Ronald Douglas (Skip) Hopper

Ronald Douglas (Skip) Hopper was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Friday, March 6, 1942, during a blackout on the East Coast. Doctors and nurses delivered him by flashlight, and, as he would later reflect, “I’ve been looking for the light at the end of the tunnel since then.” On August 31, 2025, at the age of 83, he found that light, having been a shining light to all who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those touched by the gift of his life. Skip was predeceased by his parents Douglas and Helen Hopper, his brother-in-law Roger Mills, and his parents-in-law Robert and Ruth King. He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Deborah; his children, Andrew (Melissa) Hopper, Rachel (Charles) Woodburn, Todd (Elizabeth) Rheinfrank, and Robin Hopper; his grandchildren, Lily, Ross, Chad, Kris, Maddie, Hunter, and Ethan; and his sister Patty Mills. Due to his father’s work with General Electric, Skip moved a lot as a child, from Massachusetts to New Jersey, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Italy, and New York. These frequent moves helped him become outgoing and quick to make friends. While at The Ohio State University, Skip enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a First Lieutenant in the Infantry, earning several medals, including the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action. After returning home, he completed his degree in Business Administration at Ohio State. Skip devoted 35 years to The Ohio State University Alumni Association, retiring in 2004 as Senior Vice President. During his tenure, he met thousands of remarkable people, built long-lasting friendships with colleagues, traveled the world, and outlasted two football coaches, three university presidents, and four athletic directors—all while serving under only two bosses. He was a proud member of the Ohio State Chapter of the American Legion and the Dublin-Worthington Rotary Club. After retiring, Skip and Deb enjoyed spending time with their family, working on home projects, and spending winters in Arizona, where they made lasting friendships. Skip died after spending the day doing what he loved: fishing in Alaska. His lifelong passion for fishing began with his father and continued with his own sons. From Tennessee for striped bass to Canada for northern pike, New York for muskies, and Lake Erie for walleye, the water was always where Skip found peace and joy. His family and friends will remember him out there, casting his line and sharing the quiet beauty of the lakes and rivers. Friends will be received on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell (450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, OH 43065). A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11th, at 10 AM at Liberty Barn Church (7080 Olentangy River Road, Delaware, OH 43015). In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Project Healing Waters, an organization that guides veterans in need to recovery through fly fishing, mentoring, and friendship. More information is available at www.projecthealingwaters.org. .

Ronald Douglas (Skip) Hopper

March 6, 1942 - August 31, 2025