Remembering Ron (Ronathan) Hopkins

My name is Erika Hopkins, and I am Ron's wife. We met in 2015 after we had been texting for a few days. Our first date lasted 7 hours, and we walked around 8 miles in total between Kenneth Hahn where we met and the Santa Monica Pier, where we shared our first kiss.

We got married October 21, 2017 and it was a perfect day. I was happy and so in love that nothing could bring me down. I was finally getting to marry my best friend. We moved into our first apartment together, where we still reside, in December of that year, and we were so excited to have a place to call our own. I loved living with Ron. I loved laughing with Ron. He always tried to cheer me up if I was upset, comforted me at night when I couldn't sleep, and always wanted me to know how much he loved me. I loved him with all my heart and soul. We watched TV together most nights, but we also talked about our days, work frustrations, and joys. I loved being near him. He made me feel safe and seen and was my biggest champion.

On Wednesday night, 8/24/2022, we watched TV like we often did together. I walked out to pick up laundry from the dryer, and when I returned, Ron was dizzy and wasn’t breathing regularly. I know now that Ron suddenly suffered a heart attack in the short time between walking out to the laundry room and returning to hear him gasping for air. I called 911 and tried to resuscitate him with mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions until the paramedics arrived. Unfortunately, they were unable to get his heart beating again.

I'm not sure how to live this life without him. He was my best friend, and we shared everything between us. He knew me better than I knew myself sometimes. I miss him. I will always miss him.

I have felt an outpouring of love in the wake of Ron's passing. I'm so grateful for all who have helped me do things like drink water and remember to eat. I’m grateful for the text messages checking on me and sending love and prayers. I'm thankful for the flowers and care packages we have received. I'm grateful for the hugs shared, and tears shed together with those who have come by our apartment. 

I'm making this page because many have told me they want to help. It will be a challenge going from a two-income household to single-income. It will be painful going through the things we had together without him by my side. I'm not sure where I'll go, but I can't stay in our apartment long and will need to move. 

I'm so grateful for everyone who knew Ron and for the memories they've shared with me. I love hearing your memories with him because he meant so much to his friends and loved ones and those stories help me feel his spirit and love are still watching over me to cheer me up. 

 Ron most likely impacted your life directly or indirectly if you're here. As friends & family, through his work with special needs students, his amazing community of gaming and online streaming, or indirectly by just being in his presence (in person and online). Thank you for knowing him and loving him.