July 9, 2021
1949-2021 ~ Avis Grace Hopkins, 72, passed peacefully at home on July 9, 2021 from a short battle with cancer.
Avis was a devoted mother to Geoff and Julia and a loving 'Gigi' (grandmother) to her two precious grandsons, Liam and Markus. She devoted much of her life to raising her children and grandchildren of whom she loved dearly. (And they, her.)
Although modest and a private person, Avis was an award-winning journalist and had a deep interest in language and writing, a bond she shared with her daughter Julia. Avis was exceptionally bright and her thoughtful, quiet manner, much like her son Geoffrey, was a result of this intelligence.
Her sharp, sarcastic wit and dry humour were signature traits; certainly her children were on the receiving end of many a (loving) eyeroll, an attribute now carried on by both.
Avis was born in Vancouver in 1949, although much of her childhood was spent in the Peace Region where she learned to ride horses and made lifelong friends (Donna) who shared that same early passion.
After finishing high school in Chetwynd, she would go on to earn a degree from Simon Fraser University then another from the journalism program at Carleton University in Ottawa, before returning back to Vancouver (with a brief interlude spent romping around the city with her good friend and family member, Judith).
A move north to Prince Rupert got her start in journalism, working first as a reporter then later editor, with The Daily News. In Prince Rupert she would meet her husband, Michael Crawford, and start a family.
Avis also worked for CBC Radio briefly before settling at the Career Resource Center, where she helped many people regain or find meaningful employment. During her time in Prince Rupert, Avis became deeply involved in the Anglican Church, and her faith and community it brought were an important part of her life.Avis is survived by her husband Michael; son Geoffrey (Breanne, Liam, Markus); daughter Julia (Shayd); sister Jennifer (Fred, Ariana) cousin Sara (Sean, Alannah and Malayah); and her loving and large extended family in Australia and New Zealand, most of whom share the same infectious laugh that we all wish we could hear one more time. 'Avi', as she was known to those close to her, will be terribly missed by her family and friends.
Please join us in celebrating her life on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the Anglican Church in Prince Rupert (further details to come), although no doubt she would hate the fuss.
A small, private family gathering will be taking place in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast where she will be interred in a family plot next to her beloved parents, Grace and Jim Hopkins. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation.
"That in the end, the shadow was but a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty forever beyond its reach."