Daughter Dagney Hopp warmed up the crowd with stories of her father’s love of his family, rugby and children. Photo: Oliver Jacques.

Most of us who thought we knew Professor Maxwell Hopp were repeatedly surprised and enlightened at a memorial service paying tribute to his life at the Piccolo Family Farm on Wednesday (22 October).

The brilliant paediatrician – who died in a tragic road accident last month – saved thousands of children’s lives over a five-decade career. But there were adults indebted to him too.

“Twelve months ago, I became seriously ill,” close friend Dr Roger Thompson-Seagrave confided to the 1000-strong crowd.

“Maxwell was the first responder who came to my care; I can honestly say that without him I wouldn’t be here today.”

Wife Julia, daughter Dagney, son Josh, bro

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