Peter Hopper passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2010; he was 80 years old. Peter was born in Ottawa, Ontario on November 23, 1930, the second son of Wilbert and Eva Hopper. He was a graduate of Lisgar Collegiate and later attended McGill University to become a Chartered Accountant. He was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal in recognition of his academic excellence. He moved back to Montreal and began his meteoric rise to the Presidency of Hughes Owens, a major Canadian distributor of Fine Art Materials.
Peter left Hughes Owens and moved to Burlington, Vermont in 1978 and began the active distribution of Holbein Art Materials in North America with his wife Frances and colleague Barbara MacKay. Peter has many friends in Japan, most notably, the Yoshimura family. In 1996 Peter left his day to day involvement in HK Holbein and moved with Frances to Ormond Beach, Florida. Peter loved to travel and he spent much time in Australia, Lebanon, Europe and Japan.
As a human being, he was a consistent believer in all things good. He was a great confidant, extraordinary leader and, above all, an inspiration to all who met him. Peter lived a wonderful life – one filled with adventure, energy and compassion. We will miss seeing him enjoy a Gin & Tonic with Frannie at the Bay or piloting his Grady White on the lake.
Donations in Peter’s memory may be made to the National Art Materials Trade Association (NAMTA) Foundation, 20200 Zion Avenue, Cornelius, NC, USA 28031-8546.