LAURIE (MIKE) EVANS HOPKINS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

LAURIE (MIKE) EVANS HOPKINS

It is with deep sadness that the family of Mike announces his passing on January 8, 2026 at the Grace Hospital at the age of 101.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Lynda (Bill), Andy, and Angus; his daughter-in-law Jacqui; his grandchildren, Dylan, Kylie (Matt), Katy, Riley, Ashlee and Jason (Attyah); and his great-grandchildren, Walker and Nash. He is also survived by his sister Joan and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Thelma, his son Tim, his brothers, Pat, Tommy and Donny and sister Gladys.

Mike was born February 28, 1924 to Hulbert and Maplet Hopkins at the family farm in the Wingham district (Elm Creek, Manitoba). Due to the depression of the 1930s and adverse farming conditions the family had to move four times within the area. He attended the Wingham Consolidated School and completed up to grade nine.

At age 18, he joined the army and was a private in the Fort Garry Horse. His company was attached to the British Tank Corp, and in 1944 they followed the Normandy Invasion, three days after the initial attack. His company moved up through France and were in Holland when peace was declared in 1945. He was discharged on January 19, 1946.

With his father’s passing in 1946 he helped his mother on the farm as well as worked at neighbour’s farms. In the summer of 1950, Mike and Thelma were attendants at his brother and her sister, Pat and Hazel’s wedding and their courtship began. They were married on July 24, 1954. In the same year Mike got a job at the University of Manitoba as a Technician in Agriculture where he worked until he retired in March, 1990.

Mike liked to keep busy and active. He fished, he hunted, he curled and enjoyed cutting and stacking wood and was always willing to help out where ever needed. Even once retired, he took a summer part time job with the Canadian Corn Association working in the fields. In his down time he loved drives in the country to check out the crops and watch the wildlife. He never let his age deter him. He drove a truck into his 90s, bought a quad when he was 94 so he could get around quicker on the Elm Creek farmstead. He wouldn’t miss weekly get togethers at the Cambridge and Fort Garry Legion where he’d enjoy a beer and carry on a conversation with friends. He was a man who lived in the present but was always willing to share interesting stories accumulated over the last 100 years.

We are very grateful that we got to spend many years with a truly wonderful man. Mike would have reached 102 years on February 28th this year and was able to reside in his Fort Garry home until December 12, 2025, the date he was admitted to the hospital.

A private graveside service was held and according to his wishes, he was buried at the Swan Lake Cemetery next to his wife Thelma. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dasch Foundation, 1605 Buffalo Place, Winnipeg, MB R3T 6J8.

Tributes: www.willmorchapel.com.

Jamieson’s Funeral Services of Glenboro-Holland in care of arrangements

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2026