Long-time Wellington Advertiser columnist Barrie Hopkins, who died on Aug. 18, will be missed by a strong following of loyal readers, says the paper’s publisher Dave Adsett.
“His love of nature and wildlife came through in his columns,” said Adsett, noting that for Hopkins, writing the column “was an important part of his week.”
Hopkins popular Bits and Pieces column became part of the Advertiser’s commentary section more than 30 years ago after he expressed his interest in writing to the Newspaper’s founder William H. Adsett.
Although Hopkins had no formal training as a writer, Dave noted, “Dad was always keen to give people a chance.”
While many columns have appeared in the paper over the years, Hopkins’ pieces “were always one of the favorites,” he added.
Hopkins wrote the column until he become ill in mid-2016. He took a break from writing at that time and never resumed.
In addition to writing the column, which often focused on wildlife and birds, Hopkins also ran a bird shop in downtown Fergus.
Predeceased by his wife Eunice and sons Ross and Glen Hopkins, Barrie was survived by five grandchildren and eight great-granchildren. A funeral service was held at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home in Fergus on Aug. 22.
