Richard H. Koop

Richard H. Koop, M.D., age 73, went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 9, 2012. He was a loving man who touched the hearts of many - family, friends, patients, co-workers. This love was evident as he and his family were showered with support, stories, and prayers throughout his brief battle with cancer. He was a Catholic man of great faith. Dick was a true patriot of the American spirit and loved this country. He was a very dedicated ophthalmologist, who loved helping others. Dick was born in Cincinnati, OH on April 12, 1938 to Henry and Mary Walsh Koop. They moved to Toledo in his senior year where he graduated from Central Catholic High School and met the love of his life, Kathy Tremmel. He graduated from the University of Toledo where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Dick went on to graduate from medical school at Marquette University. A Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy, he served at the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, NC. He was a longtime ophthalmologist in the Toledo area. Through his life experiences, Dick found the love of Christ and continued to grow in his faith. His peace in going Home was beautiful and touching. His true wish was to share this faith so that others would grow through his example. Dick was a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes and a longtime member of St. Josephs Catholic Church in Sylvania where he remained actively involved with his family. For over 41 years, Dick practiced as an ophthalmologist in the Toledo area. With hard work and dedication, his practice grew and included Optical Illusion. He later merged practices with a good friend to create Associated Eye Care. As a member of the Academy of Medicine of Toledo and Lucas County, he served in a number of leadership roles from 1970-1991 including serving as President of the Academy. He also served as President of the Ohio Ophthalmology Society. Throughout his career, he provided eye care for those in need at his office, at the clinic at St. Vincent Medical Center, Mission Cataract, and through Midwest Medical Missions in the Dominican Republic. Dick was a member of Stone Oak Country Club where he enjoyed golfing and tennis. His best golf memory included a hole-in-one while on vacation with friends and family in Palm Springs. He also enjoyed rollerblading, speed skating and anything that kept him active. Dick was very proud of his Irish heritage and his large extended family, which meant the world to him. He was always supporting his children and grandchildren in their various activities including coaching his sons in hockey. He enjoyed traveling with his close-knit family and friends where they made great memories. Last summer, he went surfing in the Pacific Ocean with his grandchildren and caught his first Blue Marlin. Dick was always willing to go the extra mile to please and exceed the expectations of others. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Dick is survived by his wife and best friend, Kathy Koop. Their love has been an inspiration to others. This July, the family will honor and celebrate their fifty wonderful years of marriage. Dick is also survived by his children, Lynne Colin Clark of Atlanta, Mike Andrea Koop of Houston, Doug Michelle Koop of Sylvania and Kim Jim Lynch of Columbus; grandchildren, Beatrix Clark, Lauren and Katie Koop, Kaeli, Connor, Kelsie, and Karlee Koop, Brady and Addie Lynch; siblings, Denny Dianne Koop; Mary Jane Mike DelVerne and Carol Ann Judge Steve Yarbrough; a large, loving, extended family and many close friends. His nine grandchildren will carry the joy of their awesome Papa in their hearts forever. Visitation will be on Friday from 3 to 9 pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., west of Corey Rd. where a scripture service will be held at 7:30 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 am at St. Josephs Catholic Church, 5373 S. Main St., Sylvania. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 15120 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693, American Cancer Society, 740 Commerce Drive, Suite B, Perrysburg, OH 43551 or Gliding Stars of Toledo, P.O. Box 2526, Toledo, OH 43606. The family has been touched and inspired by the many wonderful stories of Dicks love. Stories and condolences may be shared online at walkerfuneralhomes.com