John Martin Hopkins

John Martin Hopkins, age 70, died on August 11, 2017 at his home in Vancouver, in the presence of family who loved him. He is survived by his loving wife, Marna Hopkins, at home; his son and daughter-in-law, Gabe and Stefanie Fauvelle of Vancouver, WA; his daughter and son-in-law, Amber and Josh Lamb of Eureka, MT; his beloved grandchildren, Patience, Serenity, and Courage Fauvelle; his sister, Sharon (John) Blazevich of Monee, IL; his sister, Mary (Terrence) Woods of Dyer, IN; his brother, James Hopkins of Chicago, IL; his sisters- and brothers-in-law Kendra and Craig Garrett, Jeff and Debbie Jones, Todd and Karla Jones; and many loved and loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Sisto Ganz; his brothers, Tom, Paul, and Chuck; and his niece, Sheila Kale, nephew Mark Woods, and his great grandniece, Penelope Richter.

John was born on July 1, 1947 to Thomas and Gertrude (Duffy) Hopkins in Chicago, IL. He attended Poe Elementary and Chicago Vocational Schools. He quit school to enlist in the Marines at the age of 17, requiring parental permission to join. He later earned his GED after completing his military service. John served three tours with the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam conflict as a Recon radio operator, mostly with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion from 1965-1969. He was wounded in all three tours, earning three purple hearts, the Rifle Marksman Badge, Vietnam Service Medals, the National Defense Medal, and the meritorious Bronze Star. His affiliation with the Marine Corps was a lifelong source of pride for John. Once a Marine; always a Marine. He never liked to celebrate his own birthday, but the Marine Corps birthday on November 10 was always a day of celebration in his household. His family intends to carry on that tradition for him.

After returning from Vietnam, he worked for Illinois Bell Telephone (later AT&T) and Illinois Central Railroad, before beginning a road trip to explore the country. His journey took him to various locales, including Arizona, where he stayed to help build an orphanage. He settled in Washougal, WA in 1972 and began working for Alcoa Aluminum. He treasured the camaraderie, friendships, and work ethics of his Alcoa colleagues for the rest of his life. After Alcoa closed, he worked for Boise Cascade’s Vancouver Mill, and later for Boise Cascade in St. Helens, OR. He lived in Vancouver for more than 40 years, and married his wife, Marna, in 1991. John retired from Boise Cascade in 2010.

John had a brilliant mind for history, always able to explain the background of differing cultures and interactions from all eras of history. He was a dog-lover and a talented storyteller, who could enthrall children for long periods of time with narratives he invented spontaneously. They were always told with drama, humor, actions, and joy. He never missed an opportunity to connect with people near him, and could talk easily to people of all ages and from all walks of life. He was a kind, gentle, mischievous man who loved his family abundantly and assisted others without hesitation. He adored his grandchildren and drew his greatest joy from them.

John will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR and will receive full military honors at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, August 25th . A Celebration of Life will be held beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Heathman Lodge, the same day.

Memorial arrangements are under the direction of Vancouver Funeral Chapel. Please share memories at www.VancouverFuneralChapel.net