Michael John Hopkins, 69, of Laramie, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2019. He was born June 11, 1949 in Laramie to John and Pauline (Crawford) Hopkins. Mike grew up in McFadden, WY and graduated from Rock River High School in 1968. He attended the University of Wyoming and started working at the Buckhorn and Parlor Bar after his parents purchased the business in 1969. Mike loved Laramie and he wanted everyone who came to the “Buck” to feel welcome. After many years of bartending and providing great service, he became a big part of making the business a place where University students and Wyomingites made lifelong memories. Mike and his brother Gary also operate the Cowboy Saloon.
Mike was a fun-loving grandfather, compassionate father, husband, brother, uncle and friend to many. He loved the outdoors and was always ready to go fishing and hunting with his “Pelican” friends. He loved to take kids fishing and teach them the art of hooking a trout. Mike was athletic throughout his life, won the Wyoming State racquetball championship in 1979 and was an exceptional pool player. Mike always had a smile on his face, a sunny disposition, and a good word for everyone he knew. He was a generous and compassionate soul and helped many people through hard times.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Pauline Hopkins. Michael is survived by his wife, Shawnee Abell of Laramie; his daughters, Ashley Evans (Colin) of Aurora, CO, and Mandi Hopkins of Laramie; his grandchildren, Alexis and Tristan Evans and Adrian Rayos; and his two stepchildren, Airman First Class Britian Abell of Fairbanks, Ak., Shelby Abell and step-grandson Charles Vollmer of Casper, Wy. His brothers, Gary Hopkins (Mary) of Laramie and Randall Hopkins of Alexandria, VA.; his niece and nephew, Tyler Hopkins (Kaylee) and Shannon Hopkins (Nick Butler).
Visitation will be held from 10:00-12:30 p.m. Monday, May 6th at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 6th at Greenhill Cemetery. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 6th at the Cowboy Saloon with the Reverend Sally Palmer officiating. A wake will follow at the Buckhorn Bar at 114 Ivinson from 3 to 5 p.m.
The family request memorials go to the Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center at Ivinson Memorial Hospital.
Our thoughts and prayers to Gary and the entire Hopkins Family! We've known Mike and Gary for many years...they are part of my great memories of working at the Buck along with fun adventures! We'll always remember Mike with that happy smiley face , always friendly and welcoming! May all the good times and fond memories make you smile when you think of him! Our condolences! Cindy & Kevin Keller
We are deeply saddened, may the sweet memories always fill those empty spaces. Mike was a true friend.. Always spoke kind words, shot a great game of pool and never forgot your name. May the moon beams be your guiding light as you journey thru the night. Ride In Peace our Friend. The Prahl Family
I am not known for being at a loss of words yet I have struggled finding the right ones with Mike's passing. Most of our conversations were within the walls of the Buckhorn - and there have been many of them over the past 30 years. Even now I can hear Mike happily calling out my name when he'd see me and always being interested in what I was up too. And that was one of his gifts - his incredibly accepting soul that greeted everyone and made everyone feel welcome and at home. Our birthdays were a day apart so I have celebrated so many with him over the years and every time I enjoyed sharing a drink and the comfort of him being a fixture - a stable point - in an ever changing world. Now he's moved on too and I will miss him. We all will. Much love to his family and friends he thought of as extended family through the years - all of you are in my thoughts.
Ashley, Mandi, Adrian, Pat and the rest of Mike's family. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Being I only met Mike a couple of times, I felt like I knew him, hearing many good stories from my son, Chris. Please know that I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Know that Mike will always be with you! Always, Fran Micken (Chris Rivord's Mom)
Our Condolences
Mike. Such good memories of you. Your smile and laughter. You will be remembered and missed my friend. May you Rest In Peace. Lorenzo & Esther L Vialpando
Mike, you will be so greatly missed! Always friendly and kind and fun to be around. My deepest condolences to your family.
Pleasant person to be around doing for many years Dale and Gayle Poledna
The staff of Wyoming Public Media send condolences to Greg and Mary and to your entire family in the death of Mike Hopkins. His many contributions to our community and to our various citizens assure he will be greatly missed. Your on-going support of Wyoming Public Radio is greatly appreciated. Cindy Elrod Program Assistant
Oh the memories of the Buck and Mike! Met my husband and my wonderful friends at the Buck and Mike was always there! He was more than a bar owner, he was a friend to many! Always a hi and how are ya doing! Rest In peace Mike and know that you had many friends that will miss you and your welcoming smile! All I can say is, oh the memories!!
REST EASY BOSS!
You will be missed. Condolences to your family. What a great guy!
Our condolences
Mike, you were a wonderful person to work for and I will hold all the memories I have working for you dear to heart. You will be missed. May you Rest In Peace boss. Sadie Kay