Terrence G. Popravak

Terrence G. Popravak 1942 – 2026 Mr. Terrence G. Popravak, 83, passed away at home in Vancouver, WA on Wednesday, September 7, 2026 after several months of illness. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 25, 1942, the second of two sons of Nicholas L. Popravak and Jane Popravak, nee Danielewicz. Terry carried a jovial heart that lifted the spirits of everyone around him, giving of himself tirelessly and without hesitation to support others. Terry attended Chicago Vocational School where he graduated in the class of 1960. He then joined the Illinois Air National Guard and served with his older brother Nicholas in the 217th Ground Electronics Engineering Installation Agency (GEEIA) Squadron from 1960 to 1966. Terry married the love of his life, Helen M. Casey, in Gulfport, Mississippi on October 25, 1960 and they started a family. Father of seven children born between 1961 and 1980, Terry moved through the world with a soul on fire - a light so genuine that anyone who crossed his path felt instantly lifted. Terry was a faithful parishioner at St. Joseph’s and attended mass until this recent illness caused him to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from home. Terry worked hard to support and provide for his family, including but not limited to the steel mills, telephone company and TWA Airlines before he became a Patrolman in the Chicago Police Department’s Third District in 1967. He moved his family to Vancouver in 1972 and the city’s Police Department, but was shot in the line of duty in late 1973 and medically retired. Terry then worked police radio dispatch, and in 1976 became an original member of the new combined 911 service in Clark Regional Communications Agency. In 2001 he joined the city’s Parks & Recreation Department at the Marshall Center, then moved over to the Public Works Department and the section which maintained the street signs all around the city until his retirement a few years later. Terry studied at Clark College, then composed his memoir of police service in Chicago titled “Grand Crossing,” an unpublished work now being transcribed by family members for publication. He is survived by his children, Terrence G. Popravak, Jr., Dawn M. Figlioli, Daniel P. Popravak, Erik J. Popravak, Nicholas A. Popravak and Michael J. Popravak, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, his wife Helen and daughter Colleen. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations in honor of Terry’s memory be made to the United Services Organization (USO) or the Humane Society of SW Washington. “I command you: Be strong and steadfast. Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Terrence G. Popravak

March 25, 1942 - January 7, 2026