Arvin Hopcraft
October 18, 1952 – April 5, 2026
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Arvin Hopcraft – on April 5th, 2026. Arvin was born Oct. 18, 1952 to Frieda Toews and Gerald Hopcraft. He was the third of three children. Keith, born April 5, 1947, was Arvin’s older brother. Dianne, Arvin’s sister was born May 11, 1949, with a defective heart and passed away Sept. 28, 1953 at the age four. Arvin was less than a year old when his sister Dianne passed. Arvin had a fascinating 73 years, beginning with being born in a car between Leduc & Wetaskiwin. He had a variety of occupations, starting off with oil / gas inspection, and once he ran a little cafe, where he was forced into becoming an excellent chef. Arvin was a deep thinker and enjoyed attending the Unity of Edmonton church with wife Sharon. He had studied martial arts; and his spiritual leanings moved him toward teaching meditation and counselling. But being a musician was Arvin’s greatest passion. He played in several bands that toured Western Canada, and for a while he set up a recording studio. He taught guitar, and the week he passed, Arvin had completed four performances at senior homes around the Edmonton area. His clients enjoyed singing along and his supportive wife Sharon rarely missed a performance. Arvin had three loves in his life. With his first wife Verlayne, he had son Shane Doyle; with Lynn Fischer, he had Shaun Hopcraft. His greatest love was his last love, wife Sharon Hopcraft. Arvin is pre-deceased by his parents, Frieda and Gerald Hopcraft, his brother Keith and sister Dianne; and Shaun’s mother Lynn. He is survived by wife Sharon, sons Shane Doyle and Shaun (Kim) Hopcraft, with grandson Calvin Hopcraft, Sharon’s daughter and son-in-law Jen and Cody Smethurst with grandchildren Isla and Levi; and Terri, Isabell and Davarah Sinclair. The family would like to thank the staff at the Grey Nun’s hospital in Edmonton AB for the care and support of Arvin after he suffered an aortic abdominal aneurysm just days before his passing. And thank you all for the support, care, and compassion you are giving Arvin’s family and friends. He was a big man with a big heart, and his loss has devastated all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Arvin’s sudden passing, as I am sure we all were.
I met Arvin years ago when he was working as an instructor for The Silva Method. I attended his class with my then husband Al Smith. It was an instant connection with us all and we became close friends for many years. However, life took us travelling on our different paths and we fell out of touch. Years later I reached out and reconnected with Arvin. We had many deep conversations over the past few years. I remember how happy he was that he had found Sharon. He talked often about what a blessing she was in his life. He was blessed by many who loved him very much for many different reasons. He was truly happy.
Arvin was skilled at doing many things, but I best knew him as passionate about his music and spiritual philosophy. He was a deep thinker, yet embraced life full out! Go big or go home! And he was bigger than life itself.
I am deeply sorry , Sharon, for the loss of your loving husband, who cherished you so much, and then to leave this world so suddenly.
I send you and all of Arvin’s family so very much love. May you all be blessed with many happy and fun loving memories to carry and ease you through this very difficult time.
RIP my friend. What a trip it has been! See you down the road Arvin Ryan Adair
R
Arvin taught me my 1st guitar lessons at age 16. He showed me how to play L’America and Hyacinth House by The Doors and Man On The Moon by REM. We actually 1st met through Vic Lucky’s martial arts lessons. We sparred with each other and he related to me as much as a man at his age at the time could with myself being a young teenager at the time. I find myself reminiscing about him quite often. My heart goes out to Arvin’s family during this difficult time.
Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss! My prayers for peace as you and your family deal with this tragic end to a beautiful life!
My deepest sympathies go out to Arvins’ Family.He was a very skilled musician and a very good friend. He helped me out many times.
May the good Lord Bless his, Soul.
Arvin and i were close friends,we were brought together thru mutual interests
Music and martial arts .we played and trained together for over ten years ( Back to Back ),Arvin was a true friend ,never asked for anything but gave everthing
Ask any of his friends he was always there to help,i will miss my friend and his music , Sharon and Shaun my heart goes out to you
My husband Craig and I played music with Arvin when he had the recording studio in Red Deer as well as doing some shows with him back in the 90’s and he was a man full of ideas and enthusiasm. We had a great visit with him & his delightful wife Sharon, when they came to the island in 2018. His presence will be greatly missed.
Saddened to hear of Arvins passing he will be missed. In 2005 Arvin produced my CD “ If We Don’t Go” a song about the Christian Motorcycle ministry. It was nominated for an award at the Covenant awards in Toronto and did really well amongst those involved in the Christian motorcycle ministry. I know that he made that possible because of his skills as a producer. We’ll see you down the road Arvin.
We are very sorry to hear if the passing of our good friend of many years. Jacquie and Eric Lakin
So sorry for your family’s loss
I am in total shock and without words
We were friends for many years
So sorry for your family’s loss
I am so shocked and without words
Been friends for many years..he was a great guy
RIP My Friend you were a great part of our Life Growing up We all Miss You My Thoughts and Prayers to Sharon and his family
My condolences to Arvin’ s family. We had quite a few good times from the nineties. Wish I kept in touch, but sometimes life pulls us in different directions. Certainly, Arvin and music was a big part of my life back then.
Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. What a heartbreak for you, and your families. Having grown up in the same community and attending school together, but then moving into separate lives, it never failed to amaze me that he would then meet someone later who I knew . How wonderful you and he found each other. My thoughts are with you.
My deepest condolences, Arvin and I had some great time in the nineties.
Arvin was a long time friend. He played music at the bar I managed. We spent a lot of time together when he was here playing music with Lynn. Heaven has received a very special angel. You will never be forgotten
I am saddened to hear of Arvin’s passing .
I will truly miss his down to life conversations and smile. He had a big beautiful heart and was a great friend.
My deepest condolences to his family at this time of their loss.
I miss you my friend. You were always there for me. Love you