Neville George Hopkins, 85

Neville George Hopkins, 85, passed away Dec. 11, 2019, at home in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Nev was born in San Francisco on Aug. 5, 1934, to Edward Hopkins and Evon (North) Hopkins. He was the second born of two sons. The family relocated to Redwood City, Calif., where Nev graduated from Sequoia High School in 1952. He then attended College of San Mateo, where he graduated in 1954. He then secured employment at First National Bank of San Mateo and later, at Wells Fargo Bank.

After that, Nev started his career with Pacific Bell, where he remained until his retirement in 1989, after 32 years with the phone company. He also volunteered for the California National Guard during the Korean War for eight years.

Nev married his first wife of 24 years, Carole Wachter, in 1961. They lived in and raised two sons in Redwood City, Calif. In 1988, Nev married his second wife of almost 32 years, Irene, in Virginia City, Nev. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to Carson City, Nev., where they resided for 18 years. In 2009, Nev and Rene relocated to Coeur d’Alene to be with Nev’s two sons and their families. Finally in 2016, they moved to Oyama, British Columbia, where Rene’s family now resides.

Nev was a great man, camper, animal lover, hockey fan, husband, brother, dad, father-in-law, stepdad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother-in-law, uncle and a friend to many. If you met him, you were sure to hear a story from the past.

Nev is survived by his wife, Irene, of Oyama, British Columbia; brother, Terry Hopkins of Redwood City; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Emelyn Hopkins of Athol, Idaho; son and daughter-in-law, David and Sherri Hopkins of Coeur d’Alene; grandson, Colton Hopkins of Cheney, Wash., stepdaughter and husband, Kelly and Jim Carlson of Oyama; stepson, Matt Wachter and girlfriend, Michelle, of Oyama; four step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren in Calgary, Alberta. He was preceded in death by his parents.

At Nev’s request, no services will be held. Instead, a private celebration of life for the family will be held at a later date. Memorials in Nev’s name are suggested to The Kootenai Humane Society in Hayden, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with final arrangements.