Tributes paid after death of former Ballymena GP Dr Denis Hopkins

Dr Denis Martin Hopkins

Tributes have been paid following the death of former Ballymena GP Dr Denis Martin Hopkins, who cared for generations of local families during a long medical career in the town.

Dr Hopkins, who died peacefully at his home in Sheepshill, Ballymena, on Monday (27 July), was widely known and respected within the local community, having practised medicine alongside his father before continuing his work from Ballymena Health Centre.

A familiar figure in local healthcare

For a number of years, Dr Hopkins and his father ran their medical practice from the top of Railway Street before relocating to the then newly opened Ballymena Health Centre in the late 1970s, where he continued to serve patients.

News of his passing has prompted tributes from those who remember his commitment to caring for local people over several decades.

Funeral arrangements

A funeral notice issued by James Henry Funeral Services said Dr Hopkins died peacefully at his home on 27 July.

He was the much-loved husband of Careen, loving father of Claire, Niall and Mark, father-in-law of Andrew, Angela and Jen, devoted grandfather of Amelia, Tory, Kali and Ben, and a dear brother of Colum and Rosemary.

His remains will be removed from Henry’s Funeral Parlour, 100 Broughshane Street, Ballymena, on Wednesday 29 July at 9.40am to All Saints Church, where Requiem Mass will begin at 10am.

The family home is strictly private.

Family requests

Family flowers only, please.

Donations in lieu, if desired, may be made online via jameshenryfunerals.co.uk or sent to James Henry Funeral Services for the benefit of Smile Train.

The funeral notice concluded with the words: “Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.”

For many people across Ballymena, Dr Hopkins was more than a family doctor. His passing marks the loss of a familiar and trusted figure who cared for patients across generations, and he will be remembered with affection by many whose lives he touched.