There is a long list of names in Rider’s history who are synonymous with the ideals of the football club that means so much to every football fan in Saskatchewan. Near the very top of that prestigious list is Jim Hopson.
Hopson passed away at the age of 72, after a battle with colon cancer.
Hopson was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer on April 9, 2021. Following the diagnosis, he would undergo 46 chemo treatments.
Once it was determined the chemo lost it effectiveness, Hopson switched to an alternative form of treatment in September of 2023.
After a series of tests in January, it was determined that Hopson’s latest treatment had lost its effectiveness.
He graciously joined the Harvard Media SportsCage in January after his treatment options had ended.
As a player, and an executive he exemplified football in Saskatchewan.
Hopson played for the Regina Rams, and the Roughriders. When he retired from football, he pursued a career in education.
“If it had all ended after my education career, I would’ve still felt really good about what happened in my life.” Hopson told the SportsCage back in January.
Hopson returned to the organization as the President and CEO from 2005-2014. Under his watch, the Roughriders enjoyed their most successful era, including a pair of Grey Cup titles (2007, 2013).
In 2019, Hopson was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
During his last appearance on the SportsCage in January Hopson talked about his diagnosis.
Hopson wished he had been more proactive in receiving his diagnosis and encouraged others to go for a checkup.
“A colonoscopy, everybody seems to think it’s a big deal, it’s not really a big deal, get checked and if it’s clean that’s great, if not they can catch it early, they have great success treating it.”