Gayle P. Hopkins

Gayle Hopkins, of Tucson, Arizona passed away at home peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 20, 2016. He was 74 years old. Born November 7th, 1941 in Tulsa, OK and raised in Davenport, Iowa, he was the eldest and only son of three children. As a youngster, he worked odd jobs while he went to school and assisted in the care of his sisters. Along the way, he developed a love affair with athletics that would sustain him throughout his life. It would be the one area he found in life to be an equal playing field for everyone regardless of race, money or status. He felt that coupled with an education, athletics can create opportunities that carve out a future for those who need it most. Listed as one of the greatest athletes in Iowa prep history, he is a member of the Quad Cities Sports and the Drake Relays Halls of Fame. He also was elected to his High School's Wall of Honor. After graduating from Davenport High School, Gayle attended Trinidad (Colorado) Junior College then wen on to a star in the track and field at the University of Arizona where he was celebrated as the University's first individual All-American and a member of the 1964 United States Olympic Team. Over the years, Gayle was inducted as a charter member in to the University of Arizona Sports Hall of Fame and honored as a former member of the NCAA Track and Field Committee. He as also active in many community activities including the Urban League Caucus, The Board of Directors for the Arizona Children's Association and the Carondelet Health Network Public Policy Council. He as also the President of the University of Arizona Black Alumni Association. Along the way, he would earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, a master's degree from San Francisco Sate and a doctorate from Claremont. Gayle ended his notable career at the same place it began, the University of Arizona. He would go on to work as an Assistant Athletic Director from 1983 to 2010 where he impacted hundreds, if not thousands of lives. Beyond his athletic and community achievements, what distinguished Gayle was a profound commitment to honesty, fairness and concern for students, for athletes and for the undeserved. He was a fiercely loyal, loving and caring human being who brought those feelings to his family and friends in equal measure. The heart of his life was his family and Gayle is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia, has two children, Alissa and Christopher and granddaughter, Jalyn Hopkins. He is also survived by sister, Ann, her husband Jack and nephews Edward and James. He is predeceased by his sister Pearl, but survived by nephew John and would be touched by the warmth expressed by his many friends at his passing. He led a life driven by pride, respect and generosity. He is a man that will truly be missed but never forgotten.