Obituary of Fred Hipkins

HIPKINS: Frederick Turnley. A resident of Ridgetown, Frederick Turnley Hipkins passed away at The Village, Ridgetown after a very brief illness on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at the age of 93. Born in Hamilton, son of the late Alfred and Lily Jane (Turnley) Hipkins. Beloved husband of the late Dorothy Helen (Hastings) Hipkins (2004). Dear father of Keith Hipkins of Ridgetown, Mark (Deb) Hipkins of Windsor, and the late Ralph Hipkins (2001), Paul "Moose" Hipkins (2004), and daughter-in-law Barbara (Mentag) Hipkins (2006). Also survived by daughter-in-law Mary Hipkins of London. Grandfather of Kevin Hipkins (Tracey) of Burlington and London, England, Brian Hipkins (Carrie Co-Dyre) of Toronto, Jennifer Stojanov (Greg) of Windsor, Marcy Jagatic (Michael) of Windsor, Erin Hipkins of London, and Shannon Hipkins of Windsor. Great-Grandfather of Emma and Kate Hipkins, and Sebastien Stojanov. Brother-in-law of the late Bruce Hastings (1993). Having graduated from Optometric College at U of T in 1939, Fred’s military career found him in Chatham as an optometrist to the Basic Training Camp, moving to private practice in Ridgetown from 1950 until his retirement in 1986. Early in his career, he was an enthusiastic basketball coach and referee, with long time involvement in Kiwanis, Ridgetown Minor Hockey (Secretary-Treasurer), The Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 243 Ridgetown (Executive), Ridge Players’ Association (thespian & director), Ridgetown Duplicate Bridge Club (director), and Meals on Wheels (deliveryman with Dot). He lent his musical talents to Erie St. United Church choir, and to Marsh St. Baptist, Church of the Advent Anglican as organist and choir director, and most recently as the “Piano Man” at the Salvation Army Citadel, where the joy of truly tickling the ivories was fulfilled each Sunday. To the town, he will be remembered for his “power walking”, hamming on stage, and his frightening latter day driving skills in either a red Chev or a blue scooter. To the generations of Hipkins who follow, he left the legacy of: “Give back to your community.” Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown on Friday, September 11, 2009 from 12:00 until 1:30 p.m. Funeral Service will immediately follow at the Funeral Home at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Alan McIntyre officiating. Cremation with interment in Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown. Donations to the Salvation Army or C.N.I.B. would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, Ontario (519)674-3141.