An internment ceremony was held at Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst, Ohio on Saturday, June 26th for Ward L Hopkins 84, of Huntington WV, formerly of Wellsville, NY. Ward passed away on April 26, 2021, after suffering a stroke.
Ward was born in Wellsville on January 9, 1937, to Albertine Fitch Hopkins and Ellis J. Hopkins, and became the younger brother of Miriam H. Dennis and James F Hopkins, all predeceasing him. He is survived by his partner Shirley Lumpkin of Huntington, W.V., brother-in-law Glenn S. Dennis of Charlottesville, VA, nephew Stephen H. Dennis (Nancy) of Houston, TX, niece Julie D. Mendelsohn (Mark) of Charlottesville, VA and great nieces and nephews Kirsten M. Jeschke (Kevin), Rebecca Mendelsohn, Debbie Ann H. Peck (Charles) and Stephen H. Dennis Jr. and good friend Tom Hayden of Wellsville, NY,
Ward graduated from Wellsville High School, Dennison University, and The Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University. All three schools helped Ward develop into the uniquely capable man that he was. Ward strived to be a good, responsible citizen, that made informed decisions, most notably when voting, which he took pride in doing. He re-read the Constitution every year to re-discover the foundation of US principals. Ward believed that a well-educated citizenry was important to our democracy and gave generously to both Dennison and Syracuse Universities. While working for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Ward was charged with re-locating many families to build new highways. Ward used his education and experience to make sure that every family that was impacted had their quality of life increased from the experience. Ward sat in many dilapidated homes, assuring families of something better, and delivering on the promise. Some corrupt County Officials may have been exposed during this process; Ward was proud to do so.
Ward enjoyed a good conversation, best over a meal and possibly a Canadian beer. Ward enjoyed travelling and visiting with family and friends. Summers at Keuka Lake in his youth and later with Shirley were where Ward was most at peace. Ward was a Syracuse Orange football, basketball, and lacrosse fan. During his time at Syracuse, he mentored a few athletes from the great 60’s football teams. Ward would never name drop, but he was close to, and favored Floyd Little over all the great Syracuse running backs. Proving that he rooted for the underdog, Ward was a Buffalo Bills fan through thick and thin. Ward was a fan of women’s lacrosse in Charlottesville, following his great-nieces play. Ward is fondly remembered by all that knew him. Ward would appreciate contributions be made to an institution of higher education of your choice.