Obituary of Edward Charles Hopkins

It is with heavy hearts that we the family announce the passing of a dear and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. With his family at his side, Edward Charles Hopkins, age 74 passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 13th, 2017. Born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Herbert and Edith (Kenney) Hopkins. Edward joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1959 at the age of 17 and served on Canada’s last aircraft carrier, HMCS BONAVENTURE. After 3 years of service to the crown and sailing the high seas, he became a trucker; driving for H. Hopkins Ltd and then Scotia Limestone for several years before returning to the sea. He skippered many fishing boats throughout his life starting with The Leaky 2, a somewhat seaworthy craft that required more than a little TLC. A succession of fine vessels followed; Sonya Anne 1 and 2, The Edward Jason, The Linda Marilynn (H Hopkins LTD), The Sonya and Brothers, The William Michael, and The Alisha and Tyler. He had many fond memories and more than a few amusing stories about the many fishing trips and the crews he skippered. He will be remembered as a hard-working man who provided well for his family. He enjoyed many pastimes throughout his years. Hunting, trapping and running the beagles in his younger years, to riding his motorcycle, building lobster traps in the barn and tending his gardens as he grew older. All throughout his years he enjoyed the competition and even more so, the camaraderie of playing darts in various leagues. He cherished his time with his family, especially the times spent with his 9 grandchildren. Eddie will be sadly missed by his wife of 49 years Florence (Bonnell) Hopkins; son Ed (Kim) Hopkins of Halifax; daughter Sonya (Chris) Cole of Glace Bay; son Jason (Leah) Hopkins of Port Morien; grandchildren: Alisha, Tyler, Jacob, Samuel, Michael, Olivia, Gabriel, Abby, and Rachel; sister, Louise McHardy; brothers, Cliff (Kay, deceased), Glen (Dodo); sister-in-law, Marion Hopkins; many nieces, nephews and friends. Besides his parents, Edward was also predeceased by his brother, Bill Hopkins, sister, Katherine Kenney (Bill) and brother, Brad Hopkins (Ruth). Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 17th from noon until the time of the service at 2 p.m., all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. Deacon Lorne MacNeil officiating. Interment will be held in St. Anne’s Cemetery, Glace Bay at a later date. A special thank you to the Palliative Care doctors and staff and the VON for their amazing compassion and care. Memorial donations in Edward’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca