I had a dream a few nights ago that Don and I were arguing over whose turn it was to pick a place to have lunch... LOL Great memories of a super great person!!! I miss Don, there is a void in my life that cannot be replaced.

I had the pleasure of working directly with Don for almost a decade.  His dedication to any project he was involved with was truly admirable.  He actually worked on one of the most controversial new rules that not only required sound scientific knowledge, but also a thorough understanding of economics and politics.  As always, even with lawsuits and other pressures, Don tirelessly handled all the tasks in a calm and cool manner, which basically describes him very well.  Calm and Cool.  Since we were both gearheads, we often discussed the latest in automotive technology, leading to one of his favorite jokes.  I was driving a hybrid at the time and he vehemently claimed that his Mustang Cobra was also a hybrid - powered by a big block, high horsepower engine and burning rubber.  Additionally, one of my fondest memories is the time I hopped a ride with him to lunch, hanging on for dear life for most of the ride.  But the funny part was when we first got into his car, the song on his IPod was Two of Hearts by Stacey Q - a pop new wave dance hit.  I always assumed, knowing his love of hotrods and sporting long hair, that he was into Metallica or Iron Maiden or some other heavy metal bands.  I never expected him to be listening to a pop artist.  That remained a joke between us for quite some time.  Even though I did not regularly stay in touch with Don over the past couple of years, I will always keep the memories and will certainly miss him.  I am sure he is currently riding in a hotrod racing through heaven.

Don and I started to work at the District on Sept 12, 1988.  We shared a cubicle in the Colton office and conducted lots of inspections together.  Shortly thereafter our paths took us in different directions. He was a kind and gentle soul who worked hard and was quite knowledgeable about enforcing the rules.  Just recently we began to share a wall in DB on the fourth floor. It seemed as though life had brought us together again.  I will miss Don and his silly jokes and laughter. My condolences to all who knew and loved him.  

Don was one of the most dedicated and conscientious individuals I have had the pleasure to work with. No job was too small or too big and he tackled both with grace, humor and attention to detail.  A down to earth individual and an inspiration to many.  To his credit, he refused to take credit for many of his professional and personal accomplishments, but I give him credit for making the lives of everyone he met better. 

Condolences to his family.  He will be missed.

First thing I noticed about Don was his looooong hair when I started in 2001. I wish I had a picture. He was a little bit shy at first and it wasn't until we took a HAZWOPR class together that I really got to know him. It was always pleasant to see him around the District and we had the chance to chat here and there. I could definitely tell he was a sensitive and brilliant human being. I was looking forward to working with him again.  My condolences to the family, friends, and South Coast AQMD family who are also mourning his loss. 

No backpacks; no suitcases; just two reusable grocery shopping bags.  I was never able to see what was in the bags, but just two bags, one on each hand, whenever it was time for Don to leave his cubicle to go home.  One day, it was about 5:00 pm, Don called me over to his cube.  He asked, which I was caught off guard, “Ricky, do you know when someone is about to go home?” Before I could answer, Don quickly said, “Like this!” as he reached down behind his desk to grab the two bags, one on each hand, stood up, and silently walked past me, out of his cube, and into the aisle.  I was still speechless, standing there, looking after him as he walked further away, turned the corner, and disappeared.  This was Don.  This was a moment, of many moments, working with Don, and having him as my supervisor.  Your text messages are still in my phone, Don.  I will miss you dearly and very much, Sir.

I knew Don form our inspector days. Very knowledgable but also always the nicest, friendliest, and most easy going person to interact with. I had the chance to be in the same team with him and reconnect just prior to Covid so I am thankful for that, but it is still hard to believe that he is gone from among us. I will miss our lunches. Condolences to all his family and friends. 

I had the pleasure of working with Don for several years at the South Coast AQMD. I will remember him for his dedication to the work, the humor he brought that made work fun, and his warmth and generosity towards his co-workers. I am very saddened by his loss; he will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

My condolences to Don’s family and friends,

I remember Don’s pleasant and joyful demeanor.  Over the years, we had interesting conversations that centered around his dad Don Sr. , my first supervisor in AQMD’s Rule Development Department,  Don like his dad always had a big smile and good humor.  He was a gentle soul. May he rest in peace. 



It has been very hard for me to express my feelings once I realized that my friend of nearly 30 years is no longer with us. Don and I were a lot alike, we both enjoyed muscle cars, drag racing, metal bands and the 70’s and 80’s. Our paths in life were very similar, and it turns out we both enjoyed working on Volkswagens in the 70’s, and often bragged to each other as to whose would have been faster had he and I raced down Beach Blvd. Don always had fast cars, whether they just sat in his garage and didn't move, or his daily driver. He often made fun of my Prius (but who doesn’t) which was a very funny point of contention between us. Had we crossed paths way back in the 70’s, I'm sure we would have become good friends way before the 90’s.
 
We even went to the same colleges, and eventually both received our engineering degrees from the same one, around the same time. At one point we actually had the same class, and Don being very intelligent, was able to get me through it. Another thing that I will truly miss is, for over 25 years Don and I always had lunch together when we were at work, including breaks. We always made it a point to go out to lunch each Friday, and often argued as to whose turn it was to pick a different place to eat. Also, over the years, Don and I would make a point of going to the annual auto show in LA and on multiple occasions the drag races. I will truly miss those times with Don. You can ask anyone that knew him, and they will tell you that he was an intelligent, humble, funny, and kind person. Rest in peace my friend.

I supervised Don when he first started at the SCAQMD. He was a very humble and pleasant person to work with. He was also a very professional individual and was always willing to help others.  My sincere condolences to his family.
Joyce Franklin-Hill

Don was a wonderful Supervisor. He took us under his wings and shared with us his knowledge and experience. He wanted us to grow thus, guided us with professionalism, yet with kindness and sincerity.  Every day, he is dearly missed by his friends and colleagues for he was a man with a good heart and soul. 
Thank you, Sir Donald Hopps, Jr. 

Condolences to family and friends, 

Don was a wonderful person who who contributed positively to us all through his work at the AQMD, his humor and the way he treated people.  A good human being and man.   

W. B.

Don was a kind and funny boss who gave us so many good memories, guidance, and knowledge. He will be dearly missed. May you have peace and comfort during this difficult time.

I am deeply sorry for your loss.  Sending prayers for strength for you and your family.  Don will be miss dearly. Don was such a gentle, and down to Earth person. He was always so positive, helpful, and always happy.   

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Donald Boyd Hopps

20 novembre 1956 – 4 janvier 2023

Pierce Brothers Turner & Stevens Mortuary

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