HARRY A. HOPKINS III Coupeville, WA Sorry ladies, "Handsome Harry" has left the building. He received a call, a sort of offer you cannot refuse for an appointment for which he will not be returning. The assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus; a reunion with family and friends not seen in a long time. Job security is 110 percent as he watches over his loving wife and family. This new venture will require socializing and dancing. Music appreciation, laughter, and love are guaranteed. Following a rather lengthy battle with Alzheimer's, Harry begin his new adventure on July 20, 2016. He was a connoisseur of peanut butter and mustard sandwiches on doughy white Rainbow bread, soda crackers and milk, and miracle whip and tuna sandwiches loaded with sweet pickle relish. The women in his life were numerous. Grandmother, Zuva Belle (Bobo) Hopkins (deceased), mother, Geraldine Beatty (deceased), sister, Lucille Bordagaray (deceased), step-mother, Marjorie Stiles Hopkins (deceased)... See a pattern here? Harry was from a long line of Hopkins'. The founding family was one of prominence within the state of California. He is the grandson of, Harry A Hopkins Sr. (Deceased), father, Harry A Hopkins, Jr. (Deceased) - hence the III after his name. He was the last male "Hopkins," and was proud of our family history. All I can say, is I'm glad I wasn't born a boy... What a name! He married the love of his life, my mom Patty, in 1960 and they shared 56 years traveling, antiquing, and remodeling together. He has two daughters, Dena Myers and Diana Patrick-Dworak. He taught us how to fish, ride a motorcycle, select a quality hammer, enforced reading the instruction manual on everything prior to use, and the importance of being self sufficient. He would say, "don't rely on anyone for anything." He took great delight in stocking our tool boxes or offering advice on fix-it projects. Dad enjoyed spending time at the coast property, and our cabin surrounded by family or alone, it didn't much matter to him. He made friends wherever he went. He loved listening to big band with a robust horn section though he had an eclectic taste in music. Yanni was another of his later year favorite performers. Speaking of music diversity, I will never forget walking into the living room while dad was watching the band U2 televise a free rooftop concert playing "The Streets Have No Name." He thought that was so neat! Of course in addition to an eclectic music ear, he enjoyed watching reruns of the tv hit "M.A.S.H", and Antique Roadshow. Dad had a life-long love affair with German chocolate cake, bananas, and French's mustard. His love of El Caminos began with the purchase of a '69 from my grandfather (his dad) and subsequent purchase of an '81; it is still parked in the garage, in mint condition, although the keys were missing in action because he probably put them in a "safe place" so he could find them. Ummm, okay. He excelled at lawn maintenance (though he did at one point attempt to cut off his big toe in the chain sprocket), we had the neatest lawn, manicured to perfection. We also had the cleanest cars on the block. We learned at a very young age, there was zero tolerance for finger prints on the car windows. Dad was an avid fly fisherman with a host of gizmos and gadgets, rods and reels, and flies of the rainbow. He was an excellent marksman and enjoyed visiting the range with his buddies. He took extreme pride in his grand-daughters: Tara Anderson (Nick) of Lake Forest, CA, Megan Cooper of Laguna Niguel, CA, Lauren Myers of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, and Paley Patrick of Englewood, CO. He had several nieces and nephews and enjoyed family gatherings though me may have grumbled a bit under his breath. Harry attended East Bakersfield High School where he was a competitive swimmer and played football until he blew out his knee. He began his career at Kern Oil and Refining Co. in 1960, took a leave of absence to join the US Army, and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return he joined the reserves and served until honorably discharged in 1966. He retired from Kern Oil in 1988. His love of our country was immense. He was a true Patriot through and through. If asked, without hesitation he would have gone or done whatever was required of him to protect and serve. Dad took fashion clues from no one. In earlier years his signature look was Bermuda shorts, a t-shirt, and wool socks. To accommodate the look, in winter months he would crank up the heater so inside it was "balmy." Anyone walking into the house would really have to plan ahead, or instantly begin stripping off clothes. As he aged (he would argue he didn't), he traded in Bermuda shorts for a dark pair of Levi's, about 3 layered shirts that were plaid or striped, short sleeve (mandatory pocket), and either old school Wallabees or white sneakers. If he liked something he liked it forever, if not, good luck! He had a thing for "things." He was an avid collector of antique scales and clocks. I think he picked up every orphan nail, loose screws or nuts on the planet, and had the largest rock collection known to mankind. Most could be found in his pockets, at the bottom of the washing machine, in house planters, on the bathroom counter, the kitchen counter... Well, you get the point. If if sparkled, had a unique shape or resembled any type of rock, he slipped it into his pocket for safe keeping. Mom constantly had to relocate them back into the yard. Next to his chair, he had a rather sizable collection of frogs. How that began, I have no idea, but they brought him much joy. Tinkering was another favorite pastime. Unfortunately, as his illness progressed more and more things were snuck out of the house to be laid to rest in the circular receptacle. He would go on a hunt to find something, dismantle a closet, forget what he was looking for (God bless him) and leave it.... a mess. My dad was a kind hearted, honest, tough but fair, reliable, loyal gentleman. Despite having forearms like Popeye that frightened every one of his daughters' friends, he had a soft heart. Some 70 years later, he still sobbed at the loss of his high school best-friend, Richard, who died of leukemia, and tenderly spoke of his Army buddy, Barney - not much was said, all I know is he later died in an accident. Growing up, our home became a meeting place for card games and social gatherings. He held his friends close. For me, he was larger than life. When I was younger, we were buddies. I felt safe and secure in knowing he was my dad. Regardless of his mental state, I know in my heart he knew how much he was loved by my mom, my sister, his granddaughters, and myself. I could go on and on...the stories are many, the tales are long, and the memories are forever. Thank you mom for caring for dad all those years allowing him dignity through peace. Our family would like to thank his doctors, nurses, and caregivers; Fairhaven, and Home Place, for their continued support and loving care. In the end, he still found the ability to wink at a nurse as if to say, "all is ok."