John Clinton Hopper

Passed away peacefully at home in Kenwood California on December 2, 2010. John was born and raised in Jacksonville Illinois, the youngest of four children. His father was Thomas Vickerman Hopper and his mother was Alice Briggs Hopper. His folks owned the iconic Hopper Family Shoe store on the town square. John joined the Navy during World War II and shipped out of San Diego. He served on the USS Doyle C. Barnes (DMS - 34). The USS Doyle served as a naval escort in New Guinea and as a mine-sweeper in the Philippines and Borneo. After the war, in 1952, John married Barbara Kline in Eagle Rock, California. Re-enlisting during the Korean War, John shipped out on the USS FD Roosevelt (CVA - 42). He was on board the aircraft carrier as it rounded Cape Horn in 1954 to test for endurance in cold weather. After serving his two tours of duty, John returned to California where he and his wife settled into teaching. John was always known for his kindness and patience. He taught at Sequoia Junior High School from 1956 until his retirement in 1982. John was very active in many volunteer organizations. He took the helm as president of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society from 1961-1962. More recently, John was a dedicated volunteer at Strybing Botanical Garden, San Francisco for 25 years. He has been an active member of The Santa Rosa Garden Club for over 23 years. After retirement John and Barbara took their extensive collection of botanical specimen plants and moved north to Kenwood. In their new home, they worked hard to install the landscaping that would become their exquisite specimen garden including the 'John Hopper' rose. From 1984 to 2001 they worked as travel agents for Geo Star Travel Agency. At Geo Star John and Barbara led tours to see the bird and plant wonders of the world. John lived life in the fullest appreciation of the biological world and had a most excellent adventurous retirement. John Hopper is survived by his wife Barbara of 58 years; nephew Tom Hopper of Atlanta Georgia, and niece Laura Quinlan of San Diego. A memorial service will be held for John on Thursday January 6th at 2:00 p.m. at the Eggen and Lance Chapel 5014 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, CA. Donations to be made to the Santa Rosa Garden Club. SANTA ROSA MORTUARY EGGEN & LANCE CHAPEL, 707-545-3737