BORN: Sudbury, Ont., July 4, 1953
Raised in Espanola, Ont., Both elementary and high school
Parents: Reta E. Hopkins (Trowbridge) deceased; Robert A. Hopkins (deceased)
Siblings: Brian D. Hopkins (Cindy) Midland; Carol Houle (deceased) Mike Houle, Massey, Ont.
Nephews: Dean Houle (Erica), Sudbury, Ont.; Rodney Houle (deceased) formerly of Massey, Ont.; Derek Houle (Sarah), Kitchener, Ont.; Douglas Hopkins (Tanya Patterson) Calgary, AB
Niece: Robin Hopkins, Campbell River, B.C.
At a high school age, David was very active as a skier at Boogie Mountain, the Espanola ski hill. David became a qualified ski instructor and was involved in races all over Northern Ontario.
He also did summer work in McGregor Bay for the estate of Commander McDonald, a founder of Zenith Corporation.
He moved to Edmonton, Alberta (Lake Eden) after high school where he taught skiing for about 3 years before moving to and instructing at Revelstoke, B.C.
Later he was hired in Nelson, B.C., to do set work on the movie ROXANNE starring Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah in 1987. This was the start of his film/television career as he soon moved to Los Angeles.
His IMDb notes movie/tv involvement include: HEAT (1995); ARMAGEDDON (1998); SHOOTER (2007); LOVE RANCH (2010); SMOTHER (2008); THE FAST & THE FURIOUS (2006); LOOKING FOR COMEDY (2005); AMERICAN GUN (2005); RAY (2004); AMERICAN CRIME (2004); PROOF OF LIFE (2000); BEVERLY HILLS 90210 (1998-99); FIRESTORM (1998); DON KING (1997); THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE (1997); BUNK BED BROTHERS (1996); DOLORES CLAIBORNE (1995); GREEDY (1994); WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT (1993); BORN YESTERDAY (1993); BOUND BY HONOUR (1993) HOUSEKEEPING (1987) and MAID TO ORDER (1987).
Upon experiencing RVing life in Quartzsite, Arizona, with his siblings during the winters, David became a full-time RVer in his Casita travel trailer spending winters in Quartzsite with family and friends. He travelled the U.S. and Canada locating many fine fishing spots along the way and publishing his adventures “TRAVELS WITH CASITA BOB” to about 65 recipients.
David's fight with cancer ended after a period of 14 months after he returned to be with family in Midland, Ont., in the spring of 2023.
David was also fond of Mazarin; Nolan; Riley and Tyler.
An experience of a lifetime was sailing with a very small crew from the Grand Canaries off the coast of Africa 25 days across the Atlantic to Antigua.
David's other love was golfing and his chef ability was also noteworthy.
He will be missed by many cousins and friends.
Condolences can be made at www.leclaircremationcentre.ca
