Rest in Peace, Freddie Hopper

[Spinster]

This evening's mail brings notice from Anna Hopper of the death last Friday evening of her husband Freddie, also known in many quarters as John Hopper.

A long time member of the Company of Military Historians, Freddie has a long list of accomplishments in the area of historic research and preservation, both in his home country, the United Kingdom, and in the United States. Most recently he has made invaluable contributions to the work being done with the McRae Papers.

After a long career in military related endeavours, his retirement years were often occupied as a civilian reenactor. His membership in the Winston Free-State brought great pleasure to all of us, but most especially to our children, who loved his ready smile, his stories, and his pocketful of candy.

We will miss him. Words cannot express---this has been a year of loss, taken in stride, in the natural course of life, and yet, this particular loss is somehow deeper and sadder, maybe because we had hoped to see him again come spring, at the Perryville Horse Races, since he could not come visit last summer.

And, in some small way, we will see him--there is a likeness of him, embrodierd on a quilt, hanging at that Battlefield, looking very much as the image below.

Terre Lawson
Winston Free State, First Confederate Legion, AOT

Freddie Hopper--Perryville On The Farm

[lthull3rdla]

I didn't know the gentleman but my prayers will go out to his family and for his soul. May he rest in peace.

Ronnie - Shreveport

[Emily Burns]

My prayers and condolences to Freddie's family. It's not often that you meet someone for the first time and decide to adopt them as part of your family. Anna and Freddie were such a sweet couple. I will always remember their smiles and have missed them both terribly since they've been back in the UK.

This is truly a great loss to all of us.

[Trish Hasenmueller]

What an unexpected surprise. My heart goes out to you, Anna.

While the Hoppers weren't able to be physically at Perryville on the Farm last summer, they were there in proxy with an outstanding quilt square contributed to the community quilt. It was a scene including both the Hoppers as they remembered their surroundings at the 2006 event. I'm pleased that the square was given a place of honor in the middle of the quilt and honored to have been the one to complete the quilting of the square.

I'll be one of those folks who'll miss Freddie's stories and sense of humor.

Trish Hasenmueller

[crabby]

Anna,

Beth & I will Keep you in our prayers. He will be greatly missed in our "family".


May the Lord be with you.

John & Beth

[MissAnnaMae]

God bless you, Miss Anna. What a privilege it was to have met you and Freddie and experienced the pleasure of your company at Perryville in 2006.

[Abrams]

My condolences to you Mrs Hopper. I am sorry to hear of your loss. :(

[yankeebelle]

Some people come into our lives who are instantly an important part of our life. The Hoppers are those people. Mr. Freddie will be missed greatly. His wonderful smile will alway grace my memories of him.


With a sad heart for Mrs. Anna,


Beverly Simpson

[SparksBird]

John was a good friend and a first rate chum. I will truly miss him. I was looking forward to seeing him and Anna again and was hoping that they would be able to make it over for an event. John was a good man and it was always a pleasure sitting and talking to him. God bless him and my sincerest condolences to Anna.


Rick Musselman

[jacobite8749]

Thank you everyone for all your kind thoughts and words.

Freddie and I have missed you all so much since our return to UK. We so enjoyed our time in US and especially treasured the friendships made amongst the ACW civilians.
At the time it seemed so hard, however, Freddie's health declined so much that he wouldn't have been able to cope with the travelling any more.

Freddie passed very peacefully.
He complained of feeling 'funny' and slipped into unconsciousness. He had died before the ambulance arrived.
I am thankful that I was with him and could hold him.
He was the light of my life. My rock. My best friend. My gentle giant.

Freddies funeral will be on monday 10th march at 11.45 gmt.
Please pray for his soul as well as for the rest of us as we learn to live without him.

Best Wishes

Anna

[sepoy1857]

My sincere condolences for your loss Mrs. Hopper. I never had the privilege of meeting either of you, but you and your family will be in my prayers.

Kind Regards,

[DBURT]

Only just found out this terrible news, John and myself were researching Britain's role in aiding the Confederacy, and his loss is a terrible blow.

John was a true authority on S Isaac Campbell & Co, as well as British Army accoutrements imported to the South.
My condolences to you Anna, it was always his wish that his work on S Isaac Campbell would one day be published - lets hope it will be.
Its a superb piece of work, that took him years, and is a tribute to a wonderful historian.

Dave Burt, ACWS, England.

[Deborah Hyland]

Anna, I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Freddie was such a delight to know and we will feel his loss greatly, for his research and for his kind and convivial spirit. Our hearts go out to you.

Deborah Hyland & Larry Brenton