Scotty Hopkins worked for the town for decades.
Sep 09, 2026
BAR HARBOR—The Town of Bar Harbor has released a statement about the death of its employee on town-owned property.
“The Town of Bar Harbor is deeply saddened to share news of the passing of Scotty Hopkins, a longtime employee of the town’s Highway Section,” the September 2 statement reads.
Scotty Hopkins, 60, worked for the town for approximately three decades before he died at the town’s former bus garage on Ledgelawn Avenue, August 30.
Town emergency personnel responded to the site shortly after 8 p.m.
“Scotty was a valued member of our public works team and a friend and coworker to many within the town organization. His loss is being felt deeply by those who worked alongside him. Resources have been made available to assist town employees who need them,” the release states.
“Although Scotty was not working at that time, he was found deceased at a town facility on Sunday evening,” the release states. “The Bar Harbor Police Department is involved, and the incident is currently under investigation. The circumstances are not suspicious, but because this is an open investigation, the town cannot share further details at this time.”
Hopkins was an early morning staple for many dog walkers in town and he always had a wave or a smile as he set about improving Bar Harbor. He’d graduated from Mount Desert Island High School in 1985 and began working for the town within a few years.
Hopkins’ obituary speaks of his tireless efforts to keep the town safe and working well. He’d wake before sunrise to plow snowy roads. He’d clean ditches and help people load compost.
As the news spread throughout social media, the accolades started coming in. Hopkins was a gift giver, a fun friend, a great dad and step-dad and husband. He was a good friend to many, a force in Otter Creek, and had a smile full of mischief.
“Our thoughts are with Scotty’s family, friends, and coworkers during this very difficult time. We ask that the privacy of Scotty’s family be respected as they grieve. The town will share any additional information that can appropriately be made public as it becomes available,” the town’s statement continues.
“During his decades-long career with the town, he worked with a crew that felt like family,” his obituary reads. “That work family included Jordan Pelletier, who frequently referred to Scott as his ‘work dad’ and was there for Scott’s family on the tragic day that he passed. Scott was honest as the day is long. His generosity was beyond words. Even if he had hardships of his own to deal with, he was always right there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Whether it be a friend or a stranger, he was there. That often meant coming to the rescue when anyone’s vehicle broke down, whether it was a convenient time or not.”
Hopkins leaves behind his wife, Holly Hopkins, daughter Shelby Hopkins and fiancé Jesse Gilley; his crew: his friends; his Siberian husky, Lucy; stepson Bryce Alley and his wife, Rebecca; stepdaughter Mary Alley and her partner, Patrick Harkins; grandchildren James and Grace Gilley, Blaine and Isabelle Alley, and Mason and Misla Harkins. According to his obituary, “he is also survived by his sisters Brenda Peckham and her husband Clarence, of Casa Grande, Ariz., and Sherri Lawrence and her partner Chris, of Orland, seven nieces and nephews, and his ‘husband-in-law’ Peter Alley and family, of Bar Harbor. Scott was predeceased by his parents and brother, Robert Allen Hopkins.”
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m., Sat. Sept. 12, 2026, at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St. Mt. Desert, with a reception to follow at the Otter Creek Hall. Graveside services will be held at a later date. Gifts in Scott’s memory may be made to the Blaine Alley Scholarship Fund at Mount Desert Island High School.
Condolences can be shared at www.jordanfernald.com.
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