Obituary of Randy Hopfe

Randolf (Randy) Wayne Hopfe passed away at the Long Term Care Health Centre in Hardisty, Alberta at the age of 64 years with his good friend Maria Cookson by his side.

Randy was born to Joseph and Elizabeth (Betty) Hopfe on November 15, 1954.

Randy worked for Francis and Jenny Granger at the Hardisty Mohawk after receiving his mechanic's licence. During that time, he was an active volunteer firefighter on the fire department in Hardisty.

Years went by and he started working for the Dion family driving school buses and tour buses for Sun Valley Tours. In between bus times, Randy became the official “handy-man” because he would do anything for Marlene, Paul, Duane, Shelly, and Brent. He would do yard work, gardening, painting and even putting up the Christmas lights. He was very easy to get along with and would do anything they asked. This may have been a job but the Dion’s became family to Randy. He loved being included. When they weren’t driving school buses and tour buses Brent, Randy, and Paul would spend hours getting the buses ready for the next “Ride”. He loved the fact that he could go to the hockey games or the army base or to be in charge of making sure the kids got to school on time. I’m sure the kids groaned because he would drive through anything; the coldest weather or the worst roads Randy would be out there. Randy spent a lot of time sitting outside doing his puzzle books and enjoying the company of his 2 dogs.

When Randy’s health took a toll on him, he lost a leg due to his diabetes and had a stroke, but this didn’t stop his spirit. He came to live at the Hardisty Health Centre where he loved each and everyone of the doctors, nurses, and staff. Randy always said “Please and Thank You” whenever he received help; from getting his meals, medications, or baths. Randy had a mind of his own. If he didn’t like something or wanted something, he’d be the first to let you know. He enjoyed driving his scooter around town and especially to Close to Home restaurant where he would have coffee and hear any news of the town with family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Betty Hopfe, and his brother Raymond Hopfe.

He leaves to mourn his cousins Albert, Jake, and Dean and their families. Randy also leaves behind the friends, he chose to make his family over the years and he will be dearly missed by them all.

There will be a graveside service at a later date. In Randy’s words “When the weather is warmer no sense of freezing your butts off.”

We would like to express our gratitude and thanks to all the Hospital staff who took such good care of Randy during the time he was a resident there. Donations can be made to the Hardisty Hospital Auxiliary or to the Diabetes Association.