HOPELY, Darrin Glen

The Daily Miner, Kingman, AZ - Published on August 17, 2011 - Darrin Glen Hopely passed away on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, at his home in Ellison Creek Estates near Payson. Darrin was born in Philadelphia on July 15, 1965, to Dale and Aileen Hopely. The family moved to Arizona in 1966; they lived in Phoenix, Toltec, Casa Grande, Kingman, and Yuma during his childhood. Darrin was a graduate of Kofa High School in Yuma in 1983 and worked in the auto body business in Yuma, San Diego, and various shops in the Phoenix area for over 20 years. His specialty was heavy collision and he was awarded Tech of the Month in 1997 in "Collision Reporter Magazine" for his professional expertise. In 2005, Darrin and his wife Janice relocated to the Payson area to realize his dream of living in the beauty of Northern Arizona. Darrin put the metal skills he learned in the auto body business to work and opened DGH Welding and Fabrication. Most of his work was fabricating metal for homes and commercial buildings while also engaging in several projects, including intricate ornamentation. Darrin had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing around the state. He often shared this with his stepson Chris (Jeannie), whom he loved as his own son. Darrin was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Tonto Village Fire Department and member of the Moose, Elks, and American Legion in Payson, serving as governor of the Moose Lodge in 2008. He was an avid supporter of many community activities. In addition to his wife of 15 years, Janice, Darrin is survived by his mother, Aileen of Yuma; sisters, Darlene (Mike) of Bellingham, Wash., and Robin (Ed) of Chandler, Ariz.; brother, Dale (Kimberly) of Litchfield Park; his grandchildren, Christian (12) and Gabrielle (9); five nephews; and three nieces. At Darrin's passing he was reunited with his father who preceded him in death. A celebration of Darrin's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at The Mazatzal Hotel and Casino in Payson.