Grover L. Hopkins
August 30, 1944 ~ October 6, 2006
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Grover L. Hopkins, 62, of Pueblo, Colo., passed away October 6, 2006. Loved by his partner of over 28 years, Andrew L. Garduno; brother, Richard L. Hopkins of Great Falls, Mont.; adopted sisters, Gail (Buck) Barnhart and Eva Marie (John Garcia) Garduno, both of Pueblo. Grover was born on August 30, 1944, in Chicago, Ill., and raised by his grandmother, Grace M. Hopkins. He graduated from Pueblo Central High School, class of 1962, won numerous trophies for debate and original oratory as well as student congress. Grover worked for Jess Hunter Ford Motor Company, starting as general errand boy. He worked for the Hunter corporations in numerous capacities including clerk typist, finance manager and finally general business manager of the entire corporate complex. He was a self-made businessman and entrepreneur.
In 1966, he founded Imperial Enterprises, Inc. and purchased Valhalla Memorial Gardens, and changed the name to Imperial Memorial Gardens on April 15, 1971. He operated the cemetery for over ten years before selling it to Joe Watson. Grover continued on with Imperial for several years as general manager. He later owned his own insurance company called Casa, Inc. and was co-owner of Eagle Coin Machine. Grover was on the board of directors and past president of Pueblo Symphony Association and Family Counseling Center and the Catholic Charities of Pueblo. He devoted many volunteer hours for both. He also served as Vice President of the Colorado Association of Cemeteries. He was elected Vice Chairman of the Colorado State Cemetery Board following his three year appointment by Gov. Richard Lamm. Active with the Democratic party at the local level and served on the board of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies for funeral homes and cemeteries. Grover enjoyed reading English history, loved classical music-Mozart being his favorite.
At his request there will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery Steward Crematorium. Memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, October 19, 2006, at Imperial Memorial Gardens Chapel, 5450 W. 78, with Msgr. Marvin J. Kapushion and Pastor John Garcia of Highest Praise Fellowship, officiating. In lieu of food and flowers, memorial may be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N, Main Street, Pueblo, Colo. 81003. Online condolences www.montgomerysteward.com
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I had just learned of Grovers passing. I had business dealings with Grover in the coin-op machine business and the state trade association. He was a friend and a gentle person. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with all his family. Tom & Laura Wyscaver and family, Ace Games Inc., Golden, Colorado
To our Beloved lifelong friend Grover L. Hopkins ‘��
Grover was taken from us like a child stolen away in the darkness of a lonely, cold and dreary night. To everyone who knew and loved Grover, we share in your mourning and grief. We share immensely, and with extremely vivid recollection of all the wonderful times with Grover, the days of fun, and the cherished memories! Grover had been best of friends with us for forty-one years, having gone to high school together and lived as neighbors on Pueblo’s East Side. Even though most of our lives were separated by miles across the State of Colorado, we shared so many memories throughout the years and drew such closeness over the years in all the experiences of Grover’s short-lived life. And then one unsuspecting day Grover, we were startled, overwhelmed and in awe to read your obituary in the daily news. Oh, how we have missed you; oh how we have cried. Oh, how our hearts have bled! Just as our deeply cherished friendship began in the school-days of our teens, the memory of you and our love & friendship will hold strong and will go on forever! NOTHING can ever change that!
We miss you more than mere words can express.
Love from your best friends, Ronnie and Tito
When Andrew called me and told me about the lost of Grover, I knew I had lost a good friend. My husband and I were with him from the beginning of Eagle Coin. We have many good memories. He will be sadly missed by all of us. God Bless, Jo Anne, Jack & Jennifer Hackett
I Am very saddened to hear of Grovers Passing.Special thoughts and sympathy are with you Andrew and family
I Have fond memories of delivering Arcade games to Grovers Eagle coin machines and of my most recent visit a few years back
Grover will always have a special place in my heart,Just as Ms Pac Man #1 did in his
Our condolences to you.
Joe and Linda Watson
JoLynn and Ginger
My family and I were very saddened to hear of Grover’s passing. My thoughts are of you Leroy, during this trying time. Know that although we cannot be with you now, know that you are in my heart alongside beautiful memories of Grover.
I went to school with Grover and I am terriblly saddened to see his passing. My condolences to all of his family..
Candy Trent Power
Grover was my uncle. I distinctly remember him bringing my sisters and I a Sugar Daddy lollipop. How great is that?? My only regret is that I did not know him well enough. Goodbye Grover, you were a great uncle.
Our prayers are with you Andy and family. I’ve only met you once and Grover a couple of times. I am Ron Wilcox’s niece. My heart goes out to you and family members at this very difficult time. God bless.