George Ernest Hopcraft

On Thursday April 14th George Earnest Hopcraft, passed away at the of age 94.

George was predeceased by his partners Helen (Hutko) Hopcraft, Anne Nancy (Clements) Smith, and his son James Hopcraft. George came from a large family of 17 siblings and is survived by his sisters Muriel and Olive and brother Fred. He will be missed by his children Michele Boffa (Rick) and Leslie Nichols, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  

George grew up in Ilfracombe Ontario.  He spent a lifetime working in the Lumber industry. His first job at 15, was as a lumberjack using crosscut saws and horse and sled to deliver trees. He ultimately started South River Lumber & Mill and continued in this field for the rest of his life.

George moved to Vancouver Island in 1978, settling in Qualicum Beach. He built his own house naming it Little Ilfracombe after his beloved Ilfracombe Ontario. He spent many an hour chopping and organizing his woodpile and chatting with neighbours. We attribute his longevity to his daily ritual of bird-watching during his five kilometer walks, a passion he continued to the end. 

George’s celebration of life will be held in Ilfracombe Ontario at a later date.  George, we know that you are smiling at us from the woodpile in the sky.