Opie passed away at his home, March 1st, after his brave fifteen-year battle with cancer. Opie entered the world on April 2, 1964 in Butte as the fourth of five children to Roberta (Opie) Dapp and Lawrence Dapp.
He graduated from Butte High School in 1983 and went on to attend Northern University. Soon after he went on to work and continue his education in Las Vegas, Nevada. He worked in a few casinos before finding his dream job as a Slot Technician at the beautiful Venetian and Palazzo Resort. He worked there for twenty-two years and made many close friends who he considered his second family.
Our Opie was loved by his parents, siblings, and especially by his beloved nieces and nephews. He never missed a graduation or a wedding. All children loved him due to his infectious laugh and crazy sense of humor. He spent a few of his summers as a camp counselor at Legendary Lodge, the Juvenile Diabetes Camp, and Camp Huff N Puff where he was very popular with the young campers. All children and animals gravitated towards him.
Opie was a man of unique talents. As a teenager he taught himself to juggle and ride an eight-foot unicycle. He loved music since he was a tiny boy and attended dozens of heavy metal concerts over the years. He had an extensive collection of comic books, movie posters, video games, and action figures. He loved going to the movies and could quote every one. It was super fun going to the movies with him because of his hilarious laugh and enthusiasm. Opie was a wealth of information and could answer almost all the questions on Jeopardy.
He absolutely loved living in Las Vegas but unfortunately for him, and fortunately for us, Opie had to move home for health issues. Our family admired his strength through his surgeries and numerous cancer treatments. The last two years, Opie had to travel every two weeks for cancer treatment, first to UCLA and then to the Huntsman Cancer Center in Salt Lake City. He rarely complained about his pain and fatigue through these trips. His mother, siblings, and brothers in law were honored to accompany him on his travels for treatment. These trips brought us all closer and we finally got to enjoy his company after all these years he was away from home.
Opie was proceeded in death by his father and stepmother, Lawrence and Teresa Dapp, and brothers in law Steve Brodie and Jack Gray. He is survived by our wonderful mother Roberta Dapp, his brother Dale (AnneMarie) Dapp, sisters Ruth Ann (John) Davis, Lea (Bryon) Stillwagon, Melani (Scott) DeMarois, and step-brothers Bill, Chuck, Joe, Terry, and John Martin and their families, several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
Opie was a beautiful example of hope as he never gave up on the idea that he would overcome his cancer. He always talked about the things he would do when he got better.
We love you Opie and we hope there are tacos in heaven because Jesus wouldn’t like to see you hangry.
Friends may call Saturday after 10:00 am at Holy Spirit Parish. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center or Huntsman Cancer Center, Salt Lake City Utah.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Opie.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Opie and his family.
Cindy Marshall says
Melanie and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you ❤️
Ed Symanski says
I worked with Opie since 2007. He was a great guy to work with. He’s been missed since he left. Used to have some great conversations about movies, TV shows. I am so sorry for your loss.
Janice (Opie) Hunt says
So Long, Dear Nephew, I will remember you as a perfect roly poly new born Baby and a courageous and delightful grown man. I appreciated our talk about your Grandmother Ruth when she died. You seemed to know how comforting that was to me. I always enjoyed your quiet quips and warm chuckle. You will be missed and always thought of as being clever, kind, funny and loving. Good bye for now, Love, Aunt Janice
Brad Miller says
I had the pleasure to work with Opie at the Venetian. He was someone that I always looked up to and enjoyed working with. I will cherish all the memories we had. This one hits hard. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends! Rest in Peace brother!
John says
I can’t think of any other guy that I didn’t know that I really really wish I could’ve got to know better , everything I ever heard about Opie was , well , just attractive if that makes sense , my sincere condolences 💐 to Ruth Ann , Dale , Lea and especially Melani and Roberta , I know how much you all loved him , I lost my Bro, in 2008, it’s so hard , I do remember feeling some relief that his suffering was over, I certainly will pray for you all . Love and prayers sincerely, John Willard
Andrea says
Ruth Ann and Roberta, So sorry to read about this. My sympathy to you and your families.
, Cindy Fawcett says
Hi Roberta I was so sorry to see that Opie lost his battle with cancer.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family Love and prayers , Cindy
Judie Tilman says
Roberta , so very sorry to see that your beloved Opie passed away. He put up a valiant fight against this terrible disease. My heart goes out to you and your entire family in this time of loss. In friendship Judie Tilman