Harold Hamlin Hopper

Harold Hamlin Hopper, M.D. Long time Peninsula physician, Dr. "Hal" Hopper passed away in the company of his family on November 25, 2006. He was 82. While maintaining a private practice specializing in internal medicine, Dr. Hopper dedicated himself to his patients and the medical community for over 50 years, including serving as chief of staff at Mills Memorial Hospital, and medical director of The Peninsula Regent. Born in Beverly Hills to Southern California land and real estate developer Charles B. Hopper and Eleanor Rogers Hopper, he was the youngest of six. He attended El Rodeo School, Beverly Hills High School and Webb School. Dr. Hopper attended Stanford University where he was a member of the Stanford Crew Team. Interrupted by WWII, he enlisted in the Navy V12 Pre-Med program, taking him to Colorado College, and University of Cincinnati, where he earned his MD in 1948. He completed Internships at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia in 1950, and at Stanford Medical School in 1955. In 1959 he earned his Qualification of Specialty in Internal Medicine. In 1946, while still active in the Navy, Hal married Jeanne Roberts of Denver, CO. With their three children, Marshall, Dana and Kim in tow, Lieutenant Hopper's 10 year tour of duty was concluded at the Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba. Dr. Hopper moved his family to the SF Bay Area in 1952, where their fourth child, Charles, was born. Hillsborough residents for over 30 years, Hal was a Boy Scout Leader, BHS Football Team Doctor, Squaw Valley Ski Patrol Physician, Board Member of St. Matthews Episcopal Church, glider pilot, and proud yachtsman of his majestic sloop "Britannia". He was a member of Burlingame Country Club, The Hillsborough Racquet Club, The Peninsula Tennis Club, The Sierra Club, The Commonwealth Club and The Bohemian Club. Harold and Connie Kidwell Siverts were married in 1977. Shortly thereafter, Hal was diagnosed with kidney disease, and received an organ donation from his son, Marshall. With his son's gift and support of his loving wife, he was able to recover and enjoy a very full life. Hal is survived by his wife, Connie; children, Marshall Hopper of Moraga, Dana Habegger and Kimberly Hopper of Piedmont, and Charles Hopper of Orinda; grandchildren, Matthew, Charles, Bradford, Jacqueline, Wendy, Eleanore, Chasen and Reid; sister, Virginia Mylne of Riverside; brother, Emery Rogers of Palo Alto; step-children, George and Theodore Siverts and grandchildren, Elizabeth, Catherine and Olivia. A Memorial Service will be held at 4pm Wed, Dec. 13 at The Episcopal Church of St. Matthews in San Mateo. A reception will follow. Donations in memory, may be made to: The Mills Peninsula Hospital Foundation, 100 So San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401.