Dylan Dewey Hopkins

April 25, 1983 - November 21, 2008

Dylan Dewey Hopkins  Our son Dylan was taken from us in a plane crash on November 21, 2008. Dylan Dewey Hopkins was born April 25, 1983.  Days later his mind was on the fire service.  By six he was writing essays about it, and by fifteen he was bribing West Valley Fire Service with ice cream to go on ride-alongs. Natural portents surrounded his birth.  Billy’s Mountain slid into Spanish Fork Canyon, flooding the town of Thistle; City Creek  flooded and Dylan may have learned river running at age one month when he traversed the flooded State Street on a foot bridge, watching kayakers sail by. Dylan was an only child, but his family spans hundreds from whom he learned.  He became a falconer under the tutelage of Steve Smith.  DeAnn Barnson gave him his strong start in emergency medicine. His mentors throughout the fire service in both West Valley and Salt Lake City are too many to name. His beloved Uncle Tom Yeager gave him much he should know and some that he should not. He was especially lucky to have  his godmother, Sue Fisher, to nurture his focus on the humanity of difficult mentally ill patients he served. He understood the serenity of throwing a fly line over a quiet stream with his stepfather, Gary Topping.  Everyone loved Dylan. He was a firefighter/paramedic with the Salt Lake City Fire Department and Tactical Search and Rescue with the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Utah Task Force 1. At his young age, he had already served the rescue efforts after Hurricane Katrina, at great risk aided shooting victims at Trolley Square, fought some of the valleys biggest fires.  He lived for his career and for helping others who weren’t able to help themselves.  He had many hobbies like kayaking, falconry, rock climbing.  His love for life, family, friends, work, and animals was his inspiration. He is survived by his father, Blake Hopkins (Sue Fisher) and his mother Marianna Hopkins (Gary Topping). His extended family includes two “almost sisters” – Morgan Yeager Uyetake and Olivia Fletcher; their mothers, Stephanie Yeager and Millie Fletcher; and his special friend, Becky Montgomery; and many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.  

Friends may call upon the family on Friday, November 28th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 29th at 11:00 AM at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 East South Temple.  Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor.

In Loving Memory

To Tom and Steph: Tom,Steph Kari and I are so sorry for your loss. We know how much you loved Dylan. God Bless

Billy Jack Sturgeon

murray, Ut

You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I am here for you in any way you need me. God bless you and watch over you.

Melissa Ferguson

Salt Lake City, nan

Red and Fox- I love you both more than words could say. I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. God bless you through this difficult time.

Hilary Rees

Tucson, AZ

I met Dylan on a river trip a few years ago. His family and my uncle (Don Neff) know each other, and we had such a fun time. I work for the Medical Examiner's Office, and I was the investigator in charge of Dylan's case. I hope it gives you a little bit of comfort to know that we took good care of him. I made sure everyone knew what a wonderful man he was.

Jill Haslam

Holladay, Ut

What a wonderful young man; one of those truly unforgettable students who always had time to chat when I ran into him in recent years. He truly was a people person. My prayers are with you.

Cece Holt

Salt Lake City, UT

Marianna, I know the special relationship you had with Dylan, as your only child. He was far more than a dutiful son. He was your foundation, and you were his. That relationship is what shaped him. It made him the caring, humble, and generous person he was. He dedicated his life to you and to his community. He was a rare individual, the kind of person the world needs now more than ever.

Stephen Ruffus

Holladay, UT

I went to Olympus highschool with Dylan, and had the pleasure of becoming his friend. From the 1st day I met Dylan I knew he was special. He always had a smile, and a postitive attitude. He stood out like a soar thumb. Everyone Loved him, and everyone, including myself, who had the pleasure to know him will miss him forever. So much love to him, and his family.

Christina Muller

West Hollywood, Ca

Dylan and I were friends since our young years at Cosgriff. He always had such a happy demeanor and a zest for life. I loved when he would bring his birds in for show and tell...it most definitely topped everyone else's. And I will never forget how fun his fifth grade birthday party was. To his family... My thoughts are with you during this period of immense grief. Find comfort in knowing that your son/nephew/grandson had a spirit that will forever be remembered by the people he knew.

Jamie Dwyer

Murray, Ut

Fox and Red, So many years ago, It did not dawn on me this is your son when I read the paper! Pete Mills let me know! I am so so sorry to hear of your terrible loss! I remember how happy you were you had a child back in the river running days. May all of your wonderful memories sustain you as you bear your grief. With time, may the sore place in your hearts bear witness to the beautiful soul lost and witness to your strength to bear the pain until it becomes a sacred place you can all retreat without pain. God bless you. Merle French

Merle French

Salt Lake City, nan

Dear Marianna and Gary, We are greatly saddened by your loss. Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts during this most difficult time. Sincerely, Shannon and Michael

Shannon and Michael Lee

Murray, UT

To all who loved Dylan, I met Dylan only a few times. He lived next door to my friend in West Jordan for just a short time. He was such a nice person and he was a good neighbor to her. When she told me this morning about the accident I felt so bad. While reading his obituary it didn't surprise me that he was such a great person and had done so much for the community. I am so sorry for your loss.

J. Yeske

West Jordan, Ut

Marianna and Gary, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I did not know Dylan, but from all I have learned ,he was a generous, caring, wonderful young man. May God's grace sustain you at this time.

Sr. Patricia Riley, CSC

Draper,, UT

I am Craig's aunt, and I know how terribly he feels that Dylan died during a time that was supposed to be a fun getaway. May I express the sympathies of all of Craig's vast family to you. Sincerely, Suzanne Dodge

Suzanne Dodge

West Valley, UT

Dear Fox and Red, Sue and Gary-- What a privilege to have known and loved Dylan and to have been touched and inspired by him. He was the child of loving and committed parents and, embodying that joy and pride, he lived a life more fully and richly and happily in his short 25 years than other people do in 75. I hope knowing that brings you some peace. Anyone who experienced his ebullient smile--which reflected the sparkle and warmth of his spirit--is changed forever. How grateful I am to be one who will carry his smile with me. With deepest sympathy and love, Tryntje (Tree)

Tryntje Seymour

nan, CT

We can't state how sorry we are for your loss. We miss him dearly. Thank you for Dylan.. We are better people for knowing him.

Eric and Dana Holmes

SLC, Ut

Dylan will always be remembered as a kind, sincere friend to us. His shy, yet playful smile will stay in our hearts forever. Thank you for sharing your son with us. God bless.

Jubal and Nikki Perez

Salt Lake City, UT

Fox and Red, Jennifer and I offer you our most sincere sympathies. We remember seeing all of you at Dylan's 21st birthday dinner; a bright, sunny Sunday afternoon. God bless you all.

John Thomas

SLC, UT

Our hearts ache for your family along with our family. It is our honor to care for your son and brother, he is now our brother. The strength, peace and comfort his presence has given us is overwhelming..thankyou Thank God for Hope...

Starks Family

Salt Lake City, Ut

Fox and Red, You are in our thoughts and in our hearts at this difficult time. May fond memories of your dear son Dylan bring you comfort now and in the days to come. Love, Gary and Beth

Gary Ryczek and Beth Nelson

Denver, CO

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Dylan during our first firefighter academy back in 2001 and have admired his ambition for life and the fire service ever since. Dylan will be missed by all that knew him.

Travis Hobbs

Sandy, UT

Dylan will forever be in my heart and mind, he was my hero.

Marc A. Morger

Cottonwood Heights, Ut

Blake: Me and my family offer our condolences at this time, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. The Brennan's

Daniel J. Brennan

salt lake city, ut

Dylan was a very enthusiastic individual and lived life with a great passion for the things he enjoyed. It's been a long time since I've seen him, but from St Ambrose to Judge Memorial we had some very good times. My most sincere condolences for his amazing parents Marianna and Gary and extended family. I regret not being present for his memorial service. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this time.

Sean Young

Minneapolis, MN

Blake and Marianna, We were stunned to hear of the accident There are no words that can express our thoughts adequately. When we think of Dylan we see this happy, very charismatic, goal directed person, memories spanning from this fun happy-go-lucky elementary school boy to the adult who has realized those goals.Sean has told us of his admiration of Dylan and all that he has done. We cannot understand why such tragedies happen to such awesome people. We have such fond memories of Dylan and seeing you both as well as Gary and Sue at so many school activities always being there for him. We especially enjoyed having Dylan with us at Hegben Lake and Sean has told us often of the time he shared with you, Marianna and Dylan on the Oregon coast. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time as we continue to remember the Dylan we all admire. With love and memories, Rich, Tillie and Marcie Young

Rich and Tillie Young

Taylorsville, Ut

Dear Marianna and Gary, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how much you cherished Dylan, how proud you were of him, and what a source of light and lightness he was in your lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you can find some peace during this trying time.

Jim Poulton

Salt Lake City, UT

I spent a lot of time with Dylan about 5 years ago. He was truely an amazing man. He will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you, and his many friends.

Elessa Ellett

Bicknell, UT

This does look promising. I'll keep conimg back for more.

Ollie

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