Phil Hopley

Two of my only friends in this world... Phil and John... I had a dream that they picked me up to go to a pub quiz a few nights ago... despite me living in the USA for almost 19 years now. So, I tried to look up what Phil was up to. And found this page. After the initial shock the tears started and I had to leave work. A few Xanax later I'm at least not so bothered by my heart. I was always the quiet, strange one. Phil and John didn't care about that... at least I could noodle around on my guitar to amuse since I didn't know anything about cars... still don't! Most of all, I can't believe he's no longer with us. I feel sick and a void fills my chest. I will miss you, my most wonderful friend.

All his experiences with his cars, we have heard about from Phil. He told them to us with such sense of humour. Our hearts go out to Sheelagh and Nugent, his Mum and Dad. Emma, our daughter, has been amazing throughout Phil's very painful and terrible illness. We always thought of Phil as our son ,and if we needed any help with anything ,he was always there to help. The world as lost a remarkable human being. Sleep well Phil. Anne George and Nigel.

A beautiful image. Phil would always hide for the camera ❤

What a guy who will be sorely missed. What he didn't know about cars and computers wasn't worth knowing! Thanks for introducing me to Almost Famous and bacon bacon fries. And not to forget how to add every single topping on the menu to a burger. Legendary! RIP Phil, thanks for the memories

Phil was truly unique, unassuming, endearing and ridiculously intelligent. The door was always open to anyone, we would talk for hours and Phil would always provide advice to help me rationalise any given situation. More often that not there would be the odd recollection of stories from his younger years that generally involved cars, friends and escapades of some description. Phil never had a negative word to say about anyone and had a great outlook on life, truly appreciating the things that really matter most. It was clear that he adored Emma and his knowledge of women’s shoes helped me on more than one occasion! I'll cherish the times he popped over and lent a hand or tool to repair cars, boats, 3d printers.. or just had coffee and caught up. Having known Phil for around 9 years, I cannot begin to imagine the loss to his longer-term friends and family for whom he spoke highly and fondly of. Phil, you really are one in a million and will be sorely missed by all who had the fortune to know you. Take care buddy, you will never be forgotten.

The world is a sadder place, without Phil. He entered our lives as John’s new mate from college. A unique, lovely guy, with a quick, dry sense of humour - and a love of old Mantas! We were to learn a lot about these (and other) old cars in the ensuing years! Mainly about the problems and breakdowns - and cutting, and welding, and oil and grease......you get the picture! The other thing he brought into our lives was his crazy laughter. Many a night we would lie in bed chuckling at HIS guffaws, as they watched goodness knows what on TV, into the late hours. Then a young woman called Emma entered the picture, and we were fortunate to get to know her too. She was to become the love of his life. We will miss you dropping into our lives Phil, but will always have such great memories....... Our hearts go out to Emma,; your parents Shelagh & Nugent; your brother - and all who knew and loved him. Gone to brighten up another place . Xxxx

This is actually is the hardest thing I've ever done. Admitting you best friend has gone...…. Having met Phil in 1989 at College I first knew him to be the crazy guy with the Kadett that made up mad stories of his out of college activities, then one day he kindly gave me home, and I quickly found out that to my surprise they were all true, he was quite literally nuts, and from that day I didn't not know it but we became life long friends, and would stand next to him as his best man when he married the love of his life. I don't have may close friends, and having Phil as my best mate meant that I didn't notice, and as I type tears bouncing off the keyboard, I can honestly say I will miss him until the end of time. I cant even begin to comprehend how Emma his wife feels. I thank her for sharing her Husband with me as there has not been many Thursday nights in the last 29 years that have not featured Phil, me and a Kebab or food of some description. He was true to his beliefs and stood up for what he believed in, even if that didn't always make him popular. He was generous and kind, and would do anything for anyone. He would always look out for others, and if doing something for himself, he shared the knowledge with others as he just wanted to help. He was charitable and selfless to a fault. He touched the lives of so many, and though we all have various social groups we gain through life I'm glad I introduced him to them all, so everyone got to meet such a unique guy. Even my wife miss the times we kept her up chatting loudly until the early hours during one of those, just one more thing doorway conversations, and laughing at the TV. My heart goes out to his family, and the rest of his close friends and especially Emma. It's just crushing that you are no longer around, but you will be in our thoughts, and our hearts until we see you again. all our love. John and Sam.

I worked with Phil for about 6 years. I thought I was a pretty clever guy when it came to computers. Turns out I'm not. Daily education from Phil on topics such as the acceptable drift of an Opal Manta on a roundabout at 60mph, why new environmentally friendly cars are worse for the environment than a BMW M3 or simply spinning my head into knots with a 100mph trip through Phil's brain as he explains why the computer says no - every day was a better day with a little bit of Phil Hopley involved. There were also the occasional history lessons of racing through country lanes, cars in fields, hedges, ditches - it felt like an episode of the Dukes of Hazard except without the hotpants. Even after we parted from working together, I'd still enquire how the numerous rebuilds of Chevette's and Manta's were progressing on the drive - I'm not sure they ever did get finished but I'm pretty certain he was just enjoying the grease and welding burns. He'd talk lovingly of Emma and her shoe addiction. That might have been when he got into the suit shopping - I finally had one over on him, giving him tips on the best cuts and colours and he looked pretty slick when I'd finished with him! He gave me help and advice when I was out of work and he was the only person I kept in touch with. Take care Phil, the world's not quite the same without you

Our hearts are broken. Over the years we have gotten to know Phil and were completely at ease in his company. His wit rivalled that of Emma's and we had some great fun, great political laughs and shared many epic meals together. There was one man that we called when the Laptop failed us or the engine light went on, even in far doing Dorset Phil was kind enough to offer help My endearing memories will be the mountains of burgers and bacon bacon fried we shared. Phil and Emma were shipmates, living their best lives together, he is irreplaceable and his memory will forever be cherished and celebrated Thanks for the memories Phil. It really was a pleasure. We had hoped to grow old disgracefully drinking elaborate cocktails whilst you and Kevin did the driving. We will treasure the times we had. And the laughs we shared. An awesome caring and generous hubby to Emma. Lobsters xx

How to console Emma, Sheila, Nugent and Michael upon the loss of their kind, warm, generous husband, son and brother I’m not sure I can other than to say what others have which is he was and will continue to be a part of my daily life, and always within my thoughts. A truly inspirational character who always had time to weld a bit of your broken car back on, or chop off a bit whilst you weren’t looking, whose home was always open to the various hungry waifs and strays that seemed to roll up regularly. It has been a privilege to have known and loved Philip, his family and friends for all of these years.

A much loved friend, Phil had a quiet warmth and a remarkable generosity of spirit. I will forever miss him.

Phil was a the best friend anyone could ever had. He was a true credit to his parents Sheila and Nugent and his wife and rock Emma. It's hard to put into words but basically to know him was to love him. We share so many memories together some of which I am sure he's taken with him. We always had each others backs and we knew what the other was thinking, and if we ever needed each other we were there 24/7. Memories are precious and I have so many that I can't do anything that dosent remind me of something we did together. Always in my heart and never ever forgotten.