Obituary of Sanford LaVerne Hopkins

Sanford Laverne Hopkins, D.C. 1937-2019 Our loving father, husband, and "Papa Hop," Dr. Sanford LaVerne Hopkins died August 30, 2019, of Alzheimer's. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, on October 17, 1937, to Vernon and Dora Hopkins. His family moved to a dairy farm when he was four years old. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Clarksville High School in 1955. He went on to graduate from Wilmington College with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Industrial Arts in 1959. Sanford moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1963 and married the love of his life, Shirley Irene Pollock. He taught and coached at San Manuel High School and Canyon Del Oro High School for 11 years. He earned his Master of Education at The University of Arizona in 1970. At the age of 36, Sanford courageously decided to change careers to become a chiropractor because he was helped through chiropractic care and wanted to do the same for others. Sanford and his faithful wife, pregnant with their sixth child, moved to Marietta, Georgia where he attended Life Chiropractic College and became the class president of the first graduating class in 1977 earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Sanford and Shirley moved back to Tucson where he practiced Chiropractic for 27 years. He loved interacting with his many patients, who he considered friends. Thousands of people saw Dr. Hopkins over the years and said he had healing hands. He loved helping others and thrived on the energy received from helping patients. Sanford was a loving husband and father to their eight children. He balanced work, church, and life with a "can do" attitude. He taught his children that anything is possible and exemplified that in his life. Sanford was a true handyman and mechanic; there wasn't anything he could not fix. He was a renaissance man; he knew something about everything, and was willing to listen, advise, and jump in when people needed help. He was always generous with his time and talents and genuinely loved the people he served. More than anything else, Sanford loved being with his family, whether it be on the beaches in Rocky Point, the ski slopes in Flagstaff, or the water on Lake Powell. He was the first to throw a gainer and master the Air Chair and encouraged his children to stretch themselves and conquer their fears. Sanford was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving others in the Church. He and Shirley served a mission in 2005 at Martin's Cove in Wyoming. Sanford loved being a member of the Church and had great faith and love for the Savior Jesus Christ. Of all of his "accomplishments," Sanford was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved supporting them in their sports, activities, goals, and dreams. He was the first to say, "You can do it!" and cheer them on. His smile and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. Sanford is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley, their eight children and their spouses: Stephen (Anna), Shannan (Kevin), Shawna (David), Stacy (Manny), Shelly (Marty), Sanford (Melinda), Scott (Abby), Seth (Michelle) and their 28 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, who lovingly call him, "Papa Hop." Sanford survived his parents, Vernon Monroe Hopkins and Dora Palmer Hopkins, his siblings: Denver, Palmer, Beaulah, and Anna Faye. A funeral will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints West Stake Center 3530 W. Magee Rd, Tucson, AZ 85741. Viewing and greeting of the family will be held from 9:00-9:45 AM before the funeral. The burial will follow the funeral at Binghampton Cemetery. Funeral arrangements will be handled by Adair Funeral Homes 8090 N. Northern, Tucson, AZ 85704. The Hopkins family gives their heartfelt thanks to the special caregivers at Normandel's Place and Hospice Family Care who loved and cared for dad during his last months. We dearly love our husband, father, friend, and Papa; we are so happy to be an eternal family with him leading the way.