Charles Ben Hopkins

Charles Ben Hopkins
May 18, 1940 – March 23, 2026

Charles Hopkins passed away peacefully in Camas, Washington on March 23, 2026. He was born May 18, 1940 in Ord, Nebraska to Archie and Viola (Philbrick) Hopkins.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Bonnie, his brother F. Dean, and his first wife Margaret. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Phyllis Mackey Hopkins; his stepdaughter Kathleen Blesius; his stepdaughter Susan and her husband, Gary; and his granddaughter, Sophie.

Charles grew up in Ord, Nebraska, and lived there until his parents sold their farm, after which the family moved to Olathe, Colorado while he was still in grade school. He attended school in both Olathe and Montrose, graduating from Montrose High School. As an adult, he lived primarily in California and Washington.

Charles had a deep passion for airplanes. He worked on them, owned one himself, and seemed to know everything about them. You could point to any aircraft and ask, “Charles – what kind is that?” and he would tell you the make, model, engine type, its place in history, and its purpose. He began his career as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force and later spent many years working as a mechanic for United Airlines. In retirement, he worked as a mechanic for small aircraft at Grove Field in Camas, Washington. He owned a Globe GC-1 Swift and enjoyed many flying adventures over the years.

Charles also had a great love for animals. He always had a dog by his side, and his dogs went everywhere with him.

Charles will be deeply missed.