VINOD HOPSON

01/24/1975 - 02/28/2023

Vinod Hopson passed away after a brief illness with his friends and family by his bedside. Vinod was born 24 January 1975 in Hoboken, NJ to Dawn and Paul Hopson. He graduated from high school in Parsippany, NJ in 1993. In 2005 he graduated cum laude BFA (Photo/ Digital Media) from U of H. While at university, he was drawn to the work of FotoFest founders Frederick Baldwin and Wendy Watriss. He was hired at FotoFest, where he spent the next 18 years overseeing communications and press. Vinod also held positions at DiverseWorks and Aurora Picture Show. Most recently, he worked as manager of Marketing and Creative Services at the School of Public Health at UT Health Science Center. Vinod’s passion for history and storytelling was funneled into his project, Those Who Desire. Using detailed maps, interviews and extensive research, he gave tours on Houston’s forgotten and frequently troubled history. Tours focused on Downtown Houston, Historic Freedmen’s Town, and Camp Logan Uprising. Vinod was awarded The Idea Fund in 2021 and 2016. He was a valuable resource to the arts and culture community, frequently invited to participate in panels and collaborative projects. While working at FotoFest he met his soulmate, Jennifer Ward. They married in 2010 and they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Aarya, a most beautiful child and their pride and joy. Vinod is survived by his wife, Jennifer Ward and their daughter Aarya Zuzu Hopson. He also leaves his parents Paul and Dawn Hopson; brother, Victor Hopson; sister, Veena Hopson with sons Revi, Ben, and Sean Paul; cousin Shaheed Sheikh and his wife Glenda; and his uncle Michael Hopson. Vinod’s name, meaning delight, enjoyment, pleasure, happiness, reflects his mother’s Indian heritage. Vinod was the personification of his name. Wherever he went his joy lit up the lives of those he met. He had a passion for cooking, trivia, music and pampering chickens. He was a wonderful son, a loyal brother, a loving husband and father. To the countless hearts he touched Vinod leaves a legacy of love, hope and courage. Services will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, March 18 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Midtown with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The National MS Society.