The obituary notice of Steve HOPCROFT (HOPPY)

I bumped into hoppy when he was at Birmingham and I was at Everton and we formed a great friendship and respect over the years , trying to poach players off each other 😂 it was an honour to have known Hoppy top bloke 💙good night and god bless legend 💙🙏

It is hard to find the right words to sum up a life and 31 years of memories.

Steve was many things over the years. He could make me laugh, he could make me cry, but above all, he lived life with enthusiasm and a great sense of humour. He loved a party, never said no to a slice of cake, and was always the one ready with a joke or a story that would have everyone laughing.

Some of my favourite memories are from his younger days in the Army, where the stories of the adventures and mischief he got up to would have us laughing for hours. Later, he joined the police, and it’s still a family favourite that my mum had to teach him his alphabet before he started. It became one of those stories that never failed to make us smile, especially knowing how intelligent and capable he went on to become.

Steve was fortunate enough to build a career doing something he genuinely loved. From Birmingham City to West Brom and finally Aston Villa, football wasn’t just his job it was his passion, and he gave so much to the young people he worked with.

His greatest legacy, though, is our two amazing children. They stood by him with incredible strength throughout his illness, right until the very end. His daughter cared for him with such love and devotion, and I know he would have been immensely proud of them both.

Life wasn’t always easy, and like many families we had our ups and downs, but today I choose to remember the laughter, the funny stories, the jokes, the celebrations, and the man who loved life.

Rest peacefully, Steve xThank you for the memories.

In loving tribute to a true friend, a kind soul, and a wise guide. Your compassion, generosity, and unwavering support touched many lives. Your memory will remain an inspiration, and you will always be deeply missed.
RIP Steve

Sleep well our old friend we'll all be together again one day playing up and getting in trouble,you always had something about you mate and from an early age it was clear you'd go far in your career,many memories of us all never forgotten RIP hoppy much love mate 🙏❤️

Steve (Hoppy) This is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to write, from first meeting you in the army in 1985 you took me under your wing once you heard my Brummie accent and supported our beloved Birmingham city, firstly you taught me how to cyphel petrol out of the army land rovers for the car we had to use as a taxi 😂, your constant Mickey taking of me strangely made me think this lad actually likes me (I think ) fast forward we promised to stay friends after the army day's and we kept our promises, you kept an eye out for me when I had my demons never judged me ever but always positive words of encouragement when I became sober 7 years ago, I'll never forget our annual cricket day's together with you asking how am I how's my kids , how's my health, Steve you was such a caring generous sarcastic funny hysterical at times person I've ever met in my life , I still can't forgive you for joining that lot from the dark side of the city, I'm so relieved now you're asleep and at peace finally I'm going to miss you terribly I already do mate but one thing that horrible disease can't take from us all is wonderful funny memories of you I'll never ever forget you HOPPY 🙏 Rest in Peace now love you Brother XXX KEL

So many Happy Memories ❤️ Especially Warmington Road days, Forever in our Hearts. Steve you was one in a million RIP xxx