After a year of many challenging health issues, William Orton Hopkins, passed away on Sunday morning, November 24, just 7 days short of his 88th birthday. All his children were able to be with him just minutes before his passing. Bill is survived by his 5 children: Patricia Ogden (Warren), Lois Lodermeier, Stewart (Diane), Fred (Shelley) and Ralph (Susan). His 12 grandchildren: Kevin, Ryan, Tricia, Raylene, Clint, Carrie, Richard, Shaun, Kerstan, Darnell, Stacey and Russell, along with 13 great grandchildren. All have happy memories and special times spent with “Grandpa”. Dad has 1 surviving sister, Eileen Hansen. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Margaret in 2010, son-in-law Allen Lodermeier, his sister Eveline Jamieson and brothers Harry and Rolly.
Dad was born in the little house on Beatty Ave., now Smuggler’s Cove, Dec. 1, 1925 and after his marriage to Margaret in 1946, they moved into the house they built, also on Beatty Ave. where they began raising their family. In July 1958 they moved to their farm they purchased on Piccadilly Road where he raised cattle and enjoyed farm life.
Dad started early in life learning the butchering trade, working at the Burns, then Larry Doyle’s and Dick Askew’s abittoirs and butcher shops, branching out on his own in 1952 when he started his business of livestock trucking along with buying and selling cattle. In the late 1960’s he became a Provincial Brand Inspector, retiring in 1989. He was also a leader of the Shuswap Beef Club for a number of years.
Mom and Dad enjoyed the bus trips to Reno, their trips to Nashville, the Alaska Cruise, but the farm tour to New Zealand and Australia was the highlight of his travelling.
We would like to extend our heartfelt Thanks to Dr. Aitchison, all Dad’s care aides, hospital medical staff and 1 special nurse, Margaret, who looked after Dad on his many trips to the hospital this past year.
The family would like to thank Bowers Funeral Home for their professional services given to us in our time of need and special thanks to Jack being there as a family friend.
If family and friends wish to make a donation in Bill’s memory, please donate to the Shuswap Hospital Foundation at PO Box 265, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4N3 or telephone 250-803-4565. Condolences may be sent to sympathy@bowersfuneralservice.com