Obituary Reginald Neil “Pete" Hopkins

Pete was born on January 29, 1935, in Seattle, Washington, to Harold and Laura Hopkins. From an early age, he demonstrated the determination, athleticism, and leadership that would define much of his life.

He graduated from Vancouver High School before attending Lewis & Clark College on scholarships in both football and track. During his collegiate career, Pete was a standout athlete, helping earn three conference championships in track and two conference championships in football. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and carried his passion for competition and teamwork throughout his life.

Pete married Kathleen Jane “Kutsie” Radakovich in October of 1958. Their union produced two children, Darci and Stefi. They later divorced.

Pete proudly served his country and state through the Oregon Air National Guard from 1953 to 1958. He subsequently enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard, where he served for an additional ten years, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge.

Education and athletics became Pete’s lifelong calling. He dedicated 25 years to teaching and coaching, retiring from Hood River Valley High School in 1983. Throughout his coaching career, he inspired countless young athletes and left an enduring impact on their lives. His accomplishments included coaching two state championship track teams and developing six High School All-American football players, 10 All-State athletes, 26 All-League athletes, and four recipients of National Football Hall of Fame Scholar Awards. His influence extended well beyond wins and championships, as he mentored generations of students and athletes to pursue excellence on and off the field.

Pete remarried in 1993 and is survived by his wife Kae in Pasco.

Following his career in education, Pete entered the field of solid waste management, where he worked until his retirement in 2000.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pete enjoyed many passions. He loved football, growing grapes for wine, watching movies, and listening to music. He remained active in his community through volunteer service, including five years as a coach and board member for Pasco Youth Football. He also served as Equipment Manager for the Tri-City Americans Hockey Team, combining his love of sports with his desire to support young athletes.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Hopkins, Laura Thornton, and Mabel Hopkins, as well as his siblings Bobby, Renee and DeAnna.

He is survived by his wife, Kae Hopkins; daughters Darci Ilich and Stefi Sudar; grandson Tanner Ilich; and siblings Linda King, Cheryl Andrew, Marcia Hopkins, Craig Doyle, and Cherie Wilshire. He also leaves behind his much-loved nieces and nephews as well as extended family members, friends, former students, athletes, and colleagues whose lives were enriched by knowing him. A special thank you to our cousin Anna King for all the visits and milkshake deliveries.

Pete will be remembered for his dedication to family, his commitment to service, his love of athletics, and his unwavering belief in helping others achieve their potential. His guidance, humor, wisdom, and encouragement touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue through the many people he inspired.

A eelebration of life with be held for Pete on Sept. 27 from 1-4 p.m. at The Gorge White House, 2265 OR-35 Hood River, Oregon, 97031.

Though he is gone from our sight, the lessons he taught, the lives he influenced, and the memories he created will remain with us forever. Pete’s family invites all who knew and loved him to join them in celebrating a life well lived.

Columbia Gorge News, Aug. 19, 2026