Born in South Porcupine, Northern Ontario, to the late Walter and Anne Hopkins, he was the oldest of three brothers. He is survived by his youngest brother, Brian. Predeceased by his brother Robert and is remembered by Robert’s wife, Pierrette. With fifteen years between him and his youngest brother, Wally stepped naturally into the role of mentor early in life, a role he would carry forward, sometimes invited, often simply assumed.
In the early 1960’s, his mother gifted him a trunk as he left home to begin his career with the Ontario Provincial Police. He kept that trunk all his life, gradually filling it with small but meaningful collectibles and practical items, each clearly labelled. It reflected how he lived: organized, deliberate, and attentive to what mattered. Wally was first stationed in the Niagara Falls area, moving to remote detachments and communities in Northern Ontario, where he took time to listen, particularly to Indigenous children and elders. He preserved their stories through artwork he safeguarded for decades; quiet reminders of relationships built on respect.
After leaving the OPP, Wally was co-owner of A&W Esso travel centre restaurant and gift shop in Kenogami and Englehart before earning his degree from York University, an accomplishment he held with pride. Toronto became his long-time home. There, his condo welcomed international students not simply for housing, but for guidance and consistent encouragement as their “Canadian Dad” to friends such as Daniel and Lekan. He was also a quiet caretaker, often checking in on and assisting senior neighbours when needed. His belief that education created opportunity extended beyond Canada, leading to travel and lasting involvement supporting a family’s academic journey in the Dominican Republic.
Wally preferred simplicity over activity and kept his circle small, valuing a few close friendships and remaining quietly generous. He did not seek a busy social life and often said he did not need to be entertained. Purpose, structure, and meaningful connection were enough, reflected in his annual Christmas letter written faithfully.
He preserved family history with care, ensuring photographs and records were passed on to his niece, Tanea (Marc). As Parkinson’s disease progressed, Wally chose to move to Kingston, where he was compassionately supported in his final years. He often made a point of saying thank you, clearly and directly, never taking the care he received for granted.
He approached physiotherapy with diligence, enjoyed fish and chips outings, cop shows, his delivery of sweets and snacks, and welcomed summer visits from the few friends he valued deeply.
As the phone became harder to manage, Wally would often accidentally call his great nephew Matt (Montana) while trying to reach Marc. He was always happy when Matt answered and took particular joy in meeting baby Aynslee, another chapter in the family story.
