A FAMILY have expressed their heartbreak after the death of a father and grandfather.
Alec John Hopkins, a family man and retired electrical engineer, has died aged 77.
He lived in Maldon for 25 years and during this time was involved in many social groups and campaigns.
The Maldon Hedgehogs, previously known as Streetlife, were organised by him to provide social opportunities for retired people fortnightly.
He volunteered at Longfields Medical Centre and he also volunteered weekly to restore the Steam Tug Brent at the Hythe.
Alec was also a big supporter of the Maldon Carnival and helped to arrange lorries for the floats and participated in the processions and collected money for charities.
He had three children, Georgina Powell, Simon Hopkins and Angela Mathews.
He had seven grandchildren Jessica Hopkins, 20, Maegan Hopkins, 16, Rebecca Powell, 10, Samantha Powell, 9, Patrick Powell, 7, Emillia Mathews, 10, Elicia Mathews, 8.
His daughter, Georgina Powell, said: “His grandchildren were his great pride. “He loved each and every one of them and was enormously proud of their achievements, including representing England in athletics to winning many equestrian competitions.
“He was an avid supporter of their talents and interests, whether at home or as a spectator.”
His wife, Carole Hopkins, suffered from terminal cancer during his retirement and he devoted his time to care for her throughout her illness.
He was passionate about many things and was a founder member of the campaign group for the reinstatement of the lake in Promenade Park.
Georgina said: “He had suffered a stroke five years ago which caused the loss of feeling in the left side of his body, but he never gave up and persevered to learn to walk again, only using his mobility scooter to help as necessary.
“He would often be seen zooming about on his scooter collecting materials needed for the Brent, including a Christmas tree!
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“Janet Hall, owner of the Brent, described Alec as "always enthusiastic, always positive, always willing, always gentle and approachable’ – a fitting description for a much loved and missed father, grandfather and friend”.
His family has set up a Go Fund Me page at gofund.me/d91d6bd7 in memory of Alec, to raise money for a new boiler for the Brent so it can set sail again.
The family have asked for donations in support of this cause instead of flowers at Alec’s funeral.
His funeral is on August 24 at 3.30pm at Chelmsford Crematorium.
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