April 1, 1935 — August 20, 2017
John Manley Hopkins passed away Sunday, August 20th in Bend, Oregon at St Charles Hospital following a brief illness. He had been a resident of Vashon since 1965. John, 82 years old, was born April 1, 1935 and raised in Bronxville New York the son of Edward Manley and Margaret Hartman Hopkins.
John graduated from Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, NY, then he attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio before enlisting in The United States Marine Corps in 1953 where he served in Europe and Morocco. In 1959 he made the “venture out west” and with his love of math and communications, John became the Marketing Vice-President of Blue Cross in Alaska and Washington for 25 years. After retirement from Washington Dental Service in 1997 began his final career of world travel. Not as a “tourist” but an explorer of 111 countries. Not one to miss anything, John’s final journey was to Madras, Oregon for the Solar Eclipse 2017.
His pre and post retirement years were filled with community service to Vashon Island. He is currently a member of Rotary International. He served on boards of: Vashon School District, King County Parks Department, Vashon Community Care, Vashon Youth and Family Services, King County Road Commission, Volunteer investigator for the King County Public Defenders, Vashon Community Council, and Jaycees. Being an avid golfer he is one of the founding members of the Vashon Golf and Country Club. On the home front John truly appreciated the “Joy of Cooking” and the attention of all his cats. He left all of us with his good humor and common sense that could solve problems and win most debates. For that we are all grateful.
John is preceded in death by Pauline Lorentzen Hopkins in 1983 his wife of 23 years. Son David Martin Hopkins 1961 and Brother Martin Edward Hopkins 2015 Bronxville, New York.
John is survived by his wife and traveling companion of 34 years Linda Vinson Norlin Hopkins. Children: Stephen Manley Hopkins, Philip Edward Hopkins, James Michael Hopkins, and Diane Elisabeth Hopkins. Stepdaughter Julianna McClatchey. Grand children: Quinn Manley Hopkins, Hallie Hopkins Byington, Shayla Ashley Curry, Madison Mae Mcclatchey—Airman First Class.
A celebration of life will be held at the Vashon Golf and Country Club
Sunday October 1, Noon to 2 PM.
Donations may be made in John’s name to:Vashon Island Pet Protectors or Vashon Community Care