Ricardo "Rick" Lee Hopkins

Rick Hopkins was born in 1947 at his parent’s home in Chicago, IL. He was the second of Laura Elizabeth and Marion Lee Hopkins’ children, having been preceded by his sister Charmaine who was born the year prior and succeeded by his brother Maurice born 11 years later. Rick’s initial stint in Chicago was short lived as his parents and sister moved to the, then, suburb of Gary, IN in 1949. He attended Tolleston Elementary and High Schools and from an early age showed great interest and aptitude in how things worked and why. Everything except math which was his worst subject. After graduating high school he attended Michigan Tech University where he studied math which blossomed into engineering. This is noted because Rick voluntarily immersed himself in the classes that were most difficult for him. He loved to learn and he loved a challenge. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.

Rick’s studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War where he saw combat, was injured and served a full tour of duty. He also returned home healed and unjaded.

Rick finished his studies in Electrical Engineering at Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in the field. Anyone who ever heard his voice would not be surprised to learn that he was also a D.J. for the college radio station.

The Chicago area called Rick again when he landed his first engineering job and moved to Elgin, IL. During this time he stayed intensely involved with his family and coached both pee wee football and little league baseball.

Being close to family was important to Rick and the move to Elgin was effected in no small way by his uncle James Sanders who lived in Hines, IL. But James Sanders affected much of his life.

In 1980 Uncle James introduced Ricardo Lee Hopkins (his formal name) to Ramona Joy Fincher and their history began. They were married on July 24, 1982 at St. Sabina Church on Chicago’s South Side. Two years later they welcomed their first son Roland James (wonder where that came from) Hopkins. Rick was overjoyed and took to fatherhood as though he had had decades of practice. The couple moved into their family home in Woodridge, IL and in 1986 Rick and Ramona welcomed their second son, Randall Jacob Hopkins.

Rick’s family meant everything to him. Father, provider, teacher, mentor, friend and undisputed rock, Rick joyfully and fully participated in every aspect of his family’s life. He never missed a practice, game, meet or tournament that his children participated in. He never failed to support his wife in her endeavors and was the most rare of creatures – a true husband.

Rick excelled in his profession, but was never one to take the credit. “The team” was always responsible. He retired from Life Fitness in 2013 as program manager.

In 2008 and 2012 respectively two addition members joined Rick’s team when son Roland married Jes and son Randy married Kacie.

In 2014 Rick’s first grandchild was born – Evelyn Grace Hopkins. Although he was unable to spend very much time with her, she will always be watched over by him.

Rick Hopkins is survived by his wife Ramona, his sons Roland and Randy, his granddaughter Evelyn Hopkins, his siblings Charmaine Hopkins and Regi Hopkins, his nieces Cecily Wilkins and Samantha Hopkins, his great-niece Brie Wilkins, his Aunt Sandora King, multiple cousins and his daughters-in-law Jessica Hopkins and Kassandra Hopkins.

It is futile to describe Rick’s impact on these and many other lives, there are also not sufficient words to convey how much Rick is cherished and will be missed.

We love you, Ricky. Always.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions on behalf of Rick, may be sent to The American Red Cross, P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA, 50340-2018.