(Michael) Justin Hopewell
God has called home one of his most precious children. It is with great sorrow, (Michael) Justin Hopewell , 39, passed away unexpectedly on June 29, 2016. Justin will be remembered for his courage and a gifted personality who brought joy to others and a greater understanding of the giving of love that we share for each.
As Justin blossomed into an incredible young man, he taught us all the elusive treasure of human dignity, an understanding of others and gave us all a glimpse into the true meaning of life. Although he may have been bound by earthly limitations, we know he is limitless with the Father in Heaven. There are no words to describe how proud we were of him and his incredible teachings of life.
To the wonderful people at West Mont’s Farm & Gardens, our family and friends, Justin loved you all dearly. We believe you were all sent from God to be a part of his life. He was a blessed young man to have known all of you.
Justin surpassed many odds in life. From the day he was born, February 6, 1977, given little chance to survive beyond 2 years, he graduated from Capital High School (1996) with a standing ovation from his classmates. Justin was a Special Olympics Athlete, a Boy Scout (Troop 218) for 9 years and participated in PEERS. Nominated by his teacher, Susan Gunn and HollyAnn Frisch, Justin was the first Montana recipient of the Exceptional Children Foundation – international award “YES I CAN” in 1994. He flew to Denver CO. to receive this award.
Justin had his ‘apartment’ and was a vocational employee of the Farm & Gardens (aka Farm in the Dell) until the time of his death. He loved to work and spend time with his co-workers and staff at the Farm.
Justin was met in Heaven by his grandparents, Joseph and Margaret Brome, Maryvirginia Pesta; cousins, Robert Cooney and William Cooney; uncle, James Lynk.
He is survived by his parents Susan and Chuck Pesta of Montana City; Aunts: Linda (Dan) Killoy of Miles City; Laura Lynk of Juneau, AK.; Karen Brome of East Helena; Debbie (Larry) Jones of Lakeville, MN. Uncles: Joe Brome and John (Paula) Brome of Butte; Cousins: Aspen Brome of East Helena, Roberta Brome of Gillette, Wyo., Justin Jones, Seattle, WA.; Christopher (Tami) Jones, St Paul MN., Nick Jones, Lakeville, MN.
A service celebrating Justin’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7th at the First Lutheran Church, 2231 East Broadway. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2016. Memorials may be sent to West Mont, 2708 Bozeman Ave. Helena, MT. 59601 – earmarked for Client Recreational Fund. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Justin.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m. to First Lutheran Church
Thursday July 7, 2016
2231 E. Broadway St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Thursday July 7, 2016
Fellowship hall of the church
2231 E. Broadway St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m. to First Lutheran Church
Thursday July 7, 2016
2231 E. Broadway St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Thursday July 7, 2016
Fellowship hall of the church
2231 E. Broadway St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
John Beatty says
Susan and Chuck,
We were so sorry to hear about our little Justin. He was such a great joy. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
John, Nellie and family
Ray and Janet Gill says
Suan and Chuck,
So sorry to hear about Justin, my oh my how he touched so many lives! We have you in our prayer and are thinking about you. Take Care
Ray and Janet Gill
Tammy Stefanik says
I went to high school with Justin and often helped him in PE when I was an assistant. He was always a joy. When he was happy and smiling it was infectious! My prayers are with your family.
Carol Giese says
Susan and Chuck,
We are so sorry for your loss – our hearts are with you.
Love and Prayers are being sent your way.
Mike and Carol Sims
Shannel Pocha says
I went to school with Justin. He never failed to make me smile with his infectious grin. I know that I’m one of many who will never forget his great attitude. My sympathies, Shannel K. Pocha
Susie Hull says
I worked with Justin at The Farm and he was my special friend. I miss him a lot, already. I will remember him and his laughing smile every day. I know he is running around heaven having FUN. Maybe he will meet my Grandma,Grandpa,and Patty. Susie Hull
Theresa Gardner says
susan and family
So sorry to hear Justin died. you are in my thoughts and prayers
Shannon Grasmick says
I worked with Justin in high school, at Silver linings and in Special Olympics. He was the sweetest person and could always make me smile. Justin is someone I will always remember. I’m so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
JoAnn Hopewell says
I am a Hopewell by marriage and of course with Justin’s last name, I feel a connection although I do not know if we are related, but from what I am reading here, he sounds like a very special person who was loved by many. May you rest among the angels, Justin, and rest in peace.
Debra Ekblom and Rudy Shiner says
Susan and Chuck,
Sorry doesn’t express our feelings of sorrow at the news of justin’s passing. Our hearts are breaking. Please know you are loved and we are here if you need anything. God bless.
Marsha Alsbury says
Dear Chuck,Susan and families,
I was so sadden to read of Justen’s passing. His smile and joy that he brought to those around him will stay on our hearts. Thank you for the great example you have set for us. Justin was well loved
Love always,
Ron and Marsha Alsbury and family
James Cox says
Sonya and I share your grief. We are sad to hear of Justin’s passing. We will continue to pray for you and Chuck.
Deb W says
Susan and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Jacquie says
Love you Justin . And will miss you terribly.
Colleeen Nichols says
Susan and family, Justin will be missed by so many. His bright smile and twinkling eyes made you glad to have the honor of knowing him. You are such terrific parents, Justin was blessed to have your loving support through all the years. Hold tight to the many wonderful memories, they will help through the next difficult days. Love, Colleen Nichols
Ck Braach says
My name brother missing you him take him
Love you Justin Michael Hopewell passed away peacefully my best friend missed you God bless prayer like you God bless loved you want me talking with me CK Braach sleeping doing well easy? ??lovely day missed you today prayers????Miss you too Justin hopping lover you will go comes up
George Grubb says
Susan and family, Justin will be missed Troop 218 lost a brother it was a true honor to stand beside him back in the 90s I might have been only 16 or 17 when I met Justin I can assure you he never let his disability slow him down In the troop he was just one of the boys having fun Justin was a truly remarkable young man Rest in peace Justin
Dena Kay McGee says
Susan and Chuck,
So sorry for the loss of Justin. Our hearts are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. Prayers to all in this grieving time. God bless you.. hugs.
The McGee family
Ed and Donnie Sexton says
Susan and Chuck,
So sorry to hear of Justin’s passing. May the memories of his beautiful life help heal your sorrow.
Lois Steber Simpson says
Susan and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My condolences to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Tina Gehring says
I went to Capital with Justin and worked in his class during my study hall. He was so sweet, always smiling and he gave the BEST hugs! He was truly an angel. Much love and prayers during this difficult time.
Rob and Alicia Root says
Chuck , Susan and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Justin and Chuck riding the lawn mover always put a smile on our face. It always looked like they were having a lot of fun. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers.
Riki (Nichols) Emerson says
I feel so honored to have known Justin. His beautiful smile could light a room! He brought so much joy to those around him. Susan, your dedication to Justin led him to a wonderfully fulfilling life. May you find peace and comfort in the days to come.
Teresa Hooper LPN says
Susan and Chuck, So very sorry to hear about Justin. I still remember his BIG smile when he would see you. Justin was always so very shy, but he always knew how to show the love and kindness . Justin brought smiles to so many lives. He was truely a child of God the day he was born and remained one till he was called to heaven. It is always harder for those who remain. God bless both of you.
Kate Bennett says
Justin always had a wonderful smile. This is a loss for all of us.
Kami Shuman says
I went to high school with Justin. I will always remember his infectious smile and laugh. He could always brighten my day! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Lisa Kuntz says
Susan,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to you❤️
Wanda Fandry says
Susan & Chuck, I am so sorry for your loss. I Remember several times, you getting Justin ready to go back to the farm. Susan you would say, “come on bug, let’s go”. You are in my thoughts.
Love Wanda
Susan & Chuck Pesta says
Thank you all for your kind words and thinking of us. Susan & Chuck
FYI – Anderson Stevenson Wilke has been wonderful to work with through this trying time.
(Wanda, your note is so right on. you’ve got us pegged- Thanks for that).
Susan & Chuck Pesta says
How wonderful to see the notes from Justin’s high school classmates. A few days before he passed, I was telling him he would be attending his 20 year class reunion. What a great time he would have had seeing all of you. Thanks