Robert Charles Hopkin

Our hearts are full as we celebrate the life of Robert Charles Hopkin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father on January 27, 2016. Robert was born on December 25, 1920, to William Charles and Louisa Boyce Hopkin in Lovell, WY. He graduated from Lovell high School, attended the University of Wyoming, Billings Polytechnic Institute, and Brigham Young University. He married Bessie Johnson of Provo, UT on June 1, 1944, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were married for 56 years when Bessie passed away on July 16, 2000. They had three children: William Alfred Hopkin (deceased), Robert Johnson Hopkin and Bessie Lee Hopkin Barney. Robert married Betty Jensen McKay on October 31, 2003. They both felt that theirs was the perfect marriage. Robert enjoyed growing up in Wyoming and enjoyed the outdoors and became an excellent fly fisherman and hunter. His children and grandchildren loved to hear the stories of his life growing up. He played an excellent saxophone in a professional dance band traveling through several states starting at the age of 12. In his later years, he enjoyed playing the organ. Robert had numerous successful vocations including sales and marketing. He owned and operated the Evergreen Motel in Salt Lake City, UT, for many years during which time he served as the president of the Utah Hotel and Motel Association. He was an accomplished builder of homes and commercial buildings throughout the Western United States. Robert was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over his lifetime he has served as a missionary in the Eastern Canadian and Texas missions, branch president in Worland, WY, seminary teacher, counselor to two bishops, and bishop of the Monument Park 10th Ward in Salt Lake City. He also served in two stake high counsels. After moving to St. George, UT in 1984, he served in the St. George temple as the baptistery supervisor for 7 years. He served in numerous other capacities faithfully. Robert was known for a quick wit and a keen sense of humor and the ability to design or repair anything. He was an incessant worker and would often forget to sleep for days while involved with a project. He was known by many as one of the great teachers and educators. He is a shining example of a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; and all who really knew him have absolute admiration and love for him. Robert is preceded in death by: his parents, William Charles and Louisa Boyce Hopkin; his wives, Bessie Johnson Hopkin and Betty Jensen McKay; his son William Alfred Hopkin; his grand-daughter Milissa Kathleen Hopkin; and daughters-in-law, Linda Schultz Hopkin and Kathleen Margaret Calton Hopkin; and step-daughter Ginger Dillon. He is survived by: his children: Robert Johnson Hopkin (Beaver Dam, AZ), Bessie Lee (Art) Barney (St. George, UT), and his nine grandchildren: Shayne (Lisa) Barney (St. George, UT), Shannon (Mark) Jensen (St. George, UT), Bobbi (Mark) Nelson (Mapleton, UT), Rebecca (Rick) Fryer (Salt Lake City, UT), Kami (Kevin) Cuff (St. George, UT), Dixie (Travis) Mills (Kaysville, UT), Beau (Jennifer) Barney (St. George, UT), Robert Calton Hopkin (Salt Lake City, UT), J. Dylan Hopkin (Salt Lake City, UT), and 27 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by: stepchildren Sherry Oliver (Salt Lake City, UT), Charlotte (Andy) (St. George, UT), Michele Fuentes (Tony) (Hawaii), Sally Espinoza (San Diego, CA), and Holly Gessner (Ralph) (Cinninatti, OH). Robert left an enviable legacy of honor, fairness, integrity, and hard work. Funeral services will be held at the Bloomington 4th Ward Chapel located at 3387 Mulberry Dr., St. George, UT, on Saturday, January 30, 2016, 10:30 a.m. A visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Interment will be Monday, February 1, 2016, at 12 noon at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mausoleum, 2350 E. 1300 S. Salt Lake City, UT.

Robert Charles Hopkin

December 25, 1920 - January 27, 2016