Dean Hopkins

It is with deep sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Dean Stanley Hopkins, age 54, who lost his battle with cancer at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, AB on May 11, 2023.

Dean was born on November 20, 1968, in Calgary, AB to Ray and Thelma Hopkins; his arrival completing their family of 6. He grew to embody his Mother’s passion for life and his Father’s sense of humor. Guided by his older siblings, Dean grew to become one of the most charming, lovable troublemakers you could hope to meet.

With the help of Colonel Sanders, Dean met the love of his life, Laura, while working at a KFC in Lethbridge, AB. On May 27, 1989, the happy couple went from asking “Do you want fries with that?” to “Will you marry me?”. Not long after, Dean and Laura welcomed two beautiful children into the world together.

In 1992 Dean began his 30-year career selling cars at College Mercury, later become the Finance Manager and making his TV debut as College Mercury’s very own Cupid. In 2017, Dean traded in his Ford for a (McDonald) Nissan, where he worked until his passing. Throughout his career, Dean met a great deal of wonderful people and formed many lasting friendships.

Dean had a passion for music and loved listening to his records late into the night. He also had a deep love for children and animals, always stopping whatever he was doing to make a child laugh or pet a passing dog. Both Dean and Laura shared a love for travel. Although they enjoyed exploring new places, they would often find themselves back in Cuba, Dean’s favorite destination.

Dean was a devoted husband and father. He had the biggest heart, and would go out of his way to help in any way he could. Dean had a contagious laugh and a sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest days, although only the bravest among us would open his memes and videos at work.

In addition to his loving wife Laura, Dean is survived by his two children Mark (Sophia) and Sabrina (Will); his sisters Connie (Rob) Zucchelli and Debbie (Kurt) Butler; his Mother-in-Law Doreen Leusink; his Brother-in-law Michael (Dawn) Leusink and Sister-in-Law Rita (Paul) Meyer; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and his precious fur-baby Peanut, who never left his side after he got sick. Dean was predeceased by his parents Ray and Thelma, his brother Larry, and his Father-in-Law Henk Leusink.

At Dean’s request, the family will not be holding a funeral. Instead, a celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 20th, 2023, at the ITALIAN CANADIAN CLUB, 1511 St Edward Blvd N, Lethbridge.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society or the SPCA in memory of Dean.

“Always look on the bright side of life” – Monty Python’s Life of Brian

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