Richard “Chip” A. Hopkins
May 24, 1967 - July 4, 2025
With heavy hearts and immeasurable sadness, we are sorry to announce the passing of Richard Appleton Hopkins Jr.
He was a beloved father, husband, son, uncle and teacher who left this plane on July 4th, 2025. He was a friend to everyone he met, and his kindness and empathy were abundant. He had an incredible ability to find common ground and make people laugh. His wit and compassion were an embrace that everyone could hug. Chip was an amazing storyteller, a true wordsmith; and his knowledge of so many different subjects knew no boundaries. His lifelong love of learning and music influenced so many. He was an avid reader and a talented musician. He had a large collection of rocks from his travels, which grew much larger as students brought him rocks from around the world. And his love of old radio broadcasts was contagious. He changed many lives in his short time on the planet.
Chip was born to Richard and Heather Hopkins, growing up in Rowayton CT. He was the youngest of 5 siblings. He ended up in Utah, where he graduated from Westminster College to become a teacher as a young dad of two. He went on to share his passions teaching at Olympus high school, starting as a history teacher and introducing subjects and classes such as Community of Caring, Sociology, Latin American history, Contemporary Issues, and even dabbling in Philosophy. He also introduced the lacrosse program, practically unknown to a Utah audience at that time.
He was loved by so many, and is survived by his mother, Heather Hopkins, sister Debbie Mcnamera, his wife Sonja, and his children, Elshia and Tre, plus many nieces, nephews, and cats of course.
A viewing will be on Sunday, July 13th, at Starks Funeral Parlor from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to park on the north side of the building. A Celebration of Chip’s Life will follow at Canyon Rim Park, 3100 Grace St, Millcreek UT.
In Loving Memory
Chip, you were truly one of the greats of this world. You will always be remembered, loved, and cherished for your service, kindness, sense of humor, and most of all, the impact you had on all of our lives. Until we all meet again in the next plane, rest in peace ❤️🫶🏽
Chip was one of the first teachers I got to know when I started teaching in 2009. He was one of the veterans who showed me what a good teacher was: knowledgeable and on top of things, but also compassionate and a lifelong learner. He made a huge difference in my life as both a teacher and a human being. The world is a little darker today for his absence. You did great work here, Mr. Hopkins. Rest in well-earned peace.
I was a student of Chip’s in high school. His son was my brother’s friend, and he’d often pick him up at my house. I was trying to learn drums at the time, and he’d jam on his guitars but while I tried my best. He was patient, kind, and I never felt like I was holding him up even though I probably was. He let me take four of his classes my senior year so I could ski on Tuesdays and thursdays. Without his A grades, I probably would have never gone to college. Haven’t seen him in years, but after this, his final gift is finally getting me into Grateful Dead. Thanks man, walk on into that sunshine.
Chip, I am forever grateful for the space and support that you gave me in high school, especially as a young LGBTQ+ teen. Without you, I wouldn’t be the adult I am today. Thank you. I’ll never forget you, and I hope the music is just as wonderful up there as it is down here. I just know you’re partying with the greats. 🖤 So much love to your family and friends. 💕
Chip was one of the few teachers that felt 'real' as a person. First teacher I specifically wanted to be in the classroom of. I remember when a classmate of mine passed and it was right before his funeral. I went to Chip's class and he just looked at me and said, "Baxter... What are you doing here?" "... I didn't want to get in trouble for missing class." "Get out here." Learned a lot from him, not just about history and sociology...
When I think of all the people who have made a difference in my life, Chip is at the top. Such a bright light, that drew people in and kept them there. I am a better person because of you, Chip. I could say so much but I'll just say this- thank you for everything. I will never forget the laughs. What a long strange trip it's been, my friend. 🕊️🖤
Chip was, without a doubt, the best teacher I ever had. I’ve told so many people about the incredible impact he had on me. As a shy student in high school, his class became the one place where I felt comfortable enough to truly open up. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and at ease. He kept up with all of my adventures, always asking questions and showing genuine interest in what I was doing. Over time, he felt less like just a teacher and more like a friend—someone who truly cared. His kindness, humor, and encouragement meant the world to me, and I will miss him deeply.
My heart is heavy and my thoughts are with you Sonia Trey and Elsa he was one of a kind definitely somebody I loved having conversation with he had a spirit and a knowledge it was undeniable and a love for you three that was undeniable Sonia please reach out to me I can't bear to think what you're going through the plans you had after he retired didn't get to be fulfilled but you should fulfill them for the both of you I know that'd be hard but he wouldn't want you sad I love you you're in my prayers
You were a very important person in the lives of my children and even a grandson. Thank you for being there for them.
Best teacher a kid could ever ask for. All my love to you and your family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I was heartbroken to hear about the passing of my absolute favorite teacher and mentor, Chip Hopkins. He was more than an educator—he was a safe place. He never judged anyone, and he taught us all, by example, to simply love one another. Chip, thank you for seeing each of us for who we were and reminding us that kindness matters. “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” – Dr. Seuss Thank you, Chip, for being that person for so many of us.
Chip was one of those teachers who opens your eyes to a much bigger world, focusing on compassion for all living creatures. I am so grateful for his influence on my life, and I know I’m not the only one who has been changed for the better because of Chip’s influence. My immense condolences to his loved ones as your mourn such a tremendous loss.
As a family who was touched in many ways by Chip, our condolences go out to you and your family. He got our family involved in lacrosse when Paul and John played for him at Olympus, and that legacy still lives on. Some of our kids had Chip as their teacher as well. He was also so welcoming to anyone who needed a listening ear or an understanding heart. Know that he will be missed. Our hearts are heavy.
I was absolutely heartbroken to hear the news. Chip wasn’t just my teacher but my friend and mentor. He had the beautiful gift of being able to reach within each individual student and find their unique talents and abilities. He retired after my senior year and I can say that I truly have never met someone with such an amazing heart and soul as Chip. I would not be who I am today without him. Rest easy Chip♥️
My deepest condolences to Chips family and all our St Luke's Friends. We are so sad to hear about his passing, simply heart broken. In recent years from a far, Chip and I definitely had our love for cats in common and Chip would often comment on my rescue cats 💜 RIP my dear friend you will be missed! Love Dana
I don’t know where to begin, how to express what an impact my friend Chip had on me professionally and personally. Chip had been at Olympus just a few years when I started teaching there. I learned from him, both by watching the relationships he built and the passion for learning he shared with his students and the kindness, encouragement, and real joy for the job he shared with me. He truly loved his students and his job. More, though, he loved his wife and kids, his parents and family. His thoughts and conversations never strayed too far from them. Chip was an advocate and mentor, a believer in the worth and potential of every person. He had strong opinions, of course, but he even argued with love and zest for every chance to learn and connect. He was fair, curious, and gentle in a society that often rewards the opposite characteristics. His persistence in service, learning, and personal connections set a high standard for all of us and inspired so many—students and peers. The world has lost a spark with his passing, but his legacy will last much longer. My heart goes out to Sonja and the kids who will certainly feel the loss more than any of us. Chip, I hope you’re at peace and surrounded by the love you fostered in snd brought to so many. We were lucky to walk with you.
Chip was an amazing and inspiring person. For me he was a teacher, role model, and friend. His abilities and capacities for kindness, empathy, patience, listening, curiosity, and awe affected thousands in very significant ways. I feel very fortunate to count myself as one of them. Your loss is very heavy, and I hope you have found peace. My most sincere condolences to the Hopkins family. I hope the pain of this time abates for you, and in its place you have positive, joyful, and loving memories each day moving forward. Thank you, Chip. I'm grateful to have known you.
Thank you for being one of the best teachers. You gave so much love and light to the world. Thank you for being you! Your impact was felt in my life. Fly high
I met Chip at a teacher conference for my daughter and instantly connected. We figured out that he was at Hampshire College while I was at Smith many years ago and we both loved the"happy valley" as we used to call Pioneer Valley. He inspired my daughter and I would hear many stories from her classes. She and her friends built a 6 ft high Guillotine instead of a paper and he loved it I am saddened by the loss and send thoughts and prayers to his family.
Love and prayers for Chip and the family. I’m saddened to hear this and want to emphasize the fact that Chip was an incredibly inspirational figure in my life as both a teacher and middle school lacrosse coach. Chip was able to connect on a level with students in a global way that I feel was rare for any Utah classroom. May his memory be eternal!
In Loving Memory
