A Man of Action


A friend of mine passed away last Friday. Gary Hooper was truly an amazing individual. He had a constant smile and a frequent laugh that never failed to make anyone in the room feel better than they had before he got there.

Gary lived his life with a level of enthusiasm and a work ethic unlike anybody I've ever known. He never just talked about doing something, he did it. He held more than one professional position that, on paper, he wasn't qualified for. But in reality he was more than qualified. I worked with Gary for 7 years, and he never failed to amaze me. Not only did he excel professionally, but at the same time that he was rapidly moving up the 'company ladder', he built the most beautiful house I've ever seen for his family (that's not an exaggeration, and when I say he built it, I mean he physically built it.). And if anyone of us mentioned we needed help with something, big or small, no one was quicker to offer, and deliver, help than Gary.

I'm not sure why Gary had to leave this life so young, but he certainly made an impact on those around him. I'm not going to forget him and there are some lessons that I intend to carry with me from his life. Be passionate and enthusiastic. Be decisive and get it done. And when you need help, ask for it, even if it's humbling, everybody needs help sometimes and people like to help.

I miss you Gary.

~Bill

Posted: Thu - June 14, 2007 at 09:31 AM          

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