David H. Hopkins
David Harold Hopkins of Western Springs, Illinois, passed in peace after a brave and hard-fought battle against cancer at the age of 75 on August 7, 2019. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marie, of 47 years of marriage, his two children, Melissa and Christopher, and his three amazing grandchildren, Sophia, Declan and Ethan. He will also be forever missed by his two brothers, Jay and Richard.
Born on March 19, 1944 in Farragut, Idaho, he was the middle son of Everett and Bernice Hopkins. David later graduated from Duke University in 1966 and Columbia Law School in 1969. While working as a summer associate in Chicago, he met Marie on a blind date and subsequent to many Midwestern, home-cooked meals he solidified his decision to move to Chicago upon graduation. He soon after began his full-time legal career with McDermott Will & Emery, where he practiced for 14 years. He later moved to Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, where he practiced matrimonial law with a specialty in tax planning and domestic violence.
Over the decades, he had a substantial impact on the improvements to laws affecting divorcing spouses. From 1980 to 1986, he chaired the American Bar Association’s Domestic Relations Tax Simplification Task Force, which spearheaded the divorce tax reforms to the Internal Revenue Code. He also chaired an Illinois inter-bar association task force that re-wrote the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, as well as chaired a Chicago Bar Association committee that drafted the 1997 law in Illinois known as “The ‘Leveling of the Playing Field’ in Divorce Litigation Enactment”.
Throughout his career, he received several honors, including Best Lawyers in America, Naifeth and Smith (2010-2019), Illinois Super Lawyers (2005-2019), and Leading Lawyers Network – Leading Lawyer in Family Law (2003-2018). Additionally, in 1992 he was the recipient of the Board of Governors’ Award from the Illinois State Bar Association for work that led to the re-write of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act.
Outside of family and work, David’s passion was breeding and raising English Springer Spaniels. He started with his first Springer at the age of 10 and throughout his life he bred 17 open or amateur field trial champions. He passionately served as a Delegate for the American Kennel Club (“AKC”) as well as on the Board of Directors for the AKC Canine Health Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing the well-being of dogs by funding health research projects on a national level. On a local level, David also was actively involved in the Western Springs-Hinsdale Kiwanis Club and served as a past president.
His generosity towards everyone was unparalleled. He will be truly missed not only by his family, but also by many friends and colleagues across different passions and organizations in life.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 16 from 3 to 8pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street, Countryside. Interment 11am Saturday, August 17 at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N. River Road, Des Plaines. Family and friends to gather directly at the cemetery office at 10:45am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or to The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation www.akcchf.org/how-to-help/donate/
He was a great man with great compassion. We were blessed to have met him through G.L.E.S.S.B.A. back in the 90s. Forever his kindness will live in our hearts.
What a fantastic friend and gentleman. I met him at a La Grange Pet Parade when his club were walking their Springers. I had just bought a Springer and he was kind enough to point me to the Clubs and Smitty down at R’Quest Kennels. He will be missed dearly by everyone who called him a friend.
My wife, Nicoline, and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Marie and her family on the loss of her beloved husband. David was a very intelligent and accomplished attorney well recognized for his excellent representation of his clients and contributions to the divorce bar. We were privileged to know David through Marie whose mother, Marie, was a dear friend of my Mother, Adelaide Shields. May David rest in peace relieved now from all the troubles and worries of this life.
I am so sorry and sad to hear this news. Dave was one the nicest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Marie, you have my deepest sympathies. Sending you love.
It was through my cousin, Marie, that I first met David. I so enjoyed and respected his intelligence, humor, and intellect. My wife and I owe so much to David for providing us with a MelChris springer, the most amazing dog we have ever known. This beautiful springer, Alice, brought into our lives joy, love, and companionship for fourteen years, and we are forever grateful We send our prayers to Marie, Chris, Melissa, and the grandchildren. David will be remembered, admired, and missed by all who were privileged enough to have known him.
I knew David as a friendly adversary and an accomplished colleague. He was a man of integrity dedicated to the service of his clients. He will be sorely missed.