Mark Douglas Hopkins, 54, of 708 Delta Avenue in Gladstone passed away Friday morning, March 25, 2011 at his residence following a lengthy illness.
Mark was born November 2, 1956 in Madison Wisconsin. He was a 1975 graduate of Gladstone Area High School and earned his B.S. in Marketing from Michigan Technical University. Afterwards, he used his technical and business skills to form two successful computer software companies.
Mark spent nearly 10 years working for an international relief organization which allowed him to travel the world giving to his fellow man. Mark had a big heart and freely shared his gifts with those in need. Mark spent the majority of his adult life in Ventura, California, but returned home in his final days where he was welcomed and supported by his dearest friends.
Mark was a devout packer fan and carried the spirit of “The Pack” with him wherever he went. He lived hard and loved hard, and we all benefited from having him in our lives.
Mark is survived by:
His wife, Kym Hopkins of Ventura, CA
Four daughters, Alynn (Roger) Martinez of Camarillo, CA, Hannah, Haley and Olivia of Ventura, CA
Two grandchildren, Angelique and Aiden Martinez
His sister, Audrey Hopkins of Ferndale, MI
A nephew, Benjamin and a niece, Heather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas and Elaine Wesolowski, his sister, Jan Hopkins and maternal grandparents, John and Sara Fink.
Mark’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 30 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Memorial services celebrating Mark’s life will follow at 5:00 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Jonathan Schmidt officiating.
Anonymous
I am so sorry to hear the news about Mark. I wish his family prayers and peace. Mark was a wonderful friend in High School. Sincerely and with prayers.
Paula (DeFiore) Van Damme
Naples, FL
To the family of Mark (Gyro) Hopkins may I extend my sincere condolences. I was shocked to learn we lost Mark at such a young age. Mark was one of my students in Biology. Oddly enough, I was thinking of him just the other day before I learned of his passing. I was tending my cactus garden and recalled Mark did his 10th grade Bio. Research paper on Cacti!!!
RIP Mark.
Al Salmi
Rapid River MI & Lake Worth, FL
Mark ~ you popped back into our lives after many years of being away, and now you’ve left us just as quickly. But you have touched our whole family deeply. We enjoyed many wonderful times and moments these past few months and we wouldn’t have missed it for the world. We miss you so much already. I know you’re smiling down from heaven.
Until we meet again………
Rene’~Mike~Rachel~Cory~Michaela~Erin
Rene’ Boddy
Gladstone, MI
we are truly sorry , van an mark were best freinds, they came out to california togeather I met mark there too we all became good freinds with his family he was a funny guy good sence of humor always ready to have a good time we will keep you in our hearts an prayers to get you through this time we shall never forget him love the anglims
Debra @ Van Anglim
Corpus Christi, TX
Sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. May he rest in peace.
Carol (Cole) DeShambo
Escanaba, MI
Fond memories of Mark (Gyro) while I had him as a math student in Gladstone. I saw Mark at a recent basketball game in Escanaba and was so happy to have a wonderful visit with him. We talked about all the good times we had while Mark was in school.
So proud to have read he was so successful in his adult life with his comnputer software.
RIP Mark.
Always, Dave Lahtinen
Gladstone, MI
Many people saying many prayers for the family you left behind. You will be sadly missed by all, and the many more you knew. Rest in peace my friend. My sincerest condolences to the entire family in their loss.
Rest in peace.
Jackie LaFond Mott
Orange Park, FL
Mark;
from a former roomate and friend—you left us way too soon bro; and unfortunately it wasn’t the way you or anyone wanted. We hope you’re at peace now and we’ll see you on the other side soon. Rest well. Rich
Rich
Peinemb, WI
It was a pleasure to meet Mark. We had a great football season cheering our PACK on to the super bowl. He will be missed
Cathy Anderson
Cornell, MI
Mark came to my office one day early last November and the first thing he said was, “You probably don’t remember me but I remember saving you from a school bully that was picking on you in the hallway…” I smiled back and said,”of, course I remember!” and I was forever grateful. I guess that spoke of the type of man that he was. I was glad to have had a chance to lend him some assistance during his illness, a seemingly small token of my appreciation for what he did years ago.
I also remember his keen intellect having participated with him on the debate team and although I was 4 years his junior it did not seem to matter to him, the leader that he was.
I’m sorry to see him taken from us while it seemed he still had so much to give…Godspeed Mark!
Steve Tackman
Gladstone, MI
What can I say about a guy I idolized as a boy?
Mark was a man I looked up to and admired for his strength, intelligence and amazing sense of humor. Without Mark, I literally would not be where I am today. He took me in, fed me and offered me a place to live while trying to make a life for myself thousands of miles from home.
I will always be grateful for my memories of my hero, Mark, and everything he did for me. Rest in peace, Gyro, we loved you.
Brian Peterson
Valley Village, CA
To the family and friends of Mark Hopkins. Know that I (one of his classmates and friend) will be praying for your comfort as you lay Mark to rest. I am so saddened by his passing as 54 is too young to leave life. Be blessed in all you do and R.I.P. dear Mark!
David King
Adrian, MI
Rest in peace Gyro. Fond memories of the many classes we had together and basketball team days. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Bruce Oman
Marinette, WI
A classmate of Mark’s, I have good memories of this really smart guy who could handle all Norman Peterson and Mr. Grenfell had to offer in physics and chemistry at GHS–classes I was really over my head in. I moved away from Gladstone in the 1970’s so hold those fond memories of Gladstone dear and these memories include Mark and his family. I have missed seeing Mark at recent class reunions as I had hoped life treated him well. My prayers go out to the family.
Mary Beth LeGault Bergeron
Oxford, OH