Russell George Hopkins

Russell George Hopkins 86, passed away peacefully supported by his family at Good Sheppard Hospital in Barrington, Ilinois on November 22nd 2022. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Russell Hughes Hopkins and Helen (Berry) Hopkins. He is survived and will be dearly missed by his children, Michael Hopkins, Suzanne Hopkins, Mark Hopkins and his 7 Grandchildren Evan, Ryan, Alexandra, Brock, John, Kyle, Emylee and Great Grandchildren Louis and William. He is survived by his beloved Partner Lillian Sorensen.

Russell graduated from St. George High School in Evanston. Russ was an accomplished student who graduated Magna Cum Laude From University of Notre Dame (58') and then endeavored to earn his MBA at Michigan State University. He also attended Syracuse University for a degree in Marketing. Russ was also an Army Veteran (7th Army) who served in Germany for several years as a Medic. He went on to have a lengthy career working for National Beer Wholesaler's Association (NBWA) and spent his working life in the Beverage Industry specializing in Association management and marketing.

During his life, Russ selflessly and tirelessly volunteered in community initiatives and enjoyed helping those in need wherever he could. In his retirement years he worked on many State and Federal projects to support Veteran causes. He was particularly proud of his involvement in the "Blue Star Families" organization where he helped bring awareness to many of the struggles Veteran families endure.

Russ had an Amazing appetite for life and always seized the day full of energy and enthusiasm. We are all truly blessed to have had the opportunity to be in the company of such an amazing man! The moments we shared are indelible upon our hearts and the lessons he taught us will echo through the generations to come.

In times of leisure, Russ enjoyed watching sports and attending games ( Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, White Sox and Northwestern Football), Blues music, concerts, plays, hiking, birdwatching, bowling, family gatherings, going to restaurants (especially Pequod's Pizza-our family tradition), kayaking and so much more!

His favorite passion was spending the summer's at the lake cottage in Door County Wisconsin where he had spent every summer since his father bought it when he was a small child. He had a passion for birdwatching while there and particularly enjoyed the company of Hummingbirds and Blue Jays. It was a place where he enjoyed solace and reflection as well as leisure. While he was there he would especially enjoy, golfing, picking cherries, kayaking, hiking, Peninsula Players Theater, hanging out at the Lily Bay Sawmill, Cherry Wine, The Hitching Post, Washington Island and Al Johnson's Restaurant and many more! He most likely had explored all of Door County in his life and was very knowledgeable in it's history. The wonderful memories our family and friends have shared there will live in us forever!

At the end, Russ was battling his 4rth bout of cancer in the last 20 years. He fought valiantly through all of these trials and never once complained. He was an incredible example of courage and intestinal fortitude. He battled and had a positive outlook all the way to his passing.

A Private memorial will be organized in his honor. We will make those arrangements public when the event is planned. Please consider donating to bluestarfam.org and cancer.org

We Love you and we will miss you! Your memory will live through all whom have met you.

Let Faith be the wind that guides your Sail"