Edgar Hooper - My Grandpa

It is with a heavy heart, and unsteady hands that I write this post. This morning, I got the news that my Grandfather, Edgar Hooper, has passed away. He was the hero to my heroes, and probably would not accept that moniker if he heard someone say it. I believe it is the duty of all men, women, of each generation, to learn from the examples of generations past. On this day, we've lost a great example. The best way for anyone to honor a loved one's memory, is to keep setting the right example, and carry the fond memories with you wherever you go. With those good times in your mind, and the love you carry in your heart, they will always be alive in us. I will always remember his big smile, eyes glowing from behind his glasses. The way when I was younger, he would light up my day when I walked into his house, and he'd say, "Hey sport!". And it always made me smile to hear him say, "Miamuh", instead of "Miami".

I can remember how excited I was every summer, when I would receive our travel itinerary for the summer trip. Grandma and Grandpa would pick us up in the motor home, and take us (my cousins, and myself) to various, mostly educational, and always fun destinations. To which we kept journals, complete with daily entries, pictures, brochures, and souvenirs from all of our stops. Mom and Dad used to give me $20 for every trip, and every year without fail, he would tease me by asking if I brought the gas money. When my cousins and I would go into a store, he would tell us to "put our hands behind our back.", which I still do, ask my Wife. A lifetime of memories, in just a few summers. That seemed to be the kind of impact that Grandpa had on people. I've heard on multiple occasions from friends, and of course family, that when they would hear the name Hooper, somehow they would refer back to Grandpa. Whether it was one of their elders recalling him to them, or the person themselves, it was always some kind of fond memory, or an amazing story that spoke of his character.

Some of these people knew him as Mr. Hooper. Some may have known him as Principle Hooper. Some knew him as Edgar, a father, an uncle, a husband, or a friend.

I was one of the lucky ones, I got to call him Grandpa.