Richard HOPKINS Obituary

HOPKINS - Richard Orne
87 of Charleston, SC passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on August, 25th, 2022. Richard was born on October 21st, 1934 to the late Carolyn P. Hopkins and Willard D. Hopkins in Buffalo, New York. Richard is predeceased in death by his son, Peter F. Hopkins, granddaughter, Carolyn M. Hopkins, sister, Ann K. Nolan and brother Dwight D. Hopkins. Richard is survived by his loving and caring family including his wife of 65 years, Allison Regan Hopkins of Charleston SC (formerly of Buffalo, NY), son, William P. Hopkins of New York City, son, Richard C. Hopkins of Williamsville, NY and daughter, Allison H. Prey (Gregory) of Charleston, SC. Affectionately known as 'Grumpa', Richard is survived by nine of his ten grandchildren: Edward K. Arsenault, William V.B. Arsenault, Cassandra R. Hopkins, (fiancé Dylan Van Cott) Silas C. Hopkins, Clara H. Daniels, William H. Daniels, Emma R. Hopkins, Charlotte L. Hopkins and Bryan T. Lassoe. He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews. Richard was a graduate of The Campus School at State Teacher's College, The Nichols School ('52), Cornell University where he received his BA and was a member of the Sigma Phi fraternity ('56). He received his MBA from Rutgers University Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He was an active US Army Reservist in the early 1960's. Richard enjoyed playing ice hockey while at both Nichols and Cornell. His love of the game continued through his adulthood as a Buffalo Sabres season ticket holder, Town of Amherst Youth Hockey coach and as a devoted spectator at his children's and grandchildren's games and endless games coached by his son, Rick. Richard was a devoted fan of The Buffalo Bills and rarely missed a game. Having grown up in Buffalo, Richard split his summers between Camp Pemigewassett in Wentworth, NH, at his grandparent's home in Woods Hole, MA and on his families' fruit farm on The Niagara River in Lewiston, NY. Summers on Cape Cod were spent sailing, swimming and fishing in Buzzards Bay, volunteering as a fireman in Falmouth and cheering on The Red Sox. In his youth Richard was frequently on a ladder in his grandfather's orchards in Lewiston picking peaches, apples, cherries and plumbs and during World War II, alongside German POW's under the watchful eye of US Army guards. During his adult years he summered on the Canadian shores of Lake Erie with his parents and his own family. A true lover of dogs, he was a proud owner of 14 Golden Retrievers over the span of fifty-five years. Richard spent 21 years in the commercial banking business holding numerous positions from teller to president of Marine Midland Bank. He left banking to join his wife's family wine and liquor distribution company. Once the business was sold Richard accepted the position of Director of Internal Audit and Corporate Compliance at Kaleida Health where he worked until his retirement. Richard found great satisfaction volunteering for and sitting on several boards over the years including: The United Way, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, Blind Association of Western NY, Albright Knox Art Gallery, Acme Electric, Gold Dome Bank, Key Bank, Marine Midland, Buffalo China, Buffalo General Health System, The Park School of Buffalo and The Nichols School. He always enjoyed attending (with pride) his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, art shows, dance recitals and theatrical productions. Richard was an avid reader, and enjoyed live theater, movies, golf, tennis, skiing and hunting. He was a former member of The Country Club of Buffalo, The Buffalo Club, Concord Ski Club and Calvary Episcopal Church (for 61 years.) During his retirement years spending time with his family and beloved Golden Retrievers was his top priority and he spent his last three years in Charleston, SC where he was a member of Grace Episcopal Church Cathedral. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, May 6th at 11:00AM with a reception immediately following at Calvary Episcopal Church, 20 Milton Street, Williamsville, New York. Live streaming for the service can be found at www.calvaryepiscopal.net.In the lieu of flowers, you may donate in Richard's memory to Calvary Episcopal Church, 20 Milton Street, Williamsville, NY 14221.