John Alden Hopkins

John Alden Hopkins, age 82, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, October 9, 2015. He died peacefully at Providence Medical Center, in Everett, WA, surrounded by his family. He was fondly known as “Hoppy,” a nickname that endeared him to many. He died of complications from Parkinson’s Disease, a battle that he fought bravely for eight years.

John was born on May 13, 1933 in Montclair, NJ, the third of three children to Harold and Ruth Hopkins. He spent his formative years in Caldwell, NJ and Rye, NY. He graduated from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY and the Navy’s Officer Candidate School at Newport, RI, in 1956. He served as an Ensign in the Navy and was the skipper of a Patrol Torpedo Boat during peacetime in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. After being discharged in 1959 as a Lieutenant J.G., John joined Scott Paper Company, with assignments in Philadelphia, PA, Melbourne, Australia, Brooklyn and Fort Edward, NY. He married Helen Frances Pomeroy on May 30, 1964 in Pittsburgh, PA. John and Helen transferred to Everett, WA in 1968, when John became Personnel Manager for Scott’s large mill here. In 1973, he began a new career with Northwestern Mutual Life as a life insurance agent in Everett, where he built wonderful relationships with clients for 26 years, until he retired. In his spare time, he served as a scout master for his sons’ troop, was on the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army; Everett Rotary Club, the Young Life adult committee, the Providence Foundation Board; and others. As a 35 yr. member of New Life Church of Everett, he served on the church council, taught numerous financial classes, served as an usher, a prayer counselor, and a marriage mentor with Helen.

Hoppy was a warm, gregarious man who always enjoyed meeting new people. He was a ranked tennis player as a senior, loved sailing, fishing, golfing, and singing in The Everett Gospel Mission’s Men’s Chorus, as well as traveling. Hoppy will be remembered for his deep abiding faith; love and commitment to his family; being a faithful friend; and his eternal patience, warm smile and generous spirit.

John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Helen, their sons, Alden (Trina), Keith (Laurel), and daughter Leigh, seven grandchildren: Hannah, Ethan, Tatum, Abigail, Ruth, Elizabeth and Esther Hopkins; sister Barbara Stratton of Manchester, NH, as well as a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Ruth Hopkins of New London, NH, as well his older brother, Richmond Hopkins of Riverside, CT.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM, Wednesday, October 28 at New Life Church, 6830 Highland Drive, Everett, WA 98203. Please access the following link for service details and directions, as well as to sign the guest book: www.Evergreen-FH.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s name to the Everett Gospel Mission, PO Box 423, Everett WA, 98206-0423 or to the West Snohomish County Young Life, PO BOX 3487, Everett WA, 98213-8487 www.westsnoco.younglife.org