DERRICK Raymond Hopgood was born in a galvanised hut on April 13, 1937 in New Road, Stratton, he was one of eight siblings.

Growing up for them was very tough; they went through many hardships and extremely difficult times. Unfortunately, when Ray was just 10 years old, their mother passed away which meant that he and his older brother Russ stayed at home with their father whilst the other siblings went to live with other families. To their sisters, Russ and Ray were very much their heroes, they had to literally bring themselves up. Jean remembers when this was very much put into action when she fell into the water in Stratton and he saved her from drowning, she wouldn't be here today if it wasn’t for him, that was how wonderful and selfless he was as a big brother.

After his education, Ray joined the Navy at the age of 17. Throughout his years of service, he travelled to many countries including being stationed in Malta during the Suez crisis, Christmas Island during the atomic bomb testing and was on board the largest aircraft carrier in the Navy; the Ark Royal. It was during his Navy days where Ray met the love of his life and life partner Pam. She remembers the day they met; Bridgerule Station House. He went to the Bridgerule dance that night where she was impressed with his recognition of her new pink shoes but not so impressed with the fact he kept stepping on them during the dance. Luckily, the latter didn’t put her off marrying him and spending 65 happy years together, a tremendous accolade.

After his eight years of service and having his first son, Stephen and daughter Suzanne, Ray came out of the Navy in 1962. He returned to live in Stratton and went on to have a few different jobs including Stacey’s builders and cleaning at the Post Office Telecom Underground Repeater Unit in Widemouth in 1966. It was here that by chance a local friend, Andrew Orchard stumbled upon an advertisement for a TV licence detector, so off they went all over England and Scotland forming a lucrative and successful partnership. Following on from this, Ray went on to complete a long service with BT as a telephone engineer, he had a particular interest in fixing things, something that he never stopped doing even though technology had moved on and things weren’t wired quite the same as back in the day.

“A family, although mostly defined by genes, is built and maintained through love.” This is the mantra that the Hopgood family live by with Ray being at the forefront of this. Ray and Pam, already having Stephen and Suzanne, went on to extend their family having their third child, Bradley. To them, Ray was everything and more, heroic, loving and someone they always looked up to. He was an active father, fit as a fiddle! This was clear to see especially on one memorable occasion for Bradley when his father suggested going on a bike ride to see his family, however what he didn’t realise was that it was his to visit his family in Torquay, so off they went on a 74 mile ride where eight hours later they safely arrived at Jean’s house.

The Hopgood family continued to grow with the births of Ray and Pam’s grandchildren and their great grandchildren. Ray was always so proud, always happy and smiling whenever he was surrounded by them all, he just was as inspirational and heroic to them as his own children especially after his Parkinson’s diagnosis. His determination and courage was nothing short of admirable and a testament of strength and character despite the challenges he faced. With his incredible, dedicated wife by his side, together they faced adversity demonstrating the true definition of husband and wife carrying out their wedding vows of loving each other in sickness and health and as death us do part.

Many people may also not be aware that Ray starred in a film, yes he was a filmstar!

Well, he was an extra alongside actors Robert Taylor and Ava Gardner in the 1953 film; Knights of the Round Table with his friend Des Wickett. However, when on set, some galloping horses came charging towards him through the field, scared, he had to improvise on his acting skills by jumping the hedge and playing dead to avoid being trampled on. Pity there were no trees for him to climb as for those of you who knew Ray by his infamous nickname Puss Hopgood, know that this is due to his tremendous tree climbing skills.

Ray throughout the years has had a variety of hobbies from taking things apart where he would spend hours in the garage, hoarding almost absolutely anything from old telephones to lightbulbs and door handles; you name it, he had it, everything had a use. He also enjoyed spending time gardening but his main hobby involved anything on two wheels; motorbikes, motorbikes with sidecars and bicycles. He would love nothing more than venturing through the countryside, Pam in the sidecar, yes Pam, holding a baby Stephen. As his Parkinsons progressed over the years his love for all things on two wheels never faded, the family bought him an electric bike to which was then replaced with his electric trike where he was well known for fearlessly speeding through town oblivious to traffic and pedestrians. Then finally, to one of the great grandchildrens’ favourites; the electric wheelchair, not quite two wheels but sometimes with his Rays driving it was.

Both Ray and Pam looked forward to and enjoyed their holidays; when the children were younger it was usually caravan and trailer tent adventures where Rays driving skills were again to be tested when he decided to tow the caravan up the steep hills of Lynton and Lynmouth where unfortunately the car wasn't quite up to the job and instead they found themselves rolling backwards eventually making it to the top with no rubber on the tyres. As the children got older, holidays were enjoyed by them both abroad where wonderful memories were made in Tenerife and Rays particular favourite; Malta.

When not in a vehicle, on a bike or titivating in the garden, Ray and Pam were a very social couple and had a fantastic circle of friends where they shared some great times with many of you who are here today.

It’s safe to say that Ray lived a happy and fulfilled life surrounded by family and friends. He was a hard worker, inspirational, determined and a true gentleman and although his presence will always be missed, he will live on in the future generations of the Hopgoods. Thank you for being such an important part of many peoples lives, for all that you were and all that you gave and although your passing leaves a heartbreak that nobody can heal, the love you gave triumphs it all and leaves us with memories that no one can steal.

Bearers: James Hopgood, Matthew Trewin, Thomas Hopgood, Lewis Hopgood, Billy Hopgood, Ryan Brownhill, grandsons.

Family mourners: Pamela Hopgood, wife; Stephen and Jane Hopgood, son and daughter in law; Suzanne Heusch, daughter; Bradley Hopgood and Stephanie Snowdon, son and partner; Russell and Jen Hopgood, brother and sister in law; Jean Counter, Doreen Corrigan, Gwen Adams, sisters; Sadie Trewin, Chloe Hopgood and Tom French, Kirstie Heusch and James Willmot, Loren and Chris Teague, grandchildren and partners; Ashton Laidler, Jaylen Hopgood and Jasmine Brown, great grandchildren and partner; Ray Tillbrook, Brian and Lorraine Tillbrook, Audrey Trewin, Maralyn Crosure, Colin and Margaret Short, David and Nalda Short, Martyn and Louise Back, Tim and Noreen Counter, Paul and Cindy Gliddon, Graham Nunn, Darren and Louise Tape, Alan Hopgood, Cath Hopgood, Debbie Hopgood, Maria Hopgood and Josh, nephews, nieces and partners.

Unable to attend: Aurla, Breanna, Evie, Charlie, Cohen, Ethan, Harry, Oscar, Erin, Sophia, Maisie, great grandchildren.

General public attending: Jim and Melanie Ferrers, Lin, John and Spencer Lee, Tony and Cherry James (rep Anne and Adrian Furse), Alex and Sally Rakhshani, Neil and Nicola Tomkins, Jean and Robert Bevan, Darren and Louise Tape, Kevin Rayner and Debbie Sampson, Mr and Mrs R Hooper, Cooper family, Steve and Mandy Congdon (Dave Congdon and Trudy Naylor), Mark and Lee Burman, Mr and Mrs P J Vickery, Mr and Mrs S Courtenay (Mr and Mrs M Rickett), Vicky and Steve Innes, Mr and Mrs Voden, Mary and Alan Rogers, Mr and Mrs D Heckbert (Mr and Mrs R Heckbert), Pat and Colin Jeffery, Bill and Mary Bromell, Judith and Bob Bowers, Janet and Mervin Harris, Steve Couch, David Jones, Thomas Swatton, Mark Hodgson, Julian Bolitho and Lilly, Stephen Bryant (Keith Cote), Shaun Scarry, Dave Wood, Paul Chowill, George Hatt, Adrian Ball, Alf Dinshaw (Sue Dinshaw), Keith Burmon, Steven Barrett, Roger Rowe (Andres Smith and Martin Cole), Mark Perkins, Mike Hudson (John Hudson and Yvonne Hudson), Mr G North (Mrs A North and Mrs D Jory), Mr P Wonnacott, Mr Andrew Orchard, Ricky Perry, David Stokes, Alex Rogers, Ben Morris, Mr Dick Dingle, Lester Quance (Exercise for Mobility), Mr Dawe, Mr P Vinnicombe, Terry Jenkin, Dave Cloke, Ray Tillbrook, Kit Jordon (Nicki Jordon, Frank and Phyllis Vanstone), Mike Taylor, John Jones, Rachel Kenny, Sarah Benson, Ali Beech, Susan Watts, Sheree Petersen, D Spiby, Charlotte Smith, Amanda Head, Mrs Bridget Reps, Mrs Pat Knight, Claire Broom, Mrs June Harrington, Maureen Luxton (Tina and Sally), Lorraine Morris (Mark Morris), Mrs Mary Tilzey, Mrs Di Mcdougal, Mrs Freda Frost, Mrs Ruth Jasper, Jennifer Bond (Trevor Lashbrook), Joan Hudson, Lindsay Gliddon, Sandy Rickard (Rickard family), Linda Parnell (Lee and Emma), A Wickett (P Wickett), Val Schubert (The Parkinsons Society), Sue Dell (Dell family), Rosemary Hockin (Adrian Parsons and Jane Bickle), Ange Vincient, Rose and Alan Mckintosh.