Lester "Les" Hopkins

Les was a mentor and a friend to many, a man with wisdom and foresight well beyond his years. With an ever present respect for people, Les moved through life fully embodying the principles of character, honor, and love.

With the end of World War II in the mid 1940s, America entered into an entirely new kind of conflict. The Cold War existed as a somewhat silent threat, yet for many Americans it was just as intense as actual combat. The development of nuclear weapons coupled with extreme differences in ideology created a volatile strain between communist and democratic governments the world over. As Americans adapted to the new political climate, Richard and Gene (Kensil) Hopkins began raising a family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their son, Lester, was born December 28, 1949.

As the oldest of 7 children, Les was an amazing big brother. He always looked out for his siblings, yet, at the same time, he made sure to respect their decisions. He was never one to offer advice unless asked for it. Les’s civility earned him the trust of his siblings, who were never shy about approaching him with their troubles. Les would listen intently to their words, then act as a sort of mediator, offering different perspectives to any given problem. Never one to judge or talk in circles, Les was a positive and wise friend to all of his siblings. Though he held them to high standards, he did so while with such admirable character that they could not help but want to make Les proud.

Les attended St. Francis Catholic School in Grand Rapids through the 8th grade. By the time he entered South High School, Les was well liked by many people, not just his family. Some of his closest friends were his teammates on the softball team. Les loved softball and completely immersed himself in the game. He was thrilled when the girls league that he coached for years became champions of the league.

Les left South High School before earning his diploma. He went to work at Clark gas station and ended up managing several different locations. After growing tired of the business, he applied for a position at Michigan Wheel. Les landed a job in Shipping and Receiving, where he ended up making many life-long friends. After 25 years with Michigan Wheel, however, Les decided it was time to move on. He earned his real-estate license and got his feet wet working for Eggerding Realty. A few years later, Les made a job move to fit his relaxed lifestyle of Northern Michigan. He began working at Caldwell Realty, where he made many new friends. One of his most respected colleagues and mentor was Mr. John Weeks.

Baldwin was a town rich in natural beauty, the ideal place for Les to build himself a woodland home; and he did. The most comfortable spot of the house, at least to Les, was the kitchen table. From there, he ate, read, worked, and organized his life plan. Since the real estate business experienced a definite lull in the winter, Les organized all kinds of extensive trips during this part of the year. For two, three, or even four months, he would travel around the country visiting his friends and various casinos, where he loved to play craps. Though he was an “outdoorsman” who loved hunting, golf, fishing, and canoeing, he always looked forward to the next new adventure of challenge. Les regularly visited Florida and Mexico time and time again. They were his favorite places on earth.

Les loved spending time with his friends, whether they were across the country or next door. Those in the neighborhood looked forward to a cribbage games at Les’s house every few days. And since Les loved music, they were sure to hear the radio. Les always had the radio playing, even when he left home on vacation. He was a real “man of music” who could tell you the artist, name, and album title of any song in just about any category - except country music – which he disliked entirely. Les did not care much for T.V. either, unless, of course, sports were on. And he always found it more exciting to watch a game after placing a little wager.

Les always had to be in motion, which probably had something to do with the fact that he drank a LOT of coffee. Wherever he was, he always seemed to have a cup of it in his hand. His dearest friends and family made sure his "sweet tooth" was satisfied with regular visits. After all, they gave him the perfect excuse to indulge in yet another bottomless cup of coffee.

Lester H. Hopkins died peacefully on October, 22, 2004. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Hopkins, and step-father, Richard Wellman. Members of Les’s family include his mother, Gene (Ben) Wellman-Shawa; siblings, Cindy (Mark) Watson, Beth (Jerry) Mlynarchek, Jeff Wellman, Mark Wellman, Kelly (Steve) Sawicki, and Matt (Kim) Wellman; nieces and nephews, Lisa (Mike) Jason, Mike (Michele) Michell, Amy, Chris, Nicole, Dan, Josh W., Josh F., Mark, Tyler, Audrey, Camille, Avery, and Matthew; step-mother, Josephine Hopkins; and godchild, Joslyn Balulis. Les’s family also includes several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

According to Les’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends may meet his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home™ - 851 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids - on Monday from 2-4 p.m. A Celebration of his Life will be held later that day from 5-8 p.m. at the Elk’s Country Club, 2715 Leonard St. N.W. Please visit Les’s personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory or, in lieu of flowers, make a contribution to Hospice of Michigan or Michigan Community Blood Centers. Les enjoyed every moment of life and never took anything or anyone for granted. He was an impeccable man of character who will be deeply missed and dearly remembered by all his family and friends.