Arthur ‘Bear’ D. Hopkins, 61, of Somerville, died unexpectedly at his home July 23 of natural causes from an illness he has battled over the past two years.
Born in Rockland, June 29, 1953, he was the son of Emery D. and Marion Carver Hopkins. Arthur grew up on the island of North Haven, where he attended the local school.
Arthur was respected as a skilled carpenter and craftsman. He was dedicated to the profession all his adult life, working on homes and special projects in a number of communities.
In 1976, Arthur married Elizabeth Minot, with whom he had a son and daughter, Bear and Jessie. They lived together on North Haven until the early 80s, when they moved to Massachusetts, where Arthur lived until returning to North Haven in 1987.
January 19, 1997, he married Patricia Moulton. In 1999 they moved to Somerville, where they have since resided.
In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting and photography.
He was an avid reader and travelled regularly to the Caribbean with his wife Patricia. He particularly enjoyed the grounds of his property, working in his gardens, restoring his home, and feeding wild turkeys that eventually visited his porch every day and would eat from his hand. He had a great affection for German Shepherds, particularly his beloved dog Nita, who was always by his side at home and at work, and would follow him on his 4-wheeler around the property.
Arthur was predeceased by his parents.
He is survived by his beloved wife Patricia of Somerville; son, Bear Hopkins of Union; daughter, Jessie C.S. Hopkins and husband Pablo Gazmuri of Medfield, Mass.; grandchildren, Stephen, Michelle, Elizabeth, Jonathan and Mason; brothers, James L. and wife Paula Hopkins, Kenneth G. Hopkins and partner Marie Crabtree, Mark C. Hopkins, and Paul S. Hopkins; sister, Nancy Hopkins-Davisson and husband James; the community of North Haven; several nieces and nephews; as well as many cousins.
A graveside committal will be held at 11 a.m., Fri., Aug. 8 at the Hopkins Family Lot, Seaview Cemetery, North Haven. The Rev. David Macy will officiate. A celebration of his life will be held at Big Beach, Mullens Head, after the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Somerville Volunteer Fire Department, 116 Frye Rd., Somerville, ME 04348.
To share a memory or condolence with Arthur’s family, please visit his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland.
