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Tribute to Ian David Hopkins

My friend Ian Hopkins took his life recently after an extended battle with depression. I spent a long night before his funeral looking through old films and produced a brief photo story as a tribute. I've made it available here for friends and family to download and view.

A copy has been placed on YouTube for immediate viewing below. It is often best on YouTube to pause playback at the beginning and let it load for a minute or so, in order to avoid unwanted stops and starts.

The music used includes a song titled Greenfields; written and performed by Luke Hurley and recorded as the title track of an audio tape that Ian and I produced for the "Fun & Frets" tour we staged in the early 90s featuring Luke, Dave Murphy and Alex Staines. Ian and I listened to Greenfields over and over again on our travels, wearing out more than one unsold copy of the tape.

All of the photos but one were taken by me over many years. The section where Greenfields begins takes place at Autumn Farm in Golden Bay. We were both at crossroads in our lives... a place Dave just happened to be singing about on the flipside of the same tape.

I'll miss you Ian.

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Discussion

Nigel Morgan
# Nigel Morgan
Friday, April 3, 2015 9:17 PM
Miss you Ian .
Nigel Morgan
# Nigel Morgan
Saturday, April 19, 2014 3:32 AM
Hi Rob ... I miss Ian .
When I miss him and want to see him ... I watch this .
Thank you .
The spirit behind him ... and the emotion in his face that locks in the memories I so strive to hang on to are printed in these photos you have done .
Every so often .... I have a beer .... watch this and have a beer with Ian .
And think nothing but happy and good .
He and his life is a true treasure .
x
Alison Hopkins
# Alison Hopkins
Saturday, March 16, 2013 8:34 PM
Hi Rob,

Hope things are smooth with you. Mo is coming down next week 12-13 July for a visit to our new apartment, 182 Wakefield Street on top of the Green Parrot. She has mentioned several times that she would like to catch up with you for a coffee and just, I guess, an "Ian" chat.

How would you feel about meeting her? No pressure at all. Just a gentle inquiry.

Anyway, let me know,

best,
A
mo and mike hopkins
# mo and mike hopkins
Saturday, March 16, 2013 8:33 PM
Hi Rob, How touched we are by your kindness in giving us something to treasure of happy moments in Ian's life.He was a very cherished son. Thank you Rob -a great friend.
Robert Axford
# Robert Axford
Saturday, March 16, 2013 8:33 PM
Thanks for getting it to Autumn Farm Joanna; I was hoping they'd see it. It was a beautiful and almost surreal setting. I'll get some larger photo files sorted out for you and Mo shortly as well.
Joanna Cranness
# Joanna Cranness
Saturday, March 16, 2013 8:33 PM
Hi Robert - I agree totally. You've made a most beautiful and memorable tribute to Ian. I've shared it with my family, several friends and delivered a copy to Autumn Farm last week. I too will watch it over and over as time goes by, and can now watch it with tears of love and joy in my eyes and my heart. Thanks Robert - you gift to us all is appreciated. Joanna
Robert Axford
# Robert Axford
Saturday, March 16, 2013 8:32 PM
Thanks for the comments Linda, very much appreciated
Linda Axford
# Linda Axford
Saturday, March 16, 2013 8:32 PM
Hi Rob again, just watched your tribute to Ian again an it is bloody brilliant, thanks. Linda
Linda Axford
# Linda Axford
Saturday, March 16, 2013 8:32 PM
Thanks Robert, your pictures combined with the songs were ever so touching, it is so nice to see Ian in his happy moments with such beautiful music and photography, great work!!.

Lots of love, Linda Axford
Robert Axford
# Robert Axford
Saturday, March 16, 2013 8:31 PM
Thanks Alison, that means a lot to me. The photos kill me every time.
Alison Hopkins
# Alison Hopkins
Saturday, March 16, 2013 8:30 PM
Hi Rob,

I have viewed Ian's tribute many times since his funeral, and each time I am moved by it. What a narrative of Ian's life you have made, Rob. Thank you.

Alison

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