I loved Dick. He was such a unique personality. He was passionate about  caring for others, about his art, about his whale of his van, Moby Dick. He was brilliant, kind and a master craftsman. I miss his exuberant voice  and our lunches together. If there is an after life, I am sure it is full of laughter and love.

Thoughts of Dick Hopkins written by Jane Buckman,

Green Fields art teacher 1983 to 2019

My first encounter with Dick Hopkins was the first day he began working at Green Fields School as our Head of Maintenance. He rolled up next to me on the golf cart, which was soon to become called The Dragon Wagon, named by him, once he had embellished it with a painting of a friendly dragon. His first words to me were something like “...I am on your side. “

This later made more sense to me when I came to know Dick as an imaginative artist, a craftsman, an historian, a story teller and clearly an advocate for all the creative souls of this earth.

What I believe, Dick was saying to me that day was that he understood the position of artists in this world and he would be a support to our school program, promoting especially those with a passion for the magic of creating things, telling stories and filling life with dreams. He was a great role model, there to support and encourage the creative aspirations of all of us young and old. His paintings of middle age villages and stories filled our lives. He was a wizard of resourcefulness able to build and hold things together using only his hands, the minimum of materials and a few tools. One day he recognized a space where students could use shade, he built a Ramada roof outside the Dome. The Dome itself was way past its prime but with patching and constant maintenance, thanks to him, it continued to serve its purpose providing a welcoming space for students from grades K-12,

Always observant and willing to assist, Dick occasionally came as a guest artist to our art class. He inspired many. After demonstrating wood carving, when a couple students became interested, he took time to guide them, even lending them a couple tools. Our annual art shows, for us, were epic, thanks to many but including his help making frames for many pieces of artwork needing custom sizes.

I have said, “..an artist is who I am, not what I do.” I saw in Dick’s sense of humor and satire of societal norms, what I recognize in many artists, a need to question meanings and seek truths. Yet he always had a smile, he laughed and had fun, he was surely generous. AND, In his art he expressed his humor, peace and kindness, he entered worlds of whimsy and there he discovered a balance to the complex relationship of truth and beauty. 

Uncle Dick was a great man. Kind, smart and a master of his craft. Thank you for all the great Green Fields memories, Uncle Dick! 🩷

He did so much for so many at Greenfields Country Day School.

I’ve known Dick for 20 years or so.  I’m the lucky owner of several of his beautiful paintings  & woodwork.  I’m the proud possessor of one of his last “ masterpieces “.   He insisted on personally hanging it for me in my home.    Dick enjoyed good food, good drink, good conversation & good liberals.  What an impactful life!  He will be missed .

I am heartbroken to see that Dick has passed away without being able to say farewell. My deepest condolences to all his family and loved ones. He was such a light in this world, and a very dear friend. I have many great memories and photos of  Dick, as well as furniture and art made in his inimitable style-- and will cherish them. I'm very interested in celebrating his life when plans have been made and do hope to share more to the email listed in the obituary. 

what a giant of a man! Wise. Learned. A master carpenter