Dave was a good friend to me during the time I worked at QEGS. We travelled to a few places together - Amsterdam, Vienna and Mercia being the most memorable, full of culture, food, drink, more drink and many, many laughs. Many of the tributes mention his excellent Politics lessons, but he could turn his hand to anything. He gave equal enthusiasm to the Classics lessons he taught, when we needed extra staff in the department! We lost touch a bit when I left QEGS and moved to the East Midlands, but Dave was quick to congratulate me on the birth of my first daughter in 2020. I didn't get a chance to tell him that the second arrived safe and well, now 8 weeks old. I am so glad I saw him in summer and got to catch up. He chatted about his family and Lynne. He always spoke so proudly about his boys and their families and achievements. You will be sadly missed Dave. I am grateful to have known you and to have spent time in your company.

A fantastic teacher and just a great bloke. Politics A-Level classes were the best part of the week. The tributes from pupils and staff spanning many decades is testament to this, but what a great legacy to leave. RIP “Hoppy” and thank you, one of the very best.

You always remember the best teachers....and Mr Hops was for sure one of those. He will rightly be remembered for all that he achieved at QEGS and his legacy there will live on and on. Thank you Mr Hops. Rest in peace Sir.

Mr Hop was one of those teachers whose lessons I always looked forward to. He was fun, knowledgeable and most importantly a really nice man. You wanted to respect him and he got the best out of you even if that involved a difficult conversation now and again about the choices you were making. Conversations about football and Blackburn Rovers (Patrick Valery was discussed a lot in our lessons!) were never far away and often interacted with discussions about Michael Foot or Mrs Thatcher. His boys were a credit to him and they can be rightly proud of a really top man. Thanks for the memories Mr Hop. You will be missed by many.

For me the word which best describes you is Special. You were one of those guys that you were glad you knew. It was an pleasure to know you and it was an absolute hoot to work with you. Once met, never forgotten. God Bless Dave x

I have many fond memories from my interactions with Mr Hops at QEGS. He genuinely cared and his impact will be felt by the many students he helped in his incredible career at the school. His legacy lives on in Matt and Steve, his grandchildren and the rest of his family. A life well lived and rest in peace Sir

I spent many happy hours on football trips and tours with Dave. Brentwood, Prague, Ghent and Shrewsbury to name a few. I can’t remember the scores anymore, but I can remember the company and camaraderie. There was one late night in Prague when Dave haggled with the taxi driver for the trip back to the hotel and we ended up paying more than the driver wanted. How did that happen? Great memories. Great man.

As a true Northerner, Hoppy had my respect from the first time I met him. He always contributed a no nonsense, down to earth, yet human and understanding, approach to all situations. He was a much valued member of the ISFA committee and it was a privilege to enjoy his company on so many occasions. RIP

My friend's Dad, Politics teacher, and football coach. 'Dave Hop' wore a few hats for many of us. He had a laid back approach to our Politics lessons, often spending the first 15 minutes discussing that weekend's football or what high jinks different people had been up to...but we learned plenty about Politics too...and when it was time to work, we worked. This was in no short way down to the relationships he built with us. I remember when conference season came around for the political parties. That was Dave's lesson planning done. The TV was wheeled in and the lesson was spent watching the political giants of the time delivering their keynote speeches. Dave's approach worked. His students performed well, and in many he inspired an interest and love for Politics that remains. As a football coach, he was excellent. Many of us will cherish the memories of our ISFA Cup win in 1996. I imagine Dave did too, particularly seeing Steve as part of that team. We had a good team, but Dave got the best out of us. He didn't get every call right though. I recall when Dave coached the North of England ISFA Team. He'd had a couple of players pull out and needed reinforcements. Struggling, he called on two of his 1st XI players from QEGS. We'd been out the night before and weren't in the best of shape. I'd have been out of my depth anyway, but with a hangover and played wildly out of position, Dave had no option but to sub me off at half time to save both of our blushes. I still chuckle about that today. Thanks for the memories Dave Hop!

Hoppy... a true mate. It's difficult to try & put into words what a top bloke the man was, and I'm just so glad I was able to spend so many memorable hours with him & can't thank him enough for all the support, advise & friendship he gave to myself, & I know many others. Its over 25 years ago now since we met. I started as a newly qualified teacher at QEGS & given the responsibility to run the football. A year in to my time at QEGS, the 1st XI were missing something, that something was Hoppy. For someone who had led the 1st XI to become ISFA Champions a few years earlier & not to be around the squad was simply wrong. The following season he was back on the grass with myself and Vince - I'm pretty sure he even bought some new boots for pre-season! Hoppy's subtle, but effective words of wisdom, always timed to perfection - both to the lads & myself, will last long in the memory. Pre-season tours with QEGS always got us well prepared for the season ahead. I have many stories & fond memories of them - one to share, is a "Where were you when...." moment - Germany 1v5 England? I was with Hoppy. I'm sure all others who were present will remember those few hours fondly! There are so many brilliant times we had together with the 1st XI over the years, long road trips in the Cup, Saturday morning's playing the circuit - I'm pretty certain all the lads over the years will have their own stories to tell, & I suspect Hoppy will be featured somewhere in those stories. The icing on the cake to all this was that the 1st XI went onto lift two more National titles, the evidence sits in reception at QEGS - the cup was presented to the school for winning it on three occasions - Hoppy was the only person who was involved in all of them! Hoppy got me involved with the ISFA rep teams, once again I loved every minute spending time with him... Well apart from 'one minute' on the M1. Hoppy driving in lane 3 decided he would try and go into lane 4, problem was, there wasn't a lane 3! Hitting the central barrier, spinning 360 degrees across 3 lanes and ending up on the hard shoulder. Unhurt, scrape on the side of the car, we continued our journey back to Leyland! Once again with ISFA teams I learnt so much from Hoppy - his ability to bring a group of lads together & set them up to play in so little time - amazing. The ISFA family loved Dave & the respect he had from the ISFA family, I can whole heartedly say will remain forever. I've always stayed in touch with the great man since leaving QEGS, & I'm so glad I did - he was a true friend. Hoppy... thanks for everything pal - we are all missing you, Rog x

Mr Hopkinson was a great role model, teacher and most importantly a friend to me during my time at QEGS, I got to know him more over the years during my time there but mostly in sixth form when he taught me Politics. Granted I wasn't the star student in the class but he always gave the extra time I needed, he was always an ear to any issues I had and an all around great person! Kind, funny and incredibly likeable. I even had the privilege of him attending my 18th Birthday party whilst in my final year at the school where we could enjoy a beer together which will be a fond memory I'll keep forever. I am very sad to have heard of his passing. This page is a great idea and lovely to see how many peoples lives he touched. Thank you for everything Sir.

David ( Hoppy) Hopkinson first joined the Old Blackburnians Amateur Football Club in 1979 as a player and went on to to become Captain of the First XI and later Club Captain. He cared deeply for the Old Blacks and was a principal figure in the management of the club. He was popular both as a player and back in the club house talking football at the bar. His passing will be sadly felt by the many players and members of the club who will remember him as both a fine player and friend.

David has been a friend of mine since 1970 and I have known him through all the highs and lows of his life.We have grown closer over the years and shared many things in our lives. We have spent many New Years on holiday in a variety of European countries,the last one being Gran Canaria in Dec22/Jan 23. I am so happy we had this time together enjoying the food and drink as well as the amazing weather. After some persuasion from Stephen and Matthew I managed to pry David away from Europe for a holiday in Washington DC in October which he loved. He also took me to Malaga for my 70th birthday which was amazing,though the downside was we both came home with Covid We were in regular contact by phone and he always had the capacity to make me laugh and be slightly irritated in equal proportions. He enjoyed winding me up and playing devil's advocate ,which led to many thought provoking discussions as well as having a good laugh. We usually reached an amicable agreement and occasionally agreed to differ. I miss our late night phone calls catching up on events and putting the world to rights,especially the political climate. On Ftiday 20th Feb I realised I would not be able to talk to him about the bi election from the previous day which felt very sad. I have a massive hole in my life now that David has gone. I will miss him enormously but will have many great memories which will keep him alive in my heart. Lots of love

Dave was a great mentor to me in my first years of teaching. Always full of sound advice and endless encouragement. A good man, a great professional and a fine friend.

Dave Hopkinson. Legend. An inspiring teacher who never talked down to us, treated us as individuals and positively shaped our lives. He always had a smile and a supporting word for everyone. Simply my favourite teacher during my time at QEGS. Rest in peace.

Happy "Hoppy" Your amazing smile as you passed the reception window at QEGS on your school visits will be greatly missed.....such a lovely man xx

Dave - I am crushed that you’ve gone. You played such a huge role in my life. Guiding my career at QEGS, and mentoring me in life too. I shall never forget the pre-season football tours, the countless Saturdays we spent together on the school fields, or the time you spent with me to get me back in track when I fell short. I owe you a great deal. Until we meet again, my friend.

David ( Mr H ) was my 6th Form Tutor at Queen Elizabeth's between 1980-82, as well as my British Govt. & Politics " A " Level Teacher. In those rather less " regulated " days, he steered a fine line between a steely determination to get down to serious work and an amused tolerance of various " high jinks ". When the discovery of an illicit still, assembled by a couple of 5th formers hidden in the Scout Hut was made known, he declared himself " Shocked ! ", although the twinkle in his eye, and the smile playing across his lips perhaps revealed a grudging admiration for their ingenuity ... Our Tutor group included some great characters, who've gone on to do well for themselves, and on one occasion, Mr H. was handing out some homework essays that he'd marked, with his usual critiques, " A little light on section A, you need to develop section B further etc ". He then came to David Skidmore, " Good heavens, David ! I've given you a B+ for this, I must have been drunk when I marked this ! " As quick as a flash, and with a comic timing of which Eric Morecambe or Peter Kay would be proud, young Skidmore replied, " That's quite apt, Mr H. , I was bladdered when I wrote it ! ". So sad to hear this news ... RIP Mr.H !

Dave will be sadly missed by all - a kind and caring man who always had time to listen and offer advice when needed. My sympathies go to his family at this very sad time …a true loss!

My friend Dave - I am absolutely devastated that we’ve lost such a genuinely kind and funny man. What do I think of when I think of Dave? That’s easy, laughter. As long as he was making people laugh, Dave was happy. I’ve known him for many years and have endless memories of our little holidays together, talking rubbish and playing drinking games. One guarantee when spending time with Dave is that’d he’d make me laugh.. a lot! He was an intelligent and kind gentleman, and was a best friend to my dad (sailor Craig) before he passed away and he was a huge support for me when that happened and remained an amazing friend of mine afterwards. I’ll miss him for the rest of my life and want to pass on my deepest sympathy to his family - he was very much loved and I’ll think of him fondly forever and will remember him for being such a huge influence in my life and for always keeping me smiling.

What can I say...I am absolutely gutted - my mate 'Teacher Dave'. I adored this man - A selfless, kind, caring, generous, man with a fabulous sense of humour - one of the best. I shall fondly remember my holidays with him and sharing laughter and daft conversation with him down the pub. It feels like the world is a little bit darker without him around. An absolute gent who i shall miss terribly.

I’m very sad to hear of Mr Hoppy’s untimely passing. He was a great teacher, sports coach and man. My sincere condolences to all his family friends.

I was really saddened to hear of Dave's sudden passing at the comparatively early age of 72. Dave and I were members of the SLT together at QEGS for about 6 years, and the SLT was immeasurably strengthened by his wise counsel and his steadfast refusal to get over-excited about things that didn't really matter, but his equal determination to have his voice heard when they did. He was always gently understated and good-humoured and we were a better team for his avuncular good humour. He was absolutely devoted to QEGS and especially his support for school football, which was a passion of his. He was enormously popular and respected by the pupils because they instinctively recognised that whilst he could be very firm, he was always humane and fair in his dealing with them. He was the kind of teacher who would have been adored by any pupil at any school. Once or twice he remarked to me that he didn't much like a particular pupil, and that genuinely surprised me as he was the sort of man who found good in everyone. I personally will miss him enormously and of all the wonderful people I have met in my 22-year second career as a school bursar, he was one whom I liked and admired throughout the time I worked so closely with him. I know all the support staff felt the same, and he was a very popular figure with them. Once gain I offer my unreserved condolences to the family.

I first met David (as he was formally introduced to me, never Dave...) around 22 years ago when I had been going out with Steve for just a few weeks. The meeting took place at the Hamilton pub with his friends Big Al and Phil, before heading to watch the Rovers at Ewood Park. Steve had briefed me on some football questions to ask his dad (something about flat-back-fours and a sweeper system?) and I had diligently learnt the names of as many Blackburn players as I could. From the word go there was nothing but laughter and I felt at ease and welcomed as part of David's family immediately, although I think I was the butt of the jokes that day due to my lack of football knowledge. A trip to Cardiff in 2005 to watch the FA Cup Final against Arsenal, despite the wrong result for Steve and David, would always make us laugh, after the consolatory drinks ended with a game of Cheeky Cheeky, leaving an oblivious David with cigarette ash all over his face ... I think a policeman told him on the walk back to the station that he needed to find some better friends. David was always full of fun and so young-at-heart. On his birthdays he would always insist he was just 37 years old. When we were having Lucy, we discussed beforehand what he would like to be called by his grandchildren. He decided he was far too young to be called Grandad, so we settled on Hops-the-Pops, which he was affectionately known as from then on by us all, more recently adjusted to Hops-le-Pops once we moved to France. He spent lots of time visiting us in London, Berkhamsted, Chicago and more recently Paris and we shared lots of special memories and fun times with him. His 60th birthday trip to Las Vegas with Matt, Lauren, Lynn, Big Al and Lynnette was an epic celebration and we will cherish the video of David and a 3-year old Lucy dancing to Gangnam Style in Little Grandma's living room forever. A walking trip to the Lake District with David, Steve and myself in 2017 was an unexpected source of entertainment (and near broken-bones), as Steve and his Dad both turned up in very insufficient footwear, with David ending the day cold, wet and caked in mud. Daniel will remember his daily Zoom maths lessons with Hops-the-Pops during lockdown, which, with Janet's English classes, was a lovely and very helpful connection during those isolated months. Over the last few years David spent many hours with Steve watching both Lucy and Daniel play football and David ensured they were always kitted out with the latest Rovers kit for their birthdays. We are so happy to have spent some time together with him just before Christmas when he visited us in Paris. I will always remember David as a loving, supportive, selfless, kind and funny Father-in-Law to me, and Hops-the-Pops to Lucy and Daniel. RIP David xxx

Loved my football days at QEGS with Mr Hoppy and the ISFA tours around Europe. Such fantastic memories.

Hoppy was the best and most considerate teacher I ever had, who spoke to, and treated us like young men rather than kids. A big hearted man and the politics trip to Paris and the first XI’s march to Filbert Street will live long in the memory. Sending love and thoughts to all of his family and those of you who were lucky enough to have met him.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside this great man for 7 years in the late 80’s and early 90’s. It was a time when Rovers’ success reached its zenith and Burnley’s plight its nadir. Humour abounded, but always with good grace. As a colleague, Hoppy epitomised the QEGS ethos. He was an excellent role model and was held in high esteem by teachers and pupils alike. Dave gave a lifetime of service to the school he loved and touched the lives of many. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

I had the pleasure of being taught by Dave during my 10 years at QEGS and can honestly say he was my favourite teacher. Always helpful and with a smile in his face. The football chats and time spent playing in his teams did nothing but raise my appreciation of him. He will be missed by so many people that he positively influenced during their time with him.

Trebor Extra Strong Mints. Packet after packet of them on the touchlines both at Lammack and at ‘away’ school venues, when we both coached the 1st X1 Football Team together. First question was always to each other ‘ Have you brought the mints?’ But it was much much more that we shared. Hoppy’s room somewhere past the stairs in Hartley House, a sharp right turn and then a left. Probably my staff room rather than the Common Room. Countless cups of coffee, lots of football talk, and selecting the team for Saturday or Wednesday. Splitting the long Michaelmas Term into sections to help it along. ‘ How was the summer, Hops? ‘ Next question ‘How long to Repton?’ ( Always the first week in October). Then it was half term. ‘ How many weeks to Shrewsbury? ‘( Usually mid November). Then we were on the downhill to Christmas because the 6’s ISFA Tournament In London always took place in the last week of term. Mini bus with 12 footballers in the back, me, Hoppy and Vincent Chester ( groundsman) in the front. Later with Vince O’ Keefe. A football tour to The Hague. One abiding memory sitting in the restaurant on the ferry at about 7 am and Hoppy looking over my shoulder through the porthole. ‘ It’s a real optical illusion isn’t it, Dave. You just don’t seem to be moving, do you ? ‘ That’s probably because we docked about an hour ago, Hops’. I spent 16 years with Hops at Qegs. Colleagues and friends of course. To reconnect as a Trustee and witness his outstanding work as the Clerk to the Governors has been a privilege. More to the point though, sitting recording the meetings was one of the great stalwarts of Queen Elizabeth’s G.S. Dave Hopkinson is woven into the fabric of the school, and wherever or whenever you meet an ex pupil who was taught, coached or mentored by him, and mention his name, the look of deep respect and almost reverence is quite something to behold. Dave Hopkinson shaped pupils into people that reflected the nature of the man and the school which he served for over 48 years.

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Dave. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.