Obituary: Darby E. Hoppin

Darby E. Hoppin, born May 7, 1928 passed away April 24, 2009 at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Darby was a hair stylist to the television and motion picture industry for over 40 years before retiring. Raised in Hollywood, he attended Hollywood High School before serving overseas in the army. He retired to Nevada with his beautiful wife Marti of 40 years, who preceded him in death last August. They resided in Lamoille, Lake Tahoe and finally Carson City where he fished, planted trees and enjoyed his gardens and bird watching. Always gregarious, Darby loved telling a good joke as much as he enjoyed hearing one, and teased everyone he knew just to see them smile and laugh.

He is survived by his daughter Mellaurie Gilmore and her husband Steve of Dana Point, Calif., his son Barry Hoppin of Fort Worth, Texas, nieces, Diane Maxwell, Terri Carmichael, nephew Steve Carmichael and wife Jane, sister in law, Beverly Carmichael, granddaughters Paige Hallett and Melinda Mullings, and grandson Cass Gilmore.

Darby was also preceded in death by his infant son, Kristian, and his daughter Heidi Mullings in 1999.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to St. Mary's Hospice of Northern Nevada and Companion Hospice of Orange County, California for their loving support services. His soft heart, laughter and incredible sense of humor will forever be missed.