Milton Rae \\"Kip\\" Oppegaard, age 74, of Topsail Beach died Friday, March 26, 2010 at his home.

He was born in Valley City, North Dakota and was the son of the late Martin Milton Oppegaard and Blanche Oppegaard Bourgeois. Also lovingly remembered is his wife of 39 years, Annette Boryk Oppegaard.

Surviving are his son, Michael Oppegaard and his wife, Susanne of Hampstead; daughter, Michelle O. Weaver and her husband, Eric Weaver, Sr. of Raleigh; grandchildren, Eric Michael Weaver, Jr. and Anna Amelia Boryk Weaver; brothers, David Oppegaard of West Belmar, NJ, Bobby Oppegaard of Shreveport, LA and Stephen Bourgeois of Mt. Vernon, WA; special friends who were like sisters, Margarette "Missy" Lindsey and Jackie Darr; and all of Kip's "South End Family".

As a young child Kip moved from Valley City to Seattle, Washington and then in 1946 to Vashon Island, Washington. At the age of 17 years Kip joined the US Navy serving during the Korean Conflict. After serving his country Kip worked on Alaskan Trawlers. In September of 1968 he married Annette and in 1970 they moved to Topsail Beach where they raised Michael and Michelle and spent many happy years. He was owner and operator of Topsail Sound Pier from 1971 to 2005. He was always active in the Topsail Beach community, serving as a Medical Technician Instructor, Town Commissioner from 1975 to 1981 and mayor from 1983 to 1999. Kip was a man of many talents; a musician playing the drums, fisherman, sail boater and restaurateur. Cherished memories of Kip Oppegaard and his lively stories, love of laughter and caring for others will always be remembered.

The family will receive friends 5 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw and also a cordial invitation is extended to attend a reception at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 29, at the Assembly Building at Topsail Beach.

Graveside services for M. R. "Kip" Oppegaard will be private. Casketbearers will be Keith Griffin, Kenny Sessions, Wes Reynolds, Randy Holladay, Mark Sloan, Ricky Smith, Jamie Williams, and Dave Gardner.

Memorial gifts to Historical Society of Topsail Island, PO Box 2645, Surf City, NC 28445 or to Sea Turtle Hospital, PO Box 3012, Topsail Beach, NC 28445.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com