Celebrating Dear Friends

Doug, Kelly, and Kirby Hopley

On the 15th we had a potluck to celebrate longtime church members and neighbors Doug and Kelly Hopley! After over 43 years living on the Island and raising 4 sons here, they are downsizing to a smaller home nearer to town. After church friends and neighbors gathered on the lawn for food and reminiscences.

Paul Blau spoke about teaching Doug as a child in Sunday school and Kathie mentioned how much she appreciated “Uncle Doug” and his help with household projects after her husband George passed on. Kelly shared how she and Doug met, and Dean told a story about seeing the handsome young couple stealing a kiss in the refinery parking lot in their classic car. Many people talked about Kelly’s fabulous floral arrangements and beautiful gardens. Kelly also shared her testimony of faith, including how she first came to Samish Island Memorial Chapel for a Bible study. “I realized that Jesus is God”, she said.

Good food and great memories were shared by all. Happily, Doug and Kelly said that they aren’t gone, just moving. Kelly said that they’d be back for church in the future.