L. Nelson Hopkins, 89, chairman of mechanical contractor John W. Danforth Co., died May 30, 2005, at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y., from complications of pneumonia. Hopkins joined his father, Leo Nelson Hopkins, at John W. Danforth in 1939, working his way through the ranks and participating in the building and rebuilding of much of Buffalo. He was very active in his profession - a life member of ASHRAE, and won MCAA's Distinguished Service Award in 1989. He was also very involved in his community and sat on various boards including the YMCA, the Salvation Army, the local Boy Scout Council, schools and hospitals.

He is survived by his wife, a son, two daughters, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to Westminster Presyterian Church, The Elizabeth Olmstead Center for the Visually Impaired, or the Millard Fillmore Health Education and Research Foundation.