Bob Hopwood died of pneumonia on Saturday, July 15 at the Ottawa Hospital General Campus, following several months of declining health.
Bob was the beloved husband of Joan Catterson. She is cherishing the happy memories of their 35 years together. Mourning his loss are his brother Tom and sister-in-law Heather, daughters Kimberley Hopwood and Carolyn Mullin, grand-daughters Emily Hopwood, Madeleine Hopwood, Eleanor Hopwood and Miranda Mullin, grand-son Robert Mullin, and great-grandchildren Violet, Sylvester and Reid Mullin. He is also lovingly remembered by members of Joan’s family, Andrew Stephens, Patricia, Trevor and Remington Flood, and Eric and Emily Stephens.
Bob was born and raised in Ottawa. He attended Carleton University and graduated in 1960 with a degree in physics. He worked in the information technology field for his entire career, at Northern Electric, IBM, several consulting firms and the Federal Government. Bob was an avid golfer and played for many years at Greyhawk Golf Course. He was instrumental in establishing the senior golfers’ league there and was an important part of its success. He also loved music, especially opera. In retirement he was able to play more golf and travel with Joan to opera houses in New York, London, Paris, Munich, Berlin, Prague, Seville, Madrid and Barcelona.
Sociable and good-natured, he always really enjoyed getting together with friends and family. He had lots of stories about his youth in Ottawa with which to entertain the younger generation. He cared deeply for his family and was proud of their achievements.
Bob was always grateful that a bursary had made it possible for him to attend university and in 2018 he established the Robert M Hopwood Award in Science at Carleton University, to provide support to young people pursuing a science education.
An informal reception for friends and family to share memories of Bob will be held on Sunday, July 23 from 1:30-4:30 at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue.
Digital Guestbook
Anne Timmins
judy hyland
I will remember Bob fondly for his generous and fun bridge nights hosted at his and Joans home. He was the consummate bridge player who took time to share his bridge wisdom with newbie players like me. He will be missed.
Dave Stewart
Sincere condolences to Joan and Bob’s family. I was part of Bob’s regular Thursday group at GreyHawk and it was always a pleasure to play with him and enjoy his company and humour. He will be missed by so many.
Joan
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.