AUBURN – Ron Hopping, 73, went home to be with his Lord and Savior. He passed away on June 14, 2021 at C.M.M.C. under the compassionate and loving care of the Medical teams on Y-3 and M-4. He was surrounded with family.

Ron was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 17 years ago. It has only been the last two years, especially the last six months that Parkinson’s disease caused the loss of body movement and functions as well as effecting his short term memory. We are thankful to God every day that Ron was able to live his life normally for so many wonderful years.

Ron was born on June 22, 1947 to Richard G. Hopping and Edith Murken Hopping in Manhattan, New Year City, N.Y. They moved to Boxford, Mass. when Ron was nine months old. This is where Ron’s love of nature, woods and his care of the Earth began.

Ron attended Boxford schools, grades 1-6, then was transported to Masconomet Regional School District in Topsfield for grades 7-12 where he graduated in 1965 with a focus on drama, working with wood and photography. He took countless pictures of friends, nature and family. He graduated from the Gorham State College (now part of University of Maine) in January 1970 instead of 1965 with his class, due to changing his major to Liberal Arts.

In 1969 Ron met a constant person in his earthly life, Libby Ann Levasseur. He married his college sweetheart and love on Nov. 3, 1970. They thankfully celebrated their 50th anniversary on Nov. 3, 2020 with a private dinner. They moved to Lewiston, but in 1971 they moved to Auburn to raise three sons, Rhett Geoffrey, Ryan Kirk and Raffe Andrew. They made three more moves and 1984 found the best place to meet their family needs.

Ron was a machine operator for I.P. over 30 years, but when Parkinson’s disease causing back problems forced him to retire in 2010. Ron was well liked and respected at I.P. and served on numerous committees over his 30 years at I.P.

You could always find Ron outside enjoying camping, biking, running, canoeing, climbing Maine and New Hampshire mountains large and small or hiking the Appalachian Trail (Maine sections) from Mt. Katahdin to the New Hampshire border. Ron liked working in his yard or on his house, building decks, stairs, and planters out of wood. He liked having his sons and seven grandchildren around so he could teach them to enjoy nature, birds, working with your hands to make the world a better place while we lived on earth.

Ron is survived by his wife, Libby; sons Ryan and Raffe, daughters-in-law Tina and Julie; his brother, Russell Hopping and wife Lynne, of Massachusetts, three sisters, Judy Kamps and husband Bruce, of Massachusetts, Janice Natalino of New Hampshire, Joyce Bertolino of New Hampshire; seven grandchildren, Taylor, Alexandria, Haylie, Madison, Jena, Trenton, Reece; and two great-grandchildren, Alice and Artem; 10 nieces and nephews; and 20 great-nieces and nephews. Ron’s home health providers, Diane, Marshall and Christina. Many supportive family and friends, Fran, Selma, Thom, Christie, Caleb, Donnie, Jeanne, Sylvia, and Brad.

Ron was predeceased by his parents; son, Rhett; brother, Randall Hopping, nephew, Matthew Bertolino; brothers-in-law Andre R. Levasseur and Richard Natalino.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Ronald’s life by visiting his guest book at http://www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.

Visitation Fortin Lewiston Monday June 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday June 22 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Committal will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 70 Horton St., Lewiston, 784-4584.

Ron asked to allow people choices, flowers or donations made to the Parkinson’s Foundation in his name.

Parkinson’s Foundation

200 SE 1st St., Suite 800

Miami, FL 33131 or

The Rhett Hopping Special Education Award

Edward Little High School

C/O Rod Boutot, Special Ed. Coordinator

77 Harris St.

Auburn, ME 04210

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