David Charles Jopson was born on September 1, 1951, in Vancouver, Canada, to John and Barbara Jopson. He fell asleep in death with his hope of the resurrection intact on March 24, 2023. (John 11:25, 26) He was predeceased by his parents John and Barbara, and is survived by his wife, Ruth Rebecca Esther Jopson nee Fayad; his children, Camille Nicole Highley nee Jopson, James Andrew Jopson, Michael Charles Jopson, and Dylan Courtenay Jopson; his son-in-law Thaddian Highley; his daughters-in-law Liz Jopson nee Santiago and Suzaine Jopson nee Walker; his older brother, John Gavin Jopson; his younger sister, Linda Jane Jopson; his sister-in-law, Caprice Jeannine Jopson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. In addition to his physical family, David left behind a vast spiritual family of brothers, sisters, and children.
As a young man David enjoyed playing music and engaging in outdoor activities, but his primary love was for the ministry as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He moved to Montreal, Quebec, as a young man to “pioneer” the message of the good news to French-speaking people. Shortly after, he married Ruth Rebecca Esther Fayad, a young immigrant from Belize, and they were married on October 9, 1971. They moved back to the West Coast and started a family, ultimately having four children—Camille, James, Michael, and Dylan. David’s passion for adventure coupled with his desire to serve others prompted him to move his family to Punta Gorda, Belize, in the summer of 1985, where he started a bakery and raised his family.
In both Belize and Canada, David developed a reputation as a good teacher, helping many Bible students and their families develop personal relationships with Jehovah God. He always took an interest in “orphans and widows,” and became affectionately known as “Papa Jops” in Belize.—James 1:27.
An ancient proverb says, “The remembrance of the righteous one is due for a blessing,” indicating that a life course of faith and righteousness guarantees a reward. David’s family and friends look forward to the day of his reward with eager anticipation. A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 8, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. CST at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Punta Gorda, Belize. The service will be transmitted by videoconference over Zoom for family and friends internationally.