A Blast From The Past - RIP O.D. Hopkins

On Saturday April 3rd the amusement industry lost yet another"giant," 83 year old O.D. Hopkins died. As a tribute this week's Blast is in his memory.

Wonderland's Texas Tornado

In the US alone there are Hopkins rides located in Knoebel's Groves Amusement Resort, Disneyland, Six Flags America, Adventureland in Des Moines, Lake Compounce, Camden Park, Mall of America, Funtown USA, Castle Amusement Park, Cliff's Amusement Park, Dollywood, Elitch Gardens, Family Kingdom, Frontier City, Ghost Town In The Sky, Six Flags Fiesta Texas,Wonderland Park in Amarillo,Texas,Hersheypark, Holiday World, Canobie Lake Park, Six Flags St Louis, Joyland Park, Kennywood Park,Six Flags Over Texas, Carowinds, Lake Winnepesaukah, Six Flags Great Adventure, Canada's Wonderland, Michigan's Adventure, Six Flags Great America, Wild Adventures, Morey's Pier, Western Playland, Noah's Ark Family Park, Rye Playland Park, Santa's Village, Seabreeze Park Six Flags Over Georgia, Story Land, Timber Falls,Wisconsin Dells, Valleyfair, Waldameer Park and Castles-n-Coasters.

Castle & Coaster's Desert Storm

Hopkins started out as a farmer, from farming he moved on to logging. And, from there to road and bridge contracting. On to pre-poured concrete, ski lifts, and eventually amusement rides. In 1991, after more than 30 years in the amusement industry Hopkins tried his hand at retirement. And, he soon found retirement did not slow his creative energies, so he took up a new "hobby," boat building.

Castle & Coaster's Patriot

Hopkins is survived by his wife Hope, three children, 2 step-children and 11 grand-children. A memorial service was held today at the East Blue Hill Community Church in Maine.

Adventureland's Dragon & Outlaw

While the man is gone, his legacy will continue to thrill and soak for generations.