On August 12, 2016 our beloved son, grandson, and brother, Andrew Perry Hopkins passed away peacefully in his sleep from prescribed pain medications. He was 28 years old.
Andrew was born March 8, 1988 in Murray, Utah.Andrew was nothing short of a genius, a prodigy, a man of many talents, and an explorer. He lived and accomplished more in 28 years than most people do in 80 years.Whatever caught Andrew's interest, he immersed himself in it. His main passions were Music, Architecture, Athletics, Literature, Math, Science, and Philosophy. He had a highly active mind and imagination. His wit, humor, and creativity entertained everyone who knew him. He was a gentle, kind and loving soul.
Andrew showed signs of gifted genius when he was just a toddler. He had an unusual ability to focus for hours, creating intricate designs, and elaborate stories around his creations. He created using anything he could get his hands on. Pots and pans later became drums, percussion and piano. Castles made from wooden blocks and Lego's became elaborate architectural designs using Auto CAD. Andrew often had the family laughing hysterically when he took his turn at making up the nightly bedtime story with stuffed animals as props.
Andrew was a veracious reader and writer. His father would often read with him till the wee hours of the morning with a flashlight, after his Mother would turn off the light and insist they go to sleep. Andrew didn't think to tell us himself, but at the age of 12, his 7th grade English teacher informed us that two of his poems were selected and published in the book, "Great American Poetry".
By the young age of 15, Andrew received national awards for his architectural designs, and was granted a drafting license to practice architecture. At the age of 16, Andrew worked after school at the University of Utah redesigning the schools bathrooms. However, he hated that job so much that he switched his focus from Architecture to Music. He switched schools from Alta High to Jordan High School to be the drummer in their award winning jazz band. Upon graduating from High School, he was granted a very rare scholarship, which included full tuition and housing at the Julliard School of Music at Snow College.
Music and Drums were Andrew's favorite world to explore. He devoted much of his time with the band, ‘Beyond God's Eyes' and later, "Melodramus". Andrew collaborated to create brilliant new progressive music. He recorded two full length albums with Melodramus, ‘30 Silver Pieces' and ‘Glass Apple'. He collaborated and played drums and tabla with Brad Stock on his album, ‘The Atomic Clock'. The entire album was featured as a Cosmic Light Show in the Hansen Dome Theatreat the Clark Planetarium. While still in High School Andrew started working as a studio drummer and collaborator for his composer father, playing drums for the NBA on ABC, the Twisted Metal video game series, and the soundtrack for the movie, ‘Happy Valley". Andrew also created two volumes of drum loop samples (over 1700 drum loops) for the world famous, ‘Drums On Demand' entitled, ‘Manic Metal I and II.
Andrew loved nature, exploring the mountains wherever possible, particularly the wilderness near his home in the Hidden Valley area of Sandy, Utah. He was an avid hiker, mountain climber, runner and mountain biker. In addition, Andrew was a talented break-dancer. He and his team won first place two years in a row in the national break dancing championships in Chicago.
After his injury while climbing his beloved mountains, Andrew's whole world was pulled out from under him. His pain was described like being electrocuted 24/7, and despite wanting to die at times, his drive to contribute positively to life kept him alive. His girlfriend Breanna Bonker and his Uncle, Dr. James Hopkins, his Grandma Phyllis, his parents and many family members and friends assisted him on a daily or weekly basis, trying their best to help him stay alive. Andrew fathered a child with Breanna, which due to trying circumstances, was put up for adoption with a wonderful couple. To take his mind off the pain and fight depression he would spend his time reading and studying textbooks like upper level Calculus. He came up with a multipage algorithm to determine exact amounts of concrete for foundational footings for buildings on hills. He also developed a style of drumming where he could play barely moving his arms to avoid aggravating his back. He never lost hope that he would someday get better and accomplish all of his dreams. His will and determination to live and contribute to society is inspiring.
Andrew is survived by his Grandmother, Phyllis Wineger Supko; Mother, Dixie Perry Hopkins; Father, Thomas Ross Hopkins; Sister, Kathryn Hopkins Stott (Christopher Stott and baby nephew Tristan) Brothers, Samuel Lewis Hopkins and Alexander Ramsey Hopkins.
Many loving Aunts and Uncles and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday August 18, 2016 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 Southin Sandy at 7 PM. A visitation will be held prior to services beginning at 6 PM.
