Obituary of Connie Hopkinson

DAVID CLARENCE (CONNIE) HOPKINSON March 11, 1919 – January 17, 2015 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David Clarence (Connie) Hopkinson of Raymore, Saskatchewan, in the Silver Heights Special Care Home in Raymore. He was predeceased by his grandson Cpl. David Braun, son-in-law Blaine Braun, his parents Robert and Mabel of Semans, brother Fred, and sisters Fern, Patricia, and Fay. Connie leaves to mourn his wife of sixty-two years, Olga, daughter Valerie Hopkinson, daughter Patty Braun, granddaughter Daina Braun, and grandsons Christopher and Michael Braun, great-granddaughter Aidin Lysyshin (David’s daughter), numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Connie was born on March 11, 1919, on the family farm in the Glen Afton School District south of Semans, his hometown. He attended school at Glen Afton. After leaving school, he worked with his dad on the family farm and did odd jobs in the area. In 1941 he enlisted in the army and went overseas in 1942 with the 8th Canadian Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, 101st Battalion. He served in England, Holland, France, Belgium and Germany. Returning home from overseas in 1946, he did odd jobs until he was able to purchase land in 1947. His first year he had exciting times with horses that hadn’t been hitched for six years and was very thankful to get a tractor in his second year of farming. On June 28, 1953, he married Olga Schmalenberg and to this union two girls were born. Dad was fiercely proud of his family attending all their special events. When Patty married Blaine Braun, the pride extended to his grandchildren. In 1951 he helped organize one of the first snowplough clubs in the area. He was active on the School Board, Serath Elbourne Lutheran Church Council and the Semans Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Dad was always ready to pitch in where needed. Mom and dad began travelling south for the winter in 1972 where he was an avid golfer. He retired from farming in 1984 and built a new home in Raymore where they resided until February, 2013. Dad loved his family, was hard working and took pride in anything he did. He loved to dance, and in retirement, golf became a new passion which he shared with his grandsons and many friends. He always had some kind of project on the go. He will always be remembered for his ease at making friends and for his great sense of humour and story-telling. Anyone who knew dad was a lucky person. Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK, with Pastor Dennis Lueck officiating. Interment at Semans Cemetery will be a family affair at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice or Silver Heights Special Care Home, Raymore, SK, in Connie’s memory.