Charles Murray Hopkins Sr. “Chuck” took his last breath December 1, 2019 surrounded by his family at Peace Hospice. Chuck battled severe pneumonia over this past month.
Chuck was born February 20th, 1932 in Olympia, WA to Alvin and Lucille Hopkins. When Chuck was just 3 years old his mother died, he was taken by train to Colstrip, MT, where he was raised by his Uncle Earl and Aunt Gladys Hafer. They lived in various places including Billings, Big Timber, Forsythe and Seattle. At age 14 Chuck moved to Centralia, WA to live with his Dad Al and worked on a Dairy Farm and at Safeway Stores.
He moved to Great Falls when he was 18 and attended the Carpenters Apprenticeship Program. Chuck was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 286 for many years. During his life as a Journeyman Carpenter he helped build some of the first Base Housing, worked for various local contractors, was known for his expertise in door hanging, and built many Custom Homes for his family and friends. During his working years he worked on the ICBM Missile Project, Balouyer Construction, Sletten Construction, Bill Kessner Housing and was self-employed operating as Hopkins Construction
He married Charlotte Conquergood on February 16th, 1951. They journeyed through life’s ups and downs for 68 years. They had 5 children over the next several years.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, visit the Croxford Funeral Home website.
