Arnold E. “Gabby” Hooper, 83 of Orofino, ID passed peacefully through the gates of heaven after a brief but courageous battle with cancer on March 12, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.
Arnold Hooper was born to Bazel and Gracie (Cook) Hooper on March 7, 1933 in Caney Fork, N.C. where he was raised with his five sisters and two brothers. Arnold attended school in Jackson County, N.C. He enlisted in the Army from 1953 to 1955 where he served during the Korean War and was stationed in France and Germany.
In 1955 Arnold moved to Skagit County where he made his home in Lyman, WA. There he met Mae Dorsey and they were married in 1956. They had four children and later divorced.
He was a logger by trade and worked in Washington, Alaska, and Oregon. He retired from logging in 1985. He also worked in the mines in California in the mid-60’s.
He married Selah Russell in 1986 and they made their home in Sedro-Woolley until moving to Orofino, ID in 1992.
Dad was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and go hunting with his hounds. He also enjoyed gardening and raising the BEST tomatoes around, which he always shared with family and friends. He also enjoyed feeding the deer and wild turkeys off his back deck.
Arnold had the gift of gab and had many friends and never met a stranger. He loved his family above all else. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his sons, Bill Hooper of Sedro-Woolley and Chuck Hooper of Concrete; daughter, Becky & Steve Johnson of Bow; step-son: Gary & Rose Russell of Alger, WA; Sister, Eudean of Tuttle, MO; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; a good friend Curtis Price and companion Darlene Mathis. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters and two brothers, his wife Selah Hooper; daughter Crystal (Hooper) McNeill; grandson Beau Hooper; step-son Ron Russell; and step-grandson Joe Russell.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 1:30 P.M. at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley followed by interment with Military Honors at the Hamilton Cemetery.
I still miss you every day Dad.
Bill Chuck and Beck. I recently heard of your dads passing. It seems like yesterday Dena and I were talking to him in the Food Pavalion parking lot. He never saw a stranger and would give the shirt off his back if someone was in need. I am sorry for your loss. Bless the memories.
Always had a smile and something funny to say.
Arnold’s family, I’m sorry for your loss, my love and prayers are with you.
I was really blest to have my Uncle Arnold in my life, he was so good to me as a kid growing up. He took me rabbit hunting, elk hunting, and I spent days with him in a steelhead boat on the Skagit River.
It was a special blessing to stay at his house in Idaho, he made you feel welcome and at home. He loved living on that mountain, and I am sure that it felt like home in North Carolina to him up there.
He was my dad’s youngest brother and I will never forget him. There is a great reunion in heaven right now.
I hope him and his wife are together and he is debating who’s dog is who’s between him and Hod Wood!
We loved Arnold. He was a good-natured, generous, soul. He enjoyed the woods and all of of their bounties. Always a great friend!
Bill,Chuck and Becky,my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.I am so sorry that your Father is no longer here on earth.But there is a great party going on in heaven.
Becky , Chuck , Bill , and all the one’s that loved him , my prayer’s are with you through this trying time .