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In Memory of

John Martin Francis Hopkins

1960 - 2022

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Saturday

February

Celebration of John's Life

3:00 pm

Saturday, February 12, 2022

Conexus Arts Centre

200 Lakeshore Drive

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

To view the livestream of the service, please click on the link above John's obituary, which will be made available on the date and time of the service.

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Bruce Anderson posted a condolence

Saturday, February 12, 2022

I got to know John through his Market Square work and later his work as CEO of the Chamber. As Chair of the Board, I had a full year of activities, but also it was a rich one. I valued my time on the Board largely because of the relationships and how our Chamber did things, and my respect for John. John never wanted to "beat" up government like some groups did; rather he was adamant a positive relationship yielded the best results in advocacy. In discussions with community groups, John pushed for ways business could help the community, not what business needed. He led engagement and learning about indigenous peoples, both for himself and for the organization. Simple but powerful messages like Tim leading the invocation / blessing, or running an all nations job fair, or hiring an indigenous employment coordinator, or providing unfailing support for Regina's first urban reserve. John and Tim introduced me to my first sweat ceremony and it was a powerful experience. This was John walking a principled pathway of exploration and discovery. Upon first meeting him, a few might say, 'he's a little different'. Yes, he was - he was shaped by a lifetime of experiences. It was how John worked. He walked his own path, and it wasn't an easy one, to the beat of his own drum (or twang of his guitar), not apologizing to others about his stance on principles. John was matter-of-fact in his efforts and accomplishments. Sometimes I would think, "I didn't know you did that". But he did it. He was a booster of people, of causes, of issues, and of the community. His loyalty to his staff and family was renowned. Will miss you John. My condolences to his beloved family.

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Lorna Sandberg posted a condolence

Thursday, February 10, 2022

What a lovely voice he had! I didn't know John well, and no offence to the great Chamber speakers I heard over the years, but one of my favourite parts of those meetings was John leading us through the singing of O Canada. I truly appreciate the courage it takes to let not only your speaking voice be heard in a crowd, but also your singing voice, and he he did both equally well. When the Garage Band was formed, I thought it was such an awesome way for he and his close friends to show their support for each other, and for John. I can only imagine how many wonderful memories this gave to John, his family and friends. To you all, my deepest sympathy on the loss of such a good man.

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Carolyn Kipper- Certified Plumbing & Heating Ltd. posted a condolence

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Sending our condolences to the family of John Hopkins. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him as he was a pillar of our community.

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Tina Beaudry-Mellor posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

I want John's family to know that he was one of the very best human beings I have had the privilege to know. John was an incredibly effective voice for the business community and was at the forefront of some of the biggest policy debates we've had. From wastewater referendums to the carbon tax, John could be counted on to mount an effective argument on behalf of our business community and mobilize support. He never shied away from the big issues, the tough conversations and sometimes the backlash that comes with picking a side. He was a man of conviction. But behind the headlines, there was a more quiet but equally passionate man who was deeply committed to matters of the heart. He felt very strongly about Truth and Reconciliation efforts and mostly, that we weren't doing enough. He cared deeply about those who are hurt and hurting with mental health and addictions. And he was a champion of women's rights and women in leadership. On the latter note, I can tell you that more than once I received a quiet invitation to chat from John where he simply provided encouragement on an issue that I was tackling that might have seemed uphill at times. I know many women in this community would agree that he was truly an upstander. He didn't just say what he believed, he tried to do something about it. There was nothing performative about his convictions. It's almost impossible to simultaneously be a vocal and effective champion for business and someone committed to social justice issues, but John managed to navigate this space with ease and grace. I think it was because he knew when he needed to fight about something publicly and he knew when he needed to advocate quietly if he wanted to positively impact the outcome. Over time, he became loved by members of all political parties - something I think is even more extraordinarily rare in our troubled times. My very best memory of John was when the Garage Band played in the theatre at Conexus. I cannot remember how much money was raised that night but it was extraordinary. But at one point, John asked everyone who survived cancer to stand and I remember we all gathered round and they played John Lennon's 'Imagine". It was just so incredibly moving that I think I shed a tear or two. I left that night feeling like I had just been reminded of all the goodness in our humanity. John brought us that over and over again. He was a very very fine human and heaven got a good one.

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Sinead Tierney posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Covid interfered with our bi-weekly coffees but we caught up when we could.. Your friendship changed the course of my life in Canada. You were one in a million and I will miss you dearly. Heaven has a new star - shine bright my friend and rest easy. My sincere condolences to the Hopkins family.

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Bill Coulthard posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

I first got to know John when I became a member of the Chamber Board. I instantly knew he was I guy I would like. He was a very effective leader for the Chamber and the community. And as a bonus, he could sing! I was honoured when he asked me to sing Oh Canada in his place at a Chamber meeting that he couldn’t attend. He was a great guy and leaves much for his family to carry forward with pride. We’ll miss him.

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Brook Lynn Davies lit a candle

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

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First of all my condolences to John’s family I hope you find love and celebration as he passes. I wanted to share a memory of the Service Work John did in the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. John, myself and Bernie L were at the Regional Psychiatric Centre in Saskatoon doing service work for N.A. We had a great day and halfway home our car broke down and John repaired the radiator pretty well with only duck tape. We laughed and joked all the way home. Bernie L passed away and it was one of the last times that we were together doing service work and Johnny and I always had a good laugh about Bernie’s car. We travelled everywhere carrying the message of NA, but it was always John’s message that resonated with everyone. Just one of many memories I will always treasure.

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Regina Trades & Skills Centre posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Condolences from the entire staff at Regina Trades & Skills Centre. John was an amazing advocate to the Centre and his years of service were a huge contributor to the success of the centre and more importantly all the students. May you find strength and courage in the amazing memories of John.

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Assunta Hrynkiw lit a candle

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

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Our deepest Condolences Sandra to you and all your family. It sounds as though your brother John had an extremely full and love filled life. R.I.P John

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Jeanette Tonita lit a candle

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

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I will always remember Him as a very good friend, always there whenever we needed him. I will miss those Friday afternoon impromptu concerts and a zoom meeting will never be the same. Music always seemed to make the day a little better. Our hearts go out to all his family and know that he will always be remembered as a Great Man, a Good Man and a Friend to many! Memory Enteral! Jeanette & Rick Tonita

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Vaughn Solomon Schofield posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

To John’s family I offer love and condolence. Having a father so well loved and so important to his community is something for which you should be very proud. I will miss his wit, kindness and inclusivity. And I am very proud to be counted as a friend.

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The family of John Martin Francis Hopkins uploaded a photo

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

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