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Celebrating the Life of Robert Hopper
Carmel Hunt
Posted 2010-04-13 21:50:56

 February 1926 - April 2010
Robert was the key player on our broomball team

Our dear friend, Robert Hopper, died on Easter Sunday, at 11:30pm. One of the assistants from Ted Bradshaw House, Yumi, was with Robert at the time.

Robert had been very sick in the hospital for a number of weeks. The community of L’Arche Edmonton and many friends of the community walked closely with Robert during this time and witnessed Robert’s incredible stamina and desire to live.

Many, including the doctors, called Robert the “Miracle Man”. Those who walked closely with Robert over his last few days knew that the Holy days in the liturgical year were also Holy Days for Robert and our community.

Robert was born in Edmonton. As a boy he grew up caring for horses and helping out on the family farm. He enjoyed spending time at the local skating rink with his brothers.  He moved to Ponoka at the age of 23.  9 years later he moved to Michener Centre in Red Deer.  In the 23 years that Robert lived there he built many important relationships.   

In 1982, when he was 56 years old, Robert was welcomed to L’Arche Edmonton.   At the same time, his two friends, Basil Owen and Ken Inschko moved to L’Arche Calgary.  Over the years, these three men were buddies and enjoyed getting together. 

Hiro and Robert

Robert was a sports enthusiast with a passion for baseball, football, basketball, and of course HOCKEY!!!  The Oilers were his favorite team.   When Robert was less well this year and the team wasn’t doing as well, it seemed that Robert’s lack of encouragement highly affected them.  

The L’Arche communities in Alberta get together at Winter Games each year for a good game of broomball.  For years Robert was the key player on our broomball team, and he was extremely proud when a Hall of Fame trophy was named in his honour.  Outside of sports, Robert loved to watch John Wayne movies and dress like him.  He also loved country music, especially live music.  

Robert was known as the “Arm Wrestling Champion” for L’Arche Edmonton.  Every new assistant that met Robert tried to beat him but nobody could succeed! 

Robert developed many special relationships during his time in the community.  Joyce Armstrong shared a particularly close relationship with Robert. During his recent stay at the hospital, Joyce’s presence had the capacity to calm and to comfort Robert in a special way.

Another special friendship was that between Hiro Watanabe and Robert.  Six years ago Hiro became Robert’s personal care companion. They were a perfect match and many in the community cannot think of Robert without thinking of Hiro being by his side.  

While in the community, Robert lived at Shalom, Noah House and two and a half years ago, Robert moved to Ted Bradshaw House.  He was much loved at that home will be missed around the supper table. Robert will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

We ask that you to be united with us in prayer and spirit at this time.

 
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