November 22, 1926 - June 21, 2024
In loving memory ~
Richard John Hopps, fondly known as Dick, was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. After serving in the war, he traveled to Vancouver where he fell in love with Vera Kathleen Chalmers. They married in Vancouver in 1949.
With a love of the West Coast, and drawn to Vancouver Island by Vera's family, Vera and Dick made the island their home, purchasing their property in Shawnigan Lake in 1963. Dick cherished their home and property for over 60 years- maintaining beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, and for a time, raising cows and chickens. He embraced organic gardening long before it became a trend.
The Shawnigan Lake community meant everything to Dick. He worked for years at the Shawnigan Beach Hotel, a world-class family resort in its day. After the hotel was sold, he took on various jobs, but always stayed within the community. For decades, he also maintained an Environment Canada weather station on his property, manually measuring and recording the local weather daily. These instruments have been donated to the new Shawnigan Lake Museum, currently under construction. For a time, Dick was also a volunteer with the Shawnigan Lake Fire Department and served as a Boy Scout Leader.
Dick always found joy in simple pleasures: swimming in the lake, spending time with his grandchildren, giving treats to neighbors' dogs, or simply enjoying a sunny day. He was never wasteful and was always willing to lend a hand.
Heartbroken for years by the loss of his beloved wife Vera Kathleen and two sons, Paul Edward Hopps and Arthur William Hopps, Dick is survived by his two children, Gail Brachat and Vernon Hopps, four grandchildren, Cindy Howe, James Hopps, Stephanie Brachat, and Chad Brachat and great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sisters, Pat Mathieson and Norma Hopps, both still residing in Moose Jaw and with whom he always maintained a very close bond. He cherished their company and visits.
Staying in his own home as long as possible was important to Dick, and thanks to Vernon's loving dedication and care, along with wonderful neighbors, he was able to do so until his last days. Though he often said, "Life is passing me by," the truth was that he remained remarkably in touch, even becoming computer-savvy in the last decade.
The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.