Michael Hopfner

Michael Alfred Hopfner 1947-2009 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather Michael Hopfner, after his short and courageous fight against cancer on April 19, 2009. Michael leaves to mourn his loving wife, Lori; and their two sons, Cole (Jennifer) and Bart (Yumi); his three precious grandchildren, Shayna, Raine and Keiji; his brothers, Ron Hopfner (Monica) and family, Murray Hopfner (Gerry) and family; sisters, Carol McGrath, Anita Eggar (Lorne) and family, Lois Chuback (Stan) and family, Brenda Roenspies (Rod) and family; and all of his extended family and friends. Michael was predeceased by his father and mother, Dan and Leona Hopfner; and his parents-inlaw, Hubert and Mary Kohle; brother-in-law, Mark Kohle and his wife, Shiela; brother-inlaw, Hubert Kohle Jr.; and his special nephew, Jim Dagenais. Michael was born January 25, 1947 to Dan and Leona Hopfner in Humboldt, SK. He was raised and attended school in Lake Lenore, SK. He later moved to Saskatoon and became a Journeyman electrician. In 1973, Michael decided to hang up his tool belt and enter the sales world and for the next two years he sold irrigation systems in Outlook, SK. After a couple of years in Outlook, Michael's entrepreneurial spirit led him to Harris, SK, where he and Lori owned and operated the Harris Hotel until 1979. In 1979, Michael moved his business to Lashburn, SK and it is here where he and Lori decided to raise their two young boys. From the start, Michael had a fondness for Lashburn's community spirit and wanted to see his adopted home prosper. Michael soon became active in municipal politics and not long after became the Mayor of Lashburn. This must have sparked a passion for political life in Michael, because in 1982, he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan and he served as the M.L.A. for the Cutknife-Lloydminster constituency until his defeat in 1991. After politics, Michael again focused on his hotel business in Lashburn until he sold it in 2005 and he retired. Michael was such a special person who loved life and his caring attitude touched many people. Michael loved family gatherings, playing with his grandchildren, travelling, golfing, having coffee on coffee row, Bridge games, his cabin at Turtle Lake, hunting trips with his buddies, and making wine and enjoying it with his family and friends. Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff at the Maidstone Hospital for filling his final days with compassion and kindness. Michael had a real zest for life which will be deeply missed. His memories will be in our hearts forever and we pray to God for his loving soul to be at peace. The vigil of prayer will be held on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Lucia's Roman Catholic Church in Lashburn, Saskatchewan. The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 24th, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lashburn Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Canadian Diabetic Society.