Obituary for Donald Phillip Hopkins Sr.
Donald Eagle Hopkins Sr. (December 27, 1943-October 30, 2020)
On Friday, October 30, 2020, Donald Eagle Hopkins Sr., loving father, grandfather, brother and community pillar began his journey to the Spirit World at the age of 76 after an extended illness.
Don Eagle of the Niantic and Narragansett Nations, was born on December 27, 1943 to Gladys (Babcock) Hopkins and Francis “Ceasar” Fayerweather in Wakefield, RI. He owned and operated his own contracting business for many years and was known for his master carpentry and cabinet making skills. His particular eye for quality and style and his strong work ethic became well known and he constructed and outfitted many of the tribal housing developments in the New England area.
Don Eagle was well known and respected throughout Indian Country. He was a champion for Indian rights, especially subsistence rights. “Hoppy” as we all knew him was an integral part of the Native community, and often traveled between nations, bringing with him his laughter, jokes, knowledge and craftsmanship skills. He was a generous man and would often open his home for family, friends, and community members. Don was an Elder, championship Northern Traditional Dancer, and respected culture bearer. He loved spending time on the powwow trail and traveled cross-country and to Canada many times dancing, selling food and representing his Narragansett people.
Don's journey was preceded by his father, Francis, mother, Gladys, sisters Joyce (Hopkins) Davis, and Sandra (Hopkins) Ralls. He is survived by his beloved friend, Jill Slaymaker of Marston’s Mills, his five children, Rodney, Donald Jr. (Wanda), Lyle (Kamala), Teah, and Leah (Jonathan), his sisters Francis (Fayerweather) Fernandes, her husband Bob and Nancy (Fayerweather) Goncalves, seven grandchildren, Muckquashim, Ondtashau, Christian, Ashkeah, Kineau, Evangeline ,Kianna Mello-Hopkins and Tristan, two great grandchildren, Liam and Kenu, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and community members.
Private services will be held. A memorial gathering will take place when we can all gather safely once again.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum. https://www.tomaquagmuseum.org/donate
Obituary lovingly written by the family of Donald Hopkins
On Friday, October 30, 2020, Donald Eagle Hopkins Sr., loving father, grandfather, brother and community pillar began his journey to the Spirit World at the age of 76 after an extended illness.
Don Eagle of the Niantic and Narragansett Nations, was born on December 27, 1943 to Gladys (Babcock) Hopkins and Francis “Ceasar” Fayerweather in Wakefield, RI. He owned and operated his own contracting business for many years and was known for his master carpentry and cabinet making skills. His particular eye for quality and style and his strong work ethic became well known and he constructed and outfitted many of the tribal housing developments in the New England area.
Don Eagle was well known and respected throughout Indian Country. He was a champion for Indian rights, especially subsistence rights. “Hoppy” as we all knew him was an integral part of the Native community, and often traveled between nations, bringing with him his laughter, jokes, knowledge and craftsmanship skills. He was a generous man and would often open his home for family, friends, and community members. Don was an Elder, championship Northern Traditional Dancer, and respected culture bearer. He loved spending time on the powwow trail and traveled cross-country and to Canada many times dancing, selling food and representing his Narragansett people.
Don's journey was preceded by his father, Francis, mother, Gladys, sisters Joyce (Hopkins) Davis, and Sandra (Hopkins) Ralls. He is survived by his beloved friend, Jill Slaymaker of Marston’s Mills, his five children, Rodney, Donald Jr. (Wanda), Lyle (Kamala), Teah, and Leah (Jonathan), his sisters Francis (Fayerweather) Fernandes, her husband Bob and Nancy (Fayerweather) Goncalves, seven grandchildren, Muckquashim, Ondtashau, Christian, Ashkeah, Kineau, Evangeline ,Kianna Mello-Hopkins and Tristan, two great grandchildren, Liam and Kenu, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and community members.
Private services will be held. A memorial gathering will take place when we can all gather safely once again.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum. https://www.tomaquagmuseum.org/donate
Obituary lovingly written by the family of Donald Hopkins