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Kenneth Hopkins November 12, 2024

Date of Funeral

November 15, 2024

Kenneth Allen Hopkins
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 Eastern 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

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(32)

  1. REPLY
    Marg Tambling says
    November 13, 2024 at 7:57 pm

    To the Hopkins Family.
    We are so sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. He was a great man, a great friend. He always had to stop to pet Bella and talk to her and also to me. He was such a sweet man. Please accept our deepest sympathy at this sad time. You are all in our hearts.

  2. REPLY
    Tammy Hopkins says
    November 13, 2024 at 10:05 pm

    So very sorry to hear of Uncle Kenny’s passing. Sending all of our love to Aunt Nancy, Teresa, Ed, Barney and family.

  3. REPLY
    Helen Spears says
    November 14, 2024 at 7:50 am

    Deepest Sympathy Nancy, Teresa, Ed, Barney and families.. so sorry to hear the news.. Sending huge hugs and much love…

  4. REPLY
    Jill and Wayne Raney says
    November 14, 2024 at 8:58 am

    sorry for your loss

  5. REPLY
    Eileen [Spears] Greidanus says
    November 14, 2024 at 9:04 am

    sending my condolence to the family n the loss of Ken. Life goes on but will never bethe same again. Eileen [Spears] Greidanus

  6. REPLY
    Christine and Bob Chisholm says
    November 14, 2024 at 9:52 am

    Bob and I wish to express our sincere condolences in what we know will be an immense loss to your family. After so many years I know Nancy will feel sad and confused about how to forge a path forward, but know the love and support of family and friends will sustain her. We are always a phone call away!

  7. REPLY
    Heather Munn says
    November 14, 2024 at 9:52 am

    Sorry for your loss, deepest condolences to the family.
    Heather Munn

  8. REPLY
    Darryl and Andrea Pinnell says
    November 14, 2024 at 10:17 am

    Our deepest condolences to Barney and the entire Hopkins family and friends.

  9. REPLY
    Suzanne Geraldine Lee says
    November 14, 2024 at 11:12 am

    Dear Barney. So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. My deepest condolences to you & your family. Suzi

  10. REPLY
    Lori Molloy says
    November 14, 2024 at 12:36 pm

    With My Deepest Sympathy Theresa and Jim & Families.
    Your Dad was a very interesting man and I would have loved too have meant him.
    My Dad had also worked for the Dept of Transport on the Great Lakes and worked in the Lighthouses.
    I am sure he will be deeply missed by ALL!
    Cherish all those wonderful moments in your hearts 💕 HUGS XXX

  11. REPLY
    Scott and Penny says
    November 14, 2024 at 12:38 pm

    Sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Our condolences to Nancy, Teresa, Ed, Barney and families. A great neighbour and friend.

  12. REPLY
    June Winterfield says
    November 14, 2024 at 1:45 pm

    Sincere condolences, may he RIP

  13. REPLY
    Mellissa Watson says
    November 14, 2024 at 1:49 pm

    Sorry for your loss.

  14. REPLY
    Ray & Marilyn Watson says
    November 14, 2024 at 2:18 pm

    Dear Barney and Ed. We didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your Dad, but are so sorry to hear about his passing. You are both impressive men and have each helped us lots in your respective ways! So, we can only assume he was equally impressive and taught you well! Our deepest condolences to you & your families! Ray and Marilyn Watson

  15. REPLY
    Mary Lynn and Don Standen says
    November 14, 2024 at 2:44 pm

    Dear Nancy and family:
    We were saddened to learn of Ken’s passing. May your memories remain forever in your hearts. Keeping you in our thoughts…
    Sincerely,
    Mary Lynn and Don Standen

  16. REPLY
    Barb & Burt Liverance says
    November 14, 2024 at 5:24 pm

    We are so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Cherish your memories & he will always be near. Burt & Barb Liverance & family

  17. REPLY
    Louann Kingshott-Pountney says
    November 14, 2024 at 5:33 pm

    Heart felt condolences to the family…We had lots of good times at many family reunions.
    Lots of good memories..
    Lots of love to Nancy
    My thoughts ard with you..
    Louann and husband Dave Pountney.

  18. REPLY
    Nancy Watson says
    November 14, 2024 at 7:54 pm

    Scott & Nancy Watson (Kingston, ON) send our deepest condolences to Nancy, Teresa, Ed & Barney and all the family. We have countless good memories of Ken.

  19. REPLY
    Laurie Robins says
    November 14, 2024 at 8:54 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Ken. My thoughts are with Aunt Nancy, Teresa, Ed, Barney and families.

    I have many fond memories of visiting their home in Wiarton when we were kids and hanging out at Cabot Head on weekends.

  20. REPLY
    Terry Rourke says
    November 14, 2024 at 10:51 pm

    To Nancy and family of ” Hoppy ” I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of ” just a darn nice Guy “. It has been many years since I saw the two of you when I was called to repair your refrigeration equipment at the store. What a great obituary. For the brief time I knew Ken I wasn’t aware of his very interesting working life, as well as his extensive public service to the community, but what else would you expect from a penninsula boy ? I’m sure you will be deeply affected by the loss of Ken, but with the love of your family and community and your treasured memories your burden will ease over time. Terry Rourke

  21. REPLY
    Uncle Barney says
    November 15, 2024 at 9:07 am

    My thoughts are with you and your extended family Nancy

  22. REPLY
    Patsy L McArthur says
    November 15, 2024 at 10:50 am

    Condolences to the family.

  23. REPLY
    Gord and Laura Coulter says
    November 15, 2024 at 11:40 am

    Dear Nancy and Families
    So very sorry to hear of Ken. When Ken and Gord were out doing their walk they would always have a little chat.
    Thinking of you all at this most difficult time. With Heartfelt Sympathy
    Gord and Laura C

  24. REPLY
    Bob and Linda Sullivan says
    November 15, 2024 at 1:13 pm

    Very sorry for your loss Nancy and family, hugs and prayers at this hard time

  25. REPLY
    Brian Schultz says
    November 15, 2024 at 5:04 pm

    Sincere Condolences to the Hopkins Family. Sorry for your loss.
    The Schultz Families

  26. REPLY
    Marty and Jodi Shoemaker says
    November 15, 2024 at 5:40 pm

    Sorry to hear of your Dad and Grandpa Ed and Adam. It was always a pleasure to see Ken at the rink showing his support. Was always a positive conversation. Thoughts are with you.

  27. REPLY
    Marilyn and Lloyd Handley says
    November 16, 2024 at 11:51 am

    Our sincere condolences to Nancy and family. It wasnt often, but we always enjoyed time spent with Ken and Nancy. We have a great memory of a visit on Hoppys Choice while boating in Macraes harbour one summer. Sending hugs to all.

  28. REPLY
    Doren Hills says
    November 16, 2024 at 12:16 pm

    Barney and family:
    Condolences on the passing of your Dad.
    Doreen Hills

  29. REPLY
    Peter & Doreen von Dungern says
    November 16, 2024 at 5:54 pm

    We wish to express our condolences to the family. So sorry to hear about his passing.

  30. REPLY
    Sharon Craigie says
    November 17, 2024 at 6:00 pm

    Nancy and Family so sorry for the loss of Kenny. Thoughts and Prayers .

  31. REPLY
    Ted Watson says
    November 17, 2024 at 7:04 pm

    Condolences and hugs to the entire family. The Guelph crew would have attended but we were out of the country. Please give our love to Aunt Nancy. RIP Uncle Kenny. Love you.

  32. REPLY
    doug daws says
    November 18, 2024 at 10:37 am

    We would like to offer condolences to Nancy and all family members on Ken’s passing.
    From Connie and Doug Daws.

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