On Wednesday, 18 September, Raymond (Ray) Albert Hopkins, beloved husband, father, and Opa, passed away peacefully in Stratford, Ontario, aged eighty-eight. He is survived by his loving wife, Leonora, his sons Mark and John, his daughter-in-law Monika, and his adored grandsons, Peter and Henry.
Ray was born in Kingston-upon-Thames and obtained a certificate in Engineering at the Quintin School in London. He started his career by completing an apprenticeship with the Savoy Hotel Group, where he worked at the famous Savoy and Claridge Hotels in London and Paris. After his apprenticeship, he worked for British European Airways (BEA) and Canadian Pacific Airlines (CP), initially stationed in Vancouver before moving to Montreal.
In 1963, Ray met his wife and the love of his life, Leonora Sevenhuijsen, a flight attendant with Trans Canada Airlines (TCA), in Montreal. After two weeks of courtship, they got engaged and married three months later in London and Amsterdam to honor their Dutch and English families. Last November, they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Ray and his 'Schatzley' shared a passion for travel, visiting all corners of the world, including several trips to Australia to see their son John and grandson Henry.
Ray held various executive managerial positions throughout his career, including Executive Manager of the Sheraton Mount Royal, General Manager of the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association (MAAA), and General Manager of the Royal Montreal Golf Club. In 1991, Ray and Leonora moved to Oakville, Ontario, where Ray finished his career as the Royal Canadian Yacht Club General Manager. During his career, Ray was an active member of the Canadian Society of Club Managers, serving in several executive board positions, including President from 1988 to 1989. 1989 Score Magazine awarded Ray the Canadian Golf Club Manager of the Year.
In retirement, Ray and Leonora ran a successful B&B for over 20 years in their beautiful Queen Anne home in Stratford, Ontario. Ray also provided outstanding leadership to the FOBBA and the SABBA, including acting president.
After a brave battle, Ray passed away from multiple myeloma. A private family interment will be held at Avondale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Rotary Hospice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford.
