Roger Dale Hooper

Roger was born February 14, 1946 in Merced, California to Eugene and Juanita Hooper. He was born a preemie and the doctor sent him home with his parents that same day in a shoebox telling them he wouldn’t make it through the night. His strength and stubbornness was set from that point forward.

The family owned a dairy and he worked alongside his dad at a young age milking and taking care of the cows. He left home at 16 to live the cowboy life. He worked for Hardy Long, Kern County Land and Cattle, The Lucky Hereford Ranch, the 25 Ranch and even Cotton Rosser for a while. His travels then took him to Nevada where he worked on a large cattle ranch, moving cattle in pastures that had them sleeping on bedrolls for days at a time. He eventually made his way back home to California then got drafted into the Army in 1966. He served in Vietnam and was part of the D Troop (Recon) 10th Cav, 20th Reconnaissance Squadron, and 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry (First Regiment of Dragoons). He was awarded the Bronze Star in 1968 for bravery in action in Vietnam and earning several Purple Hearts for being wounded in action for a second time. He was a second gunner on a tank of Troop B, 1st Squadron of the First Cavalry Division and their tank was hit with a 500 pound land mine. He served 4 tours in Vietnam and on returning home to Fort Knox Kentucky he met the love of his life on the army base, Suzanne. They were married on September 11, 1970. They had two children, Lesley and Matt and stayed in Kentucky for a few years before returning back to Rogers home state of California.

Roger worked for A&M and Overland Stockyards before moving to Squaw Valley in 1980 to work on the ranch for Chuck and Dianne Miller. He was hard working and always went out of his way to help anyone when asked. He was a founding member of the Mountain Rodeo Association in 1992 and served as President of the association for many years. In his many years in Squaw Valley, he made an impact on the community and so many lifelong friends. He was the epitome of a true cowboy, courageous, stern but quiet until he needed to speak, and held himself to a high standard. He never sugar coated anything because he believed in speaking the truth even if it hurt.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Juanita Hooper, and his beloved wife of 52 years Suzanne. He is survived by daughter Lesley and son Matt (Mindy) , 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, and many beloved cousins that were more like brothers and sisters to him.

In lieu of flowers, Lesley and Matt has asked that donations be made in his name to the Mountain Rodeo Association, PO Box 592 Squaw Valley, CA 93675 or a card box will be available the day of his Celebration of Life which will be held April 12th, at 2PM at the Mountain Rodeo Grounds in Squaw Valley. We look forward to seeing you all and hearing stories about our amazing dad. Please bring a side dish, tri tip and drinks will be provided.

~Heavenly Father, I pause, mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon me. I ask that you will guide me in my life. Help me Lord to live in such a manner that when I make that last ride to the country up there where the grass grows lush, and the water runs cool, that you will take me by the hand and say, welcome home cowboy~