William Hopper Obituary

William Hopper
79, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 in Sun City West, Ariz. Bill's death was linked to a stroke suffered earlier that day.
Bill was a testament to the adage, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Born in Princeton, Kentucky to Lorene Fuller and William Leslie Hopper (both of whom passed away when he was a child) “Billy” was raised by Beulah Robertson in his younger years and was guided and loved by Chuck and Edy Morris (Gettysburg, Ohio) in his teenage years.
He graduated from Franklin-Monroe High School in 1955, and attended Earlham College. Bill was a career newspaper man. He began his journey as a reporter-photographer for the Palladium-Item (Richmond, Indiana) before becoming assistant city editor and managing editor at the Greenville Advocate (Ohio). In 1966 he moved to Canton, Ohio and began working at The Repository where he became editorial page assistant for two years before he was named associate editor and chief editorial writer. He retired after 30 years at The Rep. His award-winning writing touched many subjects and many lives. Bill was perfectly suited in both temperament and intellect to be the paper's voice; offering a fair and compassionate spark to debates, he had the courage to speak his mind as well as the ability to write therapeutic columns on the natural world, and life in general, so as to balance the world's woes with wit and wisdom.
Bill was a loving and supportive father, a nurturing and devoted husband, and a kind and gentle man of principles. He loved books, nature and sunsets. He treasured his retirement years in Arizona primarily because it allowed him to spend quality time with his family and the love of his life— his wife of nearly 60 years.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughters, Denise and Melanie Renee (Scott); grandchildren, Joshua (Sarah J.) and Hannah; great-grandchildren, Logan William and Gavin, all of whom reside in Arizona. He also leaves behind the much-cherished bonds of brotherhood with Dan Morris (Arcanum, Ohio) and Scott Morris (El Dorado, Missouri). His granddaughter, Sarah Michelle, was surely waiting for him at Heaven's gate.
A gathering of friends and family to honor Bill's life will be held on April 9. Memorial donations may be made to any charity of choice in Bill's name. The family invites you to sign the online guest book and share memories at www.caminodelsol.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Repository on Mar. 25, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Hopper

5 Entries

Dave Greenbaum

March 28, 2016

Bill Hopper was one of the finest men it has ever been my pleasure to know. I met him while I was a Police Officer for the City of Canton. I am very grateful for his friendship and the fact that I was able to locate him after retirement and had the pleasure of speaking to him again on the telephone. There will never be another Bill Hopper. Rest well my friend! My sincerest sympathy to his family!

Rick Senften

March 26, 2016

I've always considered myself fortunate to have been assigned to write Bill's retirement story for The Repository. Even at such a heady moment, when your life's work is about to be distilled to a few warm and complimentary recollections, he never pretended to be more than he was: a thoughtful observer and friend. He always understood that service to others, honesty and integrity comprised the foundation of his work, and as long as he dedicated himself to these, he would never fail his community. Thoughts and prayers to his family and all who ever called him "friend."

Earlene Morris

March 26, 2016

So sorry to hear of Bill;s passing. A good man meeting up with loved ones in heaven !!!

Linda (Dershem) Feitshans

March 25, 2016

To Bill's families you have my deepest sympathy. When I read the newspaper this came back to me, Bill was seven years older than I but I had a crush on him, big time. You know how grade school children look up to the older kids. I couldn't wait until he got on the bus! I have fond memories on that school bus. He was always nice to us younger kids. Have Faith and remember all the good days with him.

Wendell & Jill Horn

March 25, 2016

We were stunned and are deeply saddened about Bill' passing. He was a wonderful friend and a true gentleman. His level-headed, soft-spoken ways served as a model for us and many others. Our love and prayers go out to Ruth, Renee, Denise and the rest of the family..

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results