Skip to content

Art was born in Wynyard, Saskatchewan to Arthur and Nellie McKelvie Hopper. At 19 he enlisted in the RCAF, was posted to the Marine Branch and spent 4 years aboard various patrol and supply vessels stationed along the West Coast. Art married Pearl Jefferson in 1946, daughter Dianne was born in 1947 and they settled in Ruskin, BC. From 1946 to 1966 he worked as an estate groundskeepers and millworker, and also volunteered with the Army Militia and the RCMP Auxiliary. Employment with BC Ferries followed, and through education upgrading and marine certifications he moved from deckhand to mate and then skipper. His final posting was on the Quadra Island/Cortes Island run, retiring on Cortes in 1986. After Pearl passed away in 1993 he moved to Sooke, BC to be closer to family. An avid walker, world traveler, gardener and animal lover he enjoyed good health and kept busy until the end.

Predeceased by daughter Dianne in 2015. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins in the Hopper clan as well as his brothers Murray and Bob (Donna), son-in-law Arnie Campbell, grandson David (Shawna) Campbell and great grandchildren Jared and Lexi.

At his request, Art was buried next to Pearl at a private ceremony on August 8, 2016 at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, Cedar, BC.