William John “Jack” Hooper died at 57 years of age on November 12th, 2010. He left behind a close knit and loving family, scores of friends, admirers and colleagues. In all likelihood Jack also left behind a few detractors, those whom may have felt the sting of his well honed wit or perhaps his impatience with obstruction or lack of pluck. Such is the fate of men who speak plainly, exhibit unflappable common sense and loyalty and who embrace their life fully, live it well and large. Jack could take up a lot of space in a room, not pretentiously, but rather through the force of strong character and an engaging personality. He was a leader, pure and simple, the kind of man to whom others naturally looked for guidance and direction. Jack was the type of person you wished you could be more like and one who you would gladly embrace as a friend. I heard someone call Jack a hero. That’s an awkward word for Canadians to use; it’s not one that we ascribe carelessly. But if a hero is someone who faces adversity without recourse, if a hero is someone who speaks truth in the face of power, if a hero is someone to whom you would instinctively entrust your well being, even your life then Jack Hooper was a hero. He was certainly a hero to his family and friends as evident in the words of his son, his brother, and his closet friends in their eulogies of him, each laden with humour, love and respect.
You will be missed Jack, no matter the depth of our relationships with you, each of us who knew you, whether well or less, are indeed better for the experience ... thank you Jack.
