Rick Philip Hoppe was born June 27, 1985. He was only expected to live a few hours, but he defied all odds and blessed his family and friends with 39 years of smiles and laughter. Rick was released from his broken, earthly body on January 22, 2025 and is now running and singing with his fellow Angels.
We must be willing to relinquish the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. - Joseph Campbell.
During his life, Rick faced significant challenges, any one of which would have discouraged most, but Rick lived his life with courage, fortitude, and strength and made for himself the best life possible. Rick was not able to communicate with words, but he was able to clearly communicate his needs and desires and make his opinions known. He laughed easily and scowled when necessary. Rick loved movies. He also loved every type of music from Celtic bagpipes to Fleetwood Mac. It was life’s simple pleasures that made him happy. His only expectation was to be treated with kindness.
Rick may not have lived the kind of life that most enjoy, but for those things he was unable to do physically, he made up for by bringing so much light, energy, and joy into this world. Just like it was almost impossible for Rick to verbalize his thoughts and feelings, it is almost impossible to put into words what a wonderful son and person he was and how much he was loved by those fortunate enough to have met him. Rick was fluent in a love language all his own which was understood by those who were a part of his life and through which he clearly expressed his deep love for his parents, family, and friends. Rick gave us so much more than he received. He was and always will be an inspiration to us all.
He will be dearly missed by his parents, Rick A. and Susan Hoppe, caregivers, Edie Briley and Gloria Briley, and his Aunt Janna Hoppe, all of Wichita KS. Uncles Bruce Johnston (Terry), Plano, TX, Mark Johnston (Kathy), Concordia KS, Jerry Johnston (Terry), California, MD, and Bryce Johnston (Tracey), Victorville, CA and many cousins who were always very kind and his greatest cheerleaders. He will be welcomed into Heaven by his Grandparents Myrle and Thelma Hoppe and Dean and Marilyn Johnston.
Family burial of cremains will be at the West Branch Cemetery, Concordia Kansas at a later date.