In the early hours of April 8, 2017, William “Bill” Hooper made his journey home, with his wife and daughter by his side after a lengthy cancer battle. Bill was born October 6, 1942, in Butte, MT as the only child of Allen and Eunice Hooper. He graduated from Butte High School and continued his education at the University of Montana, earning a Master’s degree in Chemistry, and a degree in Forestry.
In 1977, he met ‘that red head’ in Butte, who he married on March 18, 1978. The couple resided in Helena, along with two daughters, Corla and Lyn Harmon. Bill worked for the State of Montana, Dept of Environmental Quality, where he remained until retirement.
Our “Poppy” enjoyed being out in the mountains more than anywhere else. If provided an opportunity to hop on his motorcycle, ATV, or even his rattled old pickup, he didn’t hesitate to take it. When a family campout was being planned, Poppy was the deciding expert on where we would be going and after hours of studying his maps, which trails we would be riding.
William was preceded in death by his parents, Eunice and Allen Hooper, and daughter Corla Harmon. He is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Lyn Harmon-Welch, grandchildren: Heather (Jacob) Henkensiefken, Chantel (Perry Beach) Welch, Kody (Chantel) McDonnell, John McDonnell and his three cousins, who were a special part of his life, Joyce Naeher, Carol Crider, and Gayle Allen.
A special thanks to Dr Weiner and the oncology team of St Peter’s Hospital who helped him make his journey home.
Services to be held 2:00 pm Friday, April 14th, 2017 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave, Helena MT 59602. A reception will follow in the social hall of the funeral home. A private burial will be held in Butte at a later date.
Lenore and Eloise Beach says
Our prayers and thought are with the families, at this time of loss.
Lynette Schmit says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We had a lot of fun camping, watching the Fireworks in Butte then going to Bill’s parents to light more fireworks. I think about it every 4th of July!
Dave and Carol Bock says
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Rhonda Bracken says
I want to thank Bill for coming into my aunt Sherry’s life and building a happy family with her. He was a special person.
Darlene Abeyta and Dennis says
Our prayers are with Sherry, Lyn and families. Bill was a gentle soul. He will be missed.
Kevin Kirley says
Bill and I worked together in the early 70s for the State Chem Lab in Helena. He was always good natured and enjoyed the ribbing he took as the official Butte-ian. Bill shared his expertise in chemical analyis and also liked sharing his after hours interests. Being from Butte Bill of course had a small mining claim that he worked somewhere in the mountains however he never divulged the location. I’m guessing that’s where he is now doing what he loved and at peace and rest.
Kay Johnson says
I worked with Bill at the Occupational Health Bureau for many years. Bill had a great work ethic, liked helping the public and treated everyone with respect. Although we’ve lost touch since we worked together, I have fond memories of working with Bill and socializing with him and his family. Sincere sympathies to Sherry and your entire family from both me and Ray.
Bonnie and John Cameron says
Bill was a childhood friend. We lived in the same same neighborhood and as children played together everyday. We always had. Great time together. He was kind, generous, and at times very funny.
Our condolences to his family and friends. He was a good guy and we know you’ll miss him.
Bonnie and John Cameron