assisted Living in Grand Haven.
He was born March 14, 1927, in Holland, Michigan, the son of James Hop and Laura (Mannes) Hop.
Harvey spent his childhood days in Holland where he was born. He would hang out at the local airport around the planes he was fascinated with. He was given a ride by a pilot that was quite thrilling and from that moment on, Harvey knew he wanted to be a pilot. As a young man growing up in the WWII era, Harvey served his country in the Army, where he was honorably discharged. He then owned Hop’s Furniture in Holland, but ultimately followed his heart back to aviation. Harvey took lessons and became a flight instructor and charter pilot for 15 years. He then became an air traffic controller for an additional 15 years serving in the Chicago area, Benton Harbor, and Kalamazoo.
In 1970 Harvey and his wife, Sylvia moved to Paw Paw where they raised their six children. The family enjoyed camping and outdoor activities. Sylvia began to have health concerns and Harvey eventually retired from the FAA. Following his retirement, he became the executive director of the Miller Court Senior Housing, allowing him to be closer to home to watch over Sylvia’s needs. After 44 years of marriage, Sylvia passed away.
Harvey married Beverly Morrison in 1990 and added two stepchildren and a dog to his family. Harvey and Beverly shared 26 years of marriage before her passing. After flying planes for 28 years and working at Miller Court for many years, Harvey retired. During his retirement, He enjoyed traveling throughout the countryside piloting a plane he shared ownership in. He also enjoyed his many hobbies, boating, fishing, Tigers Baseball, woodworking, music, and ballroom dancing. His passion for music spanned from singing in the church choir for 15 years to entertaining his daughters at assisted living homes. Harvey would play the harmonica while his daughters would accompany him on their sax, piano, and keyboard. He was a member of the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association), the Lake Cora Association, and a longtime active member at the First Presbyterian Church of Paw Paw.
Harvey is survived by his four daughters, Yvonne (Terrance) Bazan, Lauren (Marvin) Klooster, Mary (Ted) Griffin, Amy (Michael) Sims; two sons, James (Tena) Hop and Thomas (Rena) Hop; step-daughter, Lisa (Dann) Nixon; step-son, Dennis (Margie) Roossien; six granddaughters, Jill (Sam Hoyle) Bazan, Melisa (Mitch Johnson) Hop, Angela (Andy Kern) Hop, Mariann (William Nance) Hop, Maggie Sims and Katie Sims, one grandson, Timothy (Amy) Bazan; one brother, Larry (Diana) Hop along with many nieces and nephews.
Harvey was preceded in death by his first wife, Sylvia (Van Dis) Hop, and his second wife, Beverly (Morrison) Hop, his brother, Jerold Hop, and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Sims.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 15, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, where a celebration of life will commence at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating. Burial will conclude at Wildey Cemetery, Paw Paw.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, 18525 Woodland Ridge Drive, Spring Lake, MI 49456, or Wings of Mercy of West Michigan, 100 Pine Street, Ste 393, Zeeland, MI 49464.
