Kenneth Allen Hopkins
Posted Nov 14, 2024 | 9:31 AM
It is with hearts filled with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Allen Hopkins on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in Wiarton, at the age of 83.
Ken was born on November 18, 1940 in Creemore, ON, to Harry and Ruby Hopkins. Ken was raised on the Bruce Peninsula, where his formative years were spent at the Cabot Head Lighthouse and the village of Tobermory. It was here that he met his life-long love, Nancy Watson (daughter of Percy and Vera). Ken and Nancy were married on December 10, 1960.
In his younger years, Ken sailed the Great Lakes. He worked for the Dept of Transport, on the islands, for a number of years, alongside his father-in-law, Percy. He was a certified carpenter, and was diligent in his role as Carpenter Foreman for several years at Douglas Point.
After many years in Wiarton, and finding themselves ‘empty-nesters’, he and Nancy returned to Tobermory and were the owner-operators of Hoppy’s One Stop. For several seasons, Ken was often known to take dive charters and fishing charters from his favourite toy, Hoppy’s Choice. Many happy times were spent on that 42 foot toy, cruising Georgian Bay (his favourite spot – Kilarney), hunting trips with friends and relatives, capturing his grandsons for an overnight stay on the floating hotel, or just parked at the dock where hours of fun included jumping off the stern in the cool, clear waters in the harbour. Ken and Nancy made the decision to return Wiarton in 2002, and although the toy didn’t make the move, there was always a boat at the dock.
Ken joined the Legion as soon as he was old enough to do so. He devoted countless volunteer hours for the Wiarton Branch. Ken was a member of the Masonic Lodge, serving as Worshipful Master on more than one occasion. He joined the Easter Star in 2004, serving in a number of roles including Worthy Patron, along with Nancy as Worthy Matron.
Ken is predeceased by: his mother and father, Ruby and Harry; mother and father-in-law, Vera and Percy Watson; brothers Stephen Kelly, and Robert Kimberly; brother-in-law Lynn Watson; sisters-in-law Gayle (Carl) Hopkins and Hazel (Klyde) Hopkins.
Survived by his devoted wife, Nancy, of 64 years; daughter Teresa (Jim); sons Ed (and friend Jodi), and Barney (Vicki); Grampa will be sorely missed by grandchildren: Kenan Schieck; Travis (Kristen) Schieck; Adam (Amanda) Hopkins; Lauren Hopkins; Calvin Hopkins; Robin Hopkins; great-grandchildren Grace and Olivia Hopkins; sisters Karen and Kandice; brothers Carl, Klyde, Keith, Kris; sisters-in-law Marlee (Kelly), and Betty (Kim); brothers/sisters-in-law Scott and Nancy, Sandy and Brenda, and Joan and Bob; and nephew Tim Ireland. He will be missed every day by his fur-buddy, Skittles.
Ken is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice (ex. Alzheimer’s Society; Humane Society, Cancer Society, or to the Legion –branch of your choice)
A Memorial Gathering will take place for Ken on Friday, November 15 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at the Thomas C. Whitcroft Peninsula Chapel, 272 Berford St. Wiarton (519) 534-5341. Interment will take place at Dunks Bay Cemetery, Tobermory at 3:30pm. Condolences may be expressed online at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com
- First Name : Ken
- Last Name : Hopkins
- Funeral Home : Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home and Chapel, Wiarton
- URL : https://www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com/obituary/kenneth-hopkins/
