Letter of Recognition and Accomplishments (written to Delia and Floyd Ackley by W. G. Hopkins (a former Garden City Co-op manager) on November 8, 1958 upon the death of R. J. Ackley.)

Dear Deal & Floyd:

It was with deep regret that we learned Bob had passed away.  We would have come to the funeral had we heard sooner.  However, we would rather remember him the last time we saw him, two years ago.  A very colorful personality was removed when Bob passed away.  He was as much a part of Western Kansas as the rolling plains.  He made his influence felt there more than any other man in Western Kansas.  His long years as County Commissioner and the loyal interest he had in the county and the people needs no explanation.

The court house with his name chiseled in the corner stone will stand as a memorial to his splendid efforts, but his greatest effort was in behalf of the Farmers Cooperative organization to which he dedicated the better part of his life.  Those towering elevators and storage tanks create a sky-line for Finney County, and down through the years they will stand as a monument to his untiring efforts.

Bob was one of the first ranchers to bring Purebred cattle into the county.  He saw the necessity for improving the economic conditions for the people of Western Kansas.  He so firmly believed that agriculture was the greatest science of all and that the farmers were competent and capable of handling their own affairs that he dedicated his life to their cause.

His good deeds and his splendid efforts in behalf of the people will long be remembered-that, in a sense is immortality.  Our long association with Bob in business and social affairs would enable me to relate many incidents that, no doubt, would be of interest to the people of Finney County, but time is fleeting and we are confronted with the responsibilities of living our own lives - until we too are called away.

In closing, Bob, we say adieu.

Respectively,
Mr. & Mrs. W. G. Hopkins

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