December 7, 2024, Gary Hooper passed to a much better place. His work was done. He passed mid-morning; his wife, Wanda and son, Gary were with him to help on his journey.
He leaves his wife Wanda of 28 years; He joined his first wife Pam of 37 years.
Gary was born to Woodrow Wilson Hooper and Blanche Barbara O’Keefe July 7, 1937, in Oakland California. They moved to Spokane, Washington where Gary grew up and began fixing whatever needed to be fixed also took up cars and stock car racing,
Gary joined the Air Force as a crew chief from 1953 to 1957.
He married Pam Farrington they have 3 sons. Gary Jr. Keith Robert and Troy Grover
Gary was employed as a realtor after his discharge. He worked at Boeing in the wind tunnel and then Xerox where he retired after 30 years as District Manager, Gary then started his own Fix It shop at the residence in 1993, he continued fixing small engines, lawn mowers and whatever else anyone could talk him into.
Gary enjoyed motor home camping, fishing, riding his ATV with friends and placer mining for sapphires and gold.
Gary is survived by his wife Wanda Weston-Hooper; sons, Gary Jr (Melanie), Keith Robert (LeAnn), Troy Grover (Kim); 6 grandchildren and his sister Barbara Jones – Helena
Gary was preceded in death by his first wife Pam Hooper, parents Woody and Blanche Hooper
“May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent one from the other.”
A memorial service celebrating Gary’s life will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A reception will immediately follow in the social center of the funeral home. A private interment will take place at Forestvale Cemetery in Helena. Memorials in Gary’s name are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society P.O. Box 4455 Helena, Montana 59604.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:30 p.m.
Wednesday December 18, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following His Celebration of Life
Wednesday December 18, 2024
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:30 p.m.
Wednesday December 18, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following His Celebration of Life
Wednesday December 18, 2024
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
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Terry Beaver says
Gary
* one of the elite ” Rough Riders” of old ATV riders every
*rode with us for 10 years
*looked forward to every Thursday which was riding day
*we took 36 different rides every year
*every year each of the 36 rides was new to Gary — as such memories happen with age
*established new and good friends
*contributed his knowledge to us of our failing engines
* never could learn to read a map [ thanks for computerized satellite location devises]
* “So Long” old friend We’ll meet again along the trail
Jeanne Bouma says
Wanda, our thoughts and prayers are with you. You and Gary have so many wonderful memories of your years together. Please take care. Love always, Jeane and Bert
Barbara Hooper says
Gary Was my big brother and I miss him dearly.
He was my rock and was always here for me
We had a great time growing up around Spokane “Wow” all the cool cars
Mom and Dad were so proud of Gary and no one prouder than me.
If it wasn’t for Gary I wouldn’t be where I am today “In a good place”
Trent Schara says
So many memories of the Hooper household growing up!
I consider myself lucky to have had the Hooper household be a huge part of my young years and thankful for Gary and Pam making a wonderful home for us valley kids to congregate at for scary movies, a place for us to tinker on our dirt bikes and later hot rods.
Rest in peace Gary, you will be missed.
Lloyd Lytle says
Thank you Gary for being such a good guy and friend over the many years.
Forever thankful to your being so cool as husband to my beloved sister Pam, we had so many good times together whenever you invited us to your sapphire mine on the Missouri River and many other get togethers over the years in our glory days. May you rest in peace.
Bert Ross says
Thank you Gary for being the second father for me growing up. You always inspired me in a positive direction. There were a lot of times I really needed it. I enjoyed spending most of my high school years camping, playing pool, and building creature cars as an additional member of your family. You were a once in a lifetime kind of person, and your presence made the world a better place.
Claudia & Dave Landon says
Gary Sr became part of our lives in 1978 when Gary Jr & Dave started working together. Many fun memories of camping trips at Canyon Ferry and mining for sapphires. When Gary Jr married my sister Melanie, Sr became part of our family.
So many fond memories of Hooper laughter through the years lives on with his boys.
❤️ His creation “The genuine original Montana Back Scratcher”
Lynn Wicks says
When I think of my cousin Gary, I remember
his belief that laughter is good for the soul
the fun times together, with always a story to tell
his inquisitive mind
an attitude of “We can fix this!”
always thoughtful and caring.
Kathleen I O'Marro says
Gary, Sr. was my Brother- in -Law married to my Sister Pam. He set a great human example for me, as a young person, and for my Sons, Scott and Shawn Seney growing up. There are so many fun filled-turned hilarious memories to think back on – from Seattle to Spokane, Priest Lake to Helena. We will always remember the Priest Lake bears LOL! Peace be with you Gar, Kathie I O’Marro XOXO.
Stacey Petersen says
So sorry for your loss, Wanda(and family). My Dad really liked you and Gary– and although I don’t know you both as well as he did, our prayers are with you during this time.
Stacey (Bass) Petersen
And the family of Terry W. Bass
Ruth Kellet says
Wanda I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m also sorry I wasn’t there for you
You take care. Love Ruthie
Ron Iverson says
I was very saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a good friend, and I have known him for a long time. He was always jovial and in a very good humor, so we have lost a great man. My condolences. Ron