Washington - Dr. Robert John Kropp was born March 8, 1937, in Seattle and passed away surrounded by family on July 6, 2022. He attended Ballard High School, but dropped out at age 17 to join the Air Force where he served as a jet mechanic. He immediately knew he did not want a military career; he wanted to become a doctor. After discharge he attended the University of Washington for both undergraduate and medical school, graduating in 1965 with a wife, Margie and four small children.

Robert's medical internship was at Hennepin County General Hospital, Minneapolis, followed by a two year general surgery residency at UW and two more years of general surgery residency at Swedish Hospital. Finally, he attended the University of Texas, Galveston for a three year plastic surgery residency. After these long eight years he moved back to Seattle and opened a private practice specializing in adult reconstructive/cosmetic surgery as well as pediatric craniofacial/birth defects. His surgical skills were truly exceptional which led him to serve as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Seattle Children's from 1980-1990. He improved the lives of countless babies and children needing specialized and high-risk surgery; it was his passion to give back in this way and pediatrics was a third of his practice. His adult patients thought he was top notch, and referred their friends and family to him. After retirement he was often contacted by former patients (or their parents) who communicated their gratitude for how his surgical skills and practical advice had transformed their lives, which gave him great joy.

In retirement he kept busy auditing UW Law School classes, spending time in Sun Valley, and traveling. Even though he technically hadn't lived in Ballard for many years, he always asked every new acquaintance where they went to high school and if the answer was Ballard, he made an instant friend.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Karen, his four children: Jeff (Dana), Michael (Susan), John (Kim), Marianne (Dave); his step-daughters: Heather (Neil), Lindsey (Steve), Margo (Mark); 28 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his sister Joanne Conrad. He will be remembered by his family as an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He will also be remembered as an extremely gifted and selfless surgeon by the medical community and his numerous patients and their families. His legacy lives on in his family as well as all the lives he touched over the years.

A private celebration of his life will be held July 27. Donations can be made in his honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

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