Cecil Rodwell Hopkinson

Cecil Hopkinson’s journey began on October 12, 1926, in Georgetown, Guyana. He was the beloved son of the late Jonathan and Rhoda Hopkinson and the eldest of four brothers, including the late George Hopkinson, the late Edward Hopkinson, and the late Victor Hopkinson.

Cecil graduated from Central High School and later returned to his alma mater as a teacher, shaping young minds with his wisdom and passion for learning. He married the love of his life, the late Kathleen Hopkinson, and together they built a family rooted in love and devotion. He was a dedicated father to Jonathan Hopkinson (wife Jacqueline Hopkinson) and Vali Hopkinson. His legacy lives on through his cherished grandchildren: Caryn Kim (husband Gene Kim), Ryan Hopkinson, and Gabriel De Oliveira.

Cecil worked for the Guyana Customs & Excise Department for more than 20 years, eventually serving as Comptroller of Customs. Later, he transitioned to The Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation as Company Secretary. After immigrating to Florida, he continued his remarkable career by taking on long-term service in the Security Division at Seminole Hard Rock Casino - a role that reflected his enduring commitment to excellence and service.

In addition to his professional achievements, Cecil was a respected member of his community. He was a Grandmaster and well-known member of the Silent Temple Lodge, Guyana, where his leadership and dedication left a lasting impact.

A devoted husband and father, Cecil was the anchor of his family. His patience, diligence, and humility formed the foundation of his character. A true people person, he enjoyed engaging in conversation with anyone who would listen. Even in his final years at a nursing home, he maintained a positive outlook and expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone around him.

Cecil found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was an avid reader, a skilled chess player, and a dedicated practitioner of yoga. His commitment to daily stretching exercises kept him exceptionally flexible, even in his late eighties.

Cecil Hopkinson’s kindness, wisdom, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others” - Pericles