Obituary

Arthur Hopkins, obituary

Mon, 07/28/2014 - 10:30am

SOMERVILLE — Arthur D. “Bear” Hopkins, 61, died unexpectedly July 23, 2014, at his home, of natural causes from an illness he has battled over the past two years.

Born in Rockland on June 29, 1953, he was the son of Emery D. and Marion Carver Hopkins. Arthur grew up on the island of North Haven, where he attended the local school.

Arthur was respected as a skilled carpenter and craftsman. He was dedicated to the profession all his adult life, working on homes and special projects in a number of communities.

In 1976, Arthur married Elizabeth Minot, with whom he had a son and daughter, Bear and Jessie. They lived together on North Haven until the early 1980s, when they moved to Massachusetts, where Arthur lived until returning to North Haven in 1987.

On Jan. 19, 1997, he married Patricia Moulton. In 1999 they moved to Somerville, where they have since resided.

In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting and photography.

He was an avid reader and travelled regularly to the Caribbean with his wife, Patricia. He particularly enjoyed the grounds of his property, working in his gardens, restoring his home, and feeding wild turkeys that eventually visited his porch every day and would eat from his hand. He had a great affection for German shepherds, particularly his beloved dog Nita, who was always by his side at home and at work, and would follow him on his four-wheeler around the property.

Predeceased by his parents, Arthur is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia of Somerville; one son, Bear Hopkins of Union; one daughter, Jessie C.S. Hopkins and her husband, Pablo Gazmuri, of Medfield, Mass.; five grandchildren, Stephen, Michelle, Elizabeth, Jonathan and Mason; four brothers, James L. and his wife, Paula, Hopkins, Kenneth G. Hopkins and his partner, Marie Crabtree, Mark C. Hopkins and Paul S. Hopkins; one sister, Nancy Hopkins–Davisson and her husband, James; several nieces and nephews; as well as many cousins; and the community of North Haven.

A graveside committal will be held Friday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. at the Hopkins Family Lot in Seaview Cemetery on North Haven. The Rev. David Macy will officiate. A celebration of his life will be held at Big Beach, Mullens Head, after the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Somerville Volunteer Fire Department, 116 Frye Road, Somerville, ME 04348.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.