John Hopper
John Charles Hopper
March 2, 1937 – October 20, 2025
On October 20th, 2025, The Hop set off from
Hospice Prince Edward on his final ride down the Highway to Heaven.
With a smile on his face and tears in our eyes, his family and
close friends said a fond and peaceful farewell to
John Charles Hopper
in his 89th year.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, John lived a life marked by generosity,
adventure, and unwavering dedication to community.
He was predeceased by his father Maxwell Hopper, mother Eva (Devlin) Hopper,
stepmother Francis Orchard, sister Maxine Wilson, and stepsister Susan Herron.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Dianne (Evans) Hopper;
his son Stuart; and his cherished grandchildren Luke, Sophie, and William.
He was a loving uncle to Steve Wilson, Cheryl Wilson, Marnie Pereversoff, and their families,
and is also survived by his sister Judy Rawlins and stepbrother Richard Leggatt.
He is fondly remembered by Josee Hebert and Pixie Hopper.
John lived life to the fullest! Devoted to family first, he also had a rare gift for turning
strangers into friends – an openness that fueled his love of travel, business and community service.
Though John left school in grade 10, his thirst for education and learning was a daily pursuit. His career began with grit and determination – working in an Ottawa foundry, Simpsons-Sears, and Johnson’s Wax where his excellence in sales first stood out. But of course, John’s true passion was cars, and he started selling at an Ottawa dealership where he soon became General Manager. In 1971, John fulfilled his dream by opening Hopper Pontiac Buick GMC in North Bay, which under his leadership grew to become one of Canada’s top dealerships. He later added Hertz Rent-a-Car and one of the first Saturn dealerships, and in 1986, John combined his passion for sports and business by purchasing the
North Bay Centennials of the OHL.
John was a passionate mentor, often encouraging high school students to pursue
education, and humbly sharing that his own success was a product of hard work, a bit of luck, and a positive attitude.
No matter where he lived—North Bay, Abbotsford, or Prince Edward County—John immersed himself in community life.
He served two terms on North Bay City Council and led a hugely successful campaign raising over $7 million for the North Bay Regional Health Centre. He was also active in the Rorab Shrine Club, Kiwanis, and his church. In Abbotsford, he volunteered with the Matsqui Prison,
visiting and mentoring inmates. In Ontario, he supported the Progressive Conservative Party and served several terms on LCBO Board of Directors.
In retirement, John and Dianne settled in Picton, ON where John was instrumental in
launching 99.3 County FM. He and Dianne were generous donors to the new PEC Memorial Hospital and ROC Youth Services.
A devout Anglican, John loved and supported his church wherever they lived, and the choirs always appreciated his
beautiful singing voice and his love for music.
John embraced life with joy and curiosity. He traveled the world by air, sea and land.
There were numerous road trips on motorcycles with friends, and he and Dianne had many adventures where they explored the globe together. Always seeking thrills and adventure, John even zip lined over Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe in his early 80s.
John’s love for speed was known far and wide – whether it was boats, cars, motorcycles, or planes.
If it went fast, it made The Hop smile.
John also loved all of their four-legged friends, and most especially Cece.
Perhaps nothing defined John more than his quiet generosity.
Whether offering a kind tip to a server or helping a family in need, John gave without fanfare—just a man who
understood life’s hardships and responded with compassion.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Penny Cronkwright for her kindness and caring in
recent years, the staff at Quinte Gardens for their wonderful care over the past few
months, and to Dr. Greg Leal and Dr. Amber Hayward-Stewart for their care and compassion.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church in Picton, ON –
Monday, November 10th, 2025 at 1:00pm.
A reception will follow with an opportunity to share stories and memories.
A celebration of life will be held in North Bay, ON at a later
date. John's ashes will be interred in a private ceremony at the Merivale, Ottawa cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John can be made to: Hospice Prince Edward,
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation, St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ainsworthfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements entrusted to the Ainsworth Funeral Home, 288 Noxon Avenue, Wellington
Memorial Donations to Hospice Prince Edward may be made by cheque and mailed to
Hospice Prince Edward, 40 Downes Avenue, Picton, ON K0K 2T0 or online at www.hospiceprinceedward.ca
Memorial Donations to the PEC Memorial Hospital Foundation Back the Build may be made by cheque and mailed to
PECMH Foundation, 403 Main Street, Picton, ON K0K 2T0 or Visit PECM Hospital Foundation’s website at www.pecmhf.ca
Memorial Donations to St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church may be made by cheque and mailed to
335 Main Street, Picton, ON K0K2T0 or e-transfer to:
stmmtreasurer@gmail.com
