John Popa, the most senior member of the Leelanau County Road Commission and the second longest-serving member of the Lake Leelanau Lake Association (LLLA) board, passed away last Friday at the age of 79. Popa had been involved in a traffic accident on August 13, and ultimately succumbed to his injuries from that crash.

“It is will deep sadness that we share the passing of one of our longest-standing board members, John Popa,” the LLLA shared in a Facebook post earlier this week. “John served on the Association's board of directors for about 20 years, always strong in his passion and love for Lake Leelanau. He will be dearly missed.”

A local native, Popa was born in Traverse City in 1945, graduated from Suttons Bay High School in 1963, and married his wife Gayle at Traverse City’s Immaculate Conception Church in January of 1966. He attended Northwestern Michigan College, Ferris State University, and Michigan Tech University, ultimately earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the latter.

Popa’s engineering career took him into the energy sector, but he’s perhaps best known in northern Michigan for his public service, having served three terms on the Leelanau County Road Commission in addition to his two decades serving the LLLA. Popa was still serving on both boards when he died.

A full obituary for Popa can be read here. Those wishing to honor the man and his life can do so at a visitation service planned for today, Friday, September 13, at Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay. The service will take place from 5-8pm, with a rosary to be prayed at 7pm. Popa’s funeral service will follow tomorrow, Saturday, at 11am, with visitation to start at 10am at St. Michael’s Church in Suttons Bay.

Popa was seriously hurt on August 13, when the Polaris Ranger UTV he was driving was struck by another vehicle. He passed away after being placed into Munson Hospice House for end-of-life care.