Obituary of Theodore Dean Hopkins

Today, we celebrate the wonderful life of Ted Hopkins, our loving father, son, brother, friend who passed away peacefully at home on December 23, 2021.  

Ted was born December 18, 1942 in Pocatello, Idaho, to Bill and Shirley Hopkins, the oldest of three boys.   He spent his very early childhood in Utah and Wyoming then relocating and settling in Idaho.  The United States Air Force was honored to accept him in 1961 and he served in Panama for most of his time.  Dad’s Air Force commitment ended honorably in Cheyenne, Wyoming at Warren Air Force Base, where he met his lovely wife, Patricia.  They began their married life in Cheyenne and settled for a short time in Denver, Colorado.  With their three children, Krystal, Karla & Kevin, they moved to Idaho in the early 1970s and Idaho has been home ever since.  Raising their family in the Magic Valley, Ted owned and operated an appliance repair business for many years while running a small family farm in Buhl.   Once the kids were grown and heading in different directions, Ted and Pat moved to Boise, Idaho, where Ted finished his career with General Electric, retiring after 25 years. 

Highlights of Ted’s life include foremost his family, with many wonderful camping, boating and fishing trips around Idaho and the Oregon Coast.  Also, many fun trips visiting Krystal and her family in California.  He enjoyed woodworking and computers, becoming impressively self-educated in both.   In 1990, Ted and Pat were received in the Catholic Church, where they have many loving friends.  One of Ted’s deepest connections came when he joined the Knights of Columbus.  He loved serving in a volunteer capacity, helping others, making new friends and telling funny stories.  Cooking for the pancake breakfasts were some of his favorite memories.   

Ted’s family will feel a deep void with his passing, but we are comforted by God’s grace knowing we will meet again in Heaven, free of sickness, pain and tears.   Ted was preceded in death by his son, Kevin; son-in-law Jeff Kimball; granddaughter Teddi Noelle Kimball; and brother Robert Hopkins.   Ted is survived by his beautiful wife, Pat, daughter Krystal (Jimmy) DeBilzan, daughter Karla Kimball, and the grandchildren he adored Logan (Leslie, Channing, Beau), Sam (fiance’ Mariana, Kimber, Callahan, Niko), Kourtney, Maddie, Wyatt.  Also, his brother Tom (Carolyn) Hopkins and his wonderful extended family in Cheyenne, Wyoming.