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Carl Vance Hopkins was born in Chicago, IL on May 5, 1944, but he only lived there a few weeks and joked with his beloved mother, Liz, that she should have waited a few more weeks to give birth to him so he could truly be a native San Diegan. Vance loved his life in California and lived each moment with zest until his untimely death on April 14, 2008.
Vance was the son of James Hopkins of Solana Beach and the brother of Russ Hopkins of Long Beach, both of whom survive him. His mother, Liz, passed away on April 15, 2008, one hour after learning about Vance's death.
Vance was a life-long horseman who treated horses and all animals with the same respect he accorded his friends and family. Anyone who spent time with Vance would definitely see him come riding in off the trail in his ball cap after a long afternoon ride, one of his favorite pastimes.
Vance was also a committed teacher. He taught special education in the Santee School District for 32 years until his retirement in 2001. He was an advocate for the children he taught, always wanting to help them succeed and face the difficult challenges of school work when dealing with a learning disability.
Vance graduated from San Diego State in 1967 and went on to earn a teaching credential in 1968. He later earned his Masters degree from SDSU, as well. While at SDSU, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He immersed himself in college and fraternity life and met and kept lifelong friends. He was especially fond of the girls next door and was selected the Pi Phi Man of The Year in 1967.
Vance was a loyal, supportive, and deeply caring friend to all his college mates throughout the years. He was always generous with his wisdom and insight, dispensed loving hugs, and shared his infectious laugh and wonderful sense of humor. He was genuine in every way and a SAE True Gentleman. ~ Rest well my dear Brother-mhm.
Memorial Services for Vance will be held on Friday, April 18th, at the Pacific Beach Chapel, located at 4710 Cass Street, San Diego, CA. Viewing will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and a Service will follow from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friends who attend are invited to stand and share a favorite memory of Vance. Memorial donations may be made in his name to PMU Rescue or to any horse rescue foundation of your choice.
Published in U-T San Diego on April 17, 2008
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Date Of Birth: MAY-5-1944
Date Deceased: APRIL-14-2008
Age at Death: 63
Cause of Death: HEART FAILURE
Alumni City: SAN DIEGO
Alumni State: CA
Was a Veteran: No
Vance was a special education teacher for 32 years. He had a masters degree from SDSU and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
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