We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Patrick W. Hooper Sr., on April 24, 2023.
Pat “Hoop” so loved his wife of 38 years, Debbie, right along side his children Patrick Jr. (Rachel), Katie (Mike) DeWulf, and John and grandchild, Colette and mother Jackie Hooper.
He loved life to the fullest and loved everything about it. When you were around Hoop he pulled you in to that environment of loving life, the moment and everything it had to offer.
Hoop was full of goodness. Goodness in all things not the distracted easy pickings of the negatives put pure goodness. He saw the good in all. We wish he could have found a golf swing or 18 putts of consistency in a round but that was pat.. hit some straight, hook a few, shank a few but in the end enjoyed every minute of the moment… he was remarkable, LOUD and beyond fun on and off the course, but when playing with Hoop, you always knew he was there.
Hoop is already deeply missed and all the prayers, tears and hopes can’t bring him physically back, but that feeling deep within of love and goodness is Hoop.
We are all better having had him in our lives. To know Hoop was a special gift but to call him husband, dad, papa, son, brother, and friend… was an honor and quite fun.
Please pray that God engulfs all of those mourning with love, comfort, faith and thankfulness in what Pat was all about and that was life, love, laughter, determination, goodness and adventure.
Forever grateful for Pat!!!
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Road, Monday, May 1, 9:30 a.m. to St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, https://www.lls.org/ on behalf of his son Patrick William Jr. Visitation Sunday 2 – 6 p.m.
Debbie, Patrick, Kate, and Johnny,
There aren’t enough words to express how much we love the Hoopers. We are so sorry that you are having to go through this heartbreaking and difficult time. Our prayer is that God will wrap his loving arms around you and give you strength and peace over the days to come. Big Pat was a wonderful man, and we were blessed to have met him and spend a little time with him. God Bless You!
Sandy and Elvy
I’ve known Pat as an integer, fun and great person, thanks God to have had the pleasure to know him and work with! Sincere condolences to his beloved ones.
I worked for Pat at Symyx and Accelrys and BIOVIA. He was always very kind to me. He really cared about the people around him. I am very sad about his passing. He and I always talked about baseball especially when the Giants (my team) and the Cardinals (his team) were playing. I wish I had gone to a game with him. It would have been fun. Pat really enjoyed his life and his family. He will certainly be missed by many people.
My condolences to his family.
Shari and I want to extend our deepest condolences to Debbie and the entire family on the passing of Pat.
We played golf and bocce ball together a couple of times and he was truly a fun person to be around.
The good Lord will take care of him now and the Hooper family. Sending prayers and hugs from both of us.
Dave Pazdernik and Shari Kinninger
Looking back over this past year, it is so easy to see why you were my favorite boss and how very special you were. Please accept this letter as my way of honoring you for the positive impact you made on my life.
These are the things that I remember:
• Working For You Was Fun – You knew exactly when to throw in a quirky comment or joke to get me out of my intense head space.
• You Gave Me A Big Job –You handed over your baby, J&J, to me. This was an opportunity to show you my best work. You told me you were excited to have me on your team and you were so sincere.
• Your Approach To Me Was Always As A Coach – You explained expectations, you patiently answered my questions, and you were always available if I needed help.
• You Were Genuinely Interested In My Ideas – You listened to them and encouraged me to pursue them to see if they panned out. If they were bad ideas, you let me figure that out myself. And gave your great words of wisdom and expertise where needed.
• You Gave Me Praise When I Succeeded – When I did something really well, you were quick to tell me so. Your words were encouraging and they built my confidence. You said thank you often. You called several times to check in on me to see if I was OK during the recent company changes.
• You Were Patient & Understanding – When I went through difficult times you were patient and understanding.
• You Were A Role Model – You mentored me in the skills and the values of a great leader and the more I observed you, the more I aspired to be like you.
There were many other bosses in my life that did not do these things. Turns out, you were one of a kind. Thank you kindly, for this past year I will remember and cherish forever. I miss you and pray for your family, loved ones, friends, colleagues for this tremendous loss!
Dear Debbie and Family
I am so saddened and heartbroken to learn of the passing of Pat. Words fail to express my deep sorrow and there are no words to tell you how sorry I am. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort for all of you in this difficult time.
We lost an amazing person and I will miss and remember Pat forever. I will never forget his kindness, his fun attitude towards life and love for his family. Please accept our deepest condolences and sympathy during this time of sorrow.
We wish you comfort and strength in this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Mishi & Homeira ./
I am sad that Pat has passed so suddenly. I am certain he will be missed by many! To his family, I am sorry for your loss. This must be a truly difficult time for you. My condolences.
Pat made such an impact on my career while working with him at Accelrys and BIOVIA. He was always so supportive, patient and understanding as both a mentor and a leader. I only hope that I can learn from him and pay forward some of what he taught me as I find myself now mentoring new coworkers. I will always remember our work trips to Portugal, and will raise a glass next time I find myself in our favorite restaurant there.
My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Thank you Pat.
Debbie, Patrick, Katie and Johnny
We are so very sorry to hear about Pat. Every word above describes Pat perfectly. There was always a story, usually a quite funny one, always laughter, and there was always his welcoming hugs and smile! Debbie, one thing that always stood out to me when we would see you out or at get togethers, was your true love and admiration for each other! He adored you and I know you adore him!! What a great example to your loving children!
We love you and know that God will wrap his loving arms around you!
Rest in peace, Pat
Love, Danielle and Tim Brockhaus
Pat and I started together at Symyx about the same time and worked together for 11 years. During that time, he was a colleague, mentor and friend. He was a good soul and had a big heart. Hoop, we’ll miss your hearty laugh!
Debbie and family,
Nancy and I did not know Hoop for very long, only a few years, but you summarized his attitude beautifully. He embraced you like a lifelong friend if he knew you for 5 minutes. If you needed anything, he delivered. One of the standout memories I have of him was when he surprisingly was sitting in front of us at a very dear friend’s son’s funeral last year, and I asked him why he was there. He told me my friend’s son was very good friends with your son and your son was taking his friend’s death very hard so Hoop was just there to support his son for the day. That was Hoop who will be missed greatly. Our deepest condolences.
Hoop your voice and laughter will be greatly missed my friend. Wish I would have been around more in stl to play another round of golf with you. Rest in peace my friend.
Debbie, Patrick, Katie and John..
I am at a loss for words! My heart breaks for you all!! My deepest sympathies to you all as you digest this shocking and devastating news. May all the great memories you have bring some joy to you as you heal. He was a great person and loved by so many! Comfort, prayers and love to you all!
It was a great pleasure to have worked for him. Pat always looked out for our best interests. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Pat. He will be missed.
We send our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to his family.
Pat, we have spent many times on the golf course together and I can honestly say that there wasn’t one time that I would give away. The names for you were endless from “Hoops there it is”, to “sandbagger”, to “two fairway Pat” “lucky”, “crazy”, but rarely the word “good” was used but I can assure you this I will miss sharing a drink with you, a bottle of red wine with you, a meal with you, a secret/dream with you BUT what I will miss most of all is riding in a cart with you for four hours of laughing, competing, scheming but most of all having FUN. No matter the worries of the day you always made me forget about them when I was with you. No two games with Pat were the same. I always heard about his ability to shoot a 68 but never witnessed it, but I did see his hole in one at Fiddlesticks Country Club (a placed he loved and was loved) and watched him scream and dance in a truly Pat moment. I still believe his buddies at Sunset Country Club could feel the earth shaking and could hear his scream. I will never forget it (maybe because I heard Pat tell the story a 1000 times).
What a moment. My prayer for you Pat is that heaven can share with you the FUN and HAPPINESS you shared with everyone you met on this earth. Rest in Peace Buddy and God bless your family.
Well said Debbie, he is missed at Fiddlesticks however Hoop stories keep him in our minds and hearts. I also witnessed his hole in one and Larry accurately described it, a most enjoyable memory of Hoop. I am sorry for your loss.
Debbie and family,
We are saddened by your loss. Pat was bigger than life and he lived it to the hilt. Our paths crossed many times over the years in the old neighborhood and more recently at Sunset. His enthusiasm filled every room he was in and on the golf course. He will be missed by all, but not nearly as much by you and your children. God bless and know that you are in our prayers.
Don & Pat
Debbie, Josh and I are so sad for your loss. Josh has always said that Pat was one of his fav’s at SSCC, always so fun to be around. I know that your heart is broken. Love to you and you family.
I am shaken by the passing of my little brother, Pat. We, Michael, Ann, Tim and me are devastated that we lost our dear brother in the prime of his life. He was also a dear brother in law to Debbie’s siblings Ray, Johnnie and Sharon who were such an important part of his and Debbie’s life. Pat was so much more than a country club golfer. He was the rock of his family. He provided a beautiful life for them and was such a successful businessman and entrepreneur with a zest for blazing new trails in his career. As evidenced here, he was a great mentor and helped people so much. He helped me several times in my life to overcome hard times. He was a generous and fun guy. He like our father, William G. Hooper, was always the life of the party. I/we will miss Pat – there is a huge whole in our life and our family now.
greg maack just want you to know how sad i am to have lost a room mate and a friend like Pat cant imagine how hard it is for the family .will always think of the great times I had with him
Was a pleasure to have worked for Pat. So sad to hear about his passing. My condolences to all his family and extended family.
My deepest condolences to Pat’s family and extended family.
I had the privilege of working with Pat for several years both at Accelrys/BIOVIA and Pat was always a very supportive and caring person. I appreciate everything that he did to support me both professionally and personally. He will be missed.
Debbie Joe and I would like to express our very deepest sympathy..We knew you and your family growing up and have been very fond of all .
Seems like sadness has been abundant in your lives right now but with faith in GOD you will meet again with all the loved ones….
Debbie the pain is deep right now and will lessen in time…Always know Joe and I love and care about you all…
Dear Hooper Family,
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Patrick. I was fortunate to have worked with Pat for close to a decade at Accelrys/BIOVIA. I can still hear him say “hey bub” in the hallways when visiting the San Diego office. He had a natural talent to turn a tough situation on its head with wry sense of humor, always with an approach of decency, and a positive outlook. Intelligent, thoughtful, and led with his heart, he will be missed.
Sincerely,
Zach Stapleton
Debbie and all of the Family,
Nina and I are heart broken by this sudden and shocking news. Please know our prayers are with you at this time. We will with the grace of God tailgate together again someday.
Pat was always a very supportive and postive person to be around. I appreciate everything that he did to support me while working together at Accelrys and then BIOVIA.
My deepest condolences to Pat’s family
Debbie and family,
There are no words to express how deeply sorry I am. Pat made a such an impact on my life and career, as he did for everyone else on his team at Astrix. I honestly do not know where to begin. I am saddened and heartbroken beyond comprehension.
There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t speak with Pat. He arrived much later on Sunday evening at the conference so I did not get a chance to see him so I thought to myself, I’ll just see him in the morning at breakfast. I will always regret not taking an extra 5 minutes to go find him…
Pat was a wonderful friend, a mentor, the best boss, genuine and kind, he helped guide me, always had the best advise, talked me off the ledge many times, was ALWAYS a voice of encouragement, and one of the kindest humans I have ever met. I learned so much from him. He was selfless and always put everyone else first. He was always there when you needed him. He would always tell me, family always comes first. Never put anything or anyone before family. We talked so much about his wonderful family that he cherished so much. I will forever miss our friendship, his laughter, his voice, his guidance, sense of humor, his golf tournament stories, our business trips, and the stories he would share to everyone about my driving and scaring the mess out of him. I am so fortunate and blessed to have known him.
You truly were one of a kind, Pat and things will not be the same without you. I will miss you beyond words. I pray for peace and comfort for your beautiful family.
May you rest in peace.
Hoop, you were my locker mate (#51 next to #52), my roomate as a rookie, team captain, leader and friend at UCM. I will miss you immensely and remember you forever.
Sincerely,
Lumpy
Kym and I met Pat and Debbie at Fiddlesticks the night before he got his hole in one. Funny man always good for a laugh and a joke. We will miss him! Our condolences to Debbie and the family
It is with tears that I write this note to Debbie, my Mom and the rest of the Hooper and Absolom family members. Pat and I took our first breaths together in February, 1962. He is my best friend and the one I could always count on to make my days better. Pat’s love for his family, friends and colleagues is on full display with all the kind comments being sent to him and his family. To say Pat will be missed is an understatement. The world will never be the same, and the positive influence Pat had on all people is an endearment that is needed more than ever in these chaotic times. I hope we can all take a little bit of Pat with us and share his kind and positive ways with others. I will always hear Pat’s little chuckles and huge laughs, and see his crazy dance moves as I think of all the great times we all had together. I share in the immense grief of Pat’s sudden passing with the rest of our family as I smile thinking of the joy Pat gave us all.
I sure hope the residents of heaven are ready for Big Pat and his crazy antics.
Lynne and I send our love to all that were fortunate enough to know my best friend.
Dear Hooper family,
I worked for and with Pat at Biovia and I’m saddened and shocked to hear of his passing so suddenly. I consider him a friend, colleague and mentor. He treated all he worked with like family and his love for life and family was very refreshing and I always enjoyed whenever I was in San Diego. He will be missed and please accept my deepest condolences. May he Rest In Peace.
Mohan
I only met big Pat a few times but each time he was generous and welcoming. He made everyone feel like family and was such a huge presence in every room! To the whole Hooper family- my heart is with you as you navigate these days and weeks ahead. May you find comfort in his huge spirit everywhere you go.
Debbie, Patrick and Rachel, Katie, Mike and Colette, Johnny and Mrs Hooper.
We are so sorry for your loss. Pat has been a dear friend to our entire family forever. We grew up with all of you and we will truly miss him. There wasn’t anybody who didn’t like Hoops. A wonderful friend, son, brother, father and husband. He was one of the good guys. It was always good around Pat. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Pat rest in piece. He will be missed.
Mike, Debbie, Mike Jr, Camille, Georgia, Mike III, Allison, Jared and Tommy
I once heard a radio show host recount a letter he received from a dear friend upon the passing of the host’s father. It has always stuck with me. Paraphrasing an excerpt, it went something like this ..
You don’t exactly “get over” a loss, but the grief, in time, does turn into a nostalgic ache that is almost comforting.
The message is universal for everyone grieving the loss of a husband, a dad, a son, a brother, a friend. Pat was all those. But Debbie, I know that for you and all your family under these circumstance you are not “everyone”. For what you are feeling, no one else can feel. We can only try to empathize and console and share with you our heartfelt sympathy. And offer our hope that your grief manifests to nostalgic ache soon.
With our deepest condolences
Jon and Joanne Nesbitt
Or as Pat knew me .. “Nesbitt!”. I still hear his chuckle after calling me.
The Eye has not seen, nor the ear heard, nor have entered the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those that love him. I Corinthians 2:9. Pat made a profound impact on everyone he met, therefore his passing leaves a profound sadness on all who knew him. Praying that God gives you comfort for your sorrows today and hope for what is yet to come and assurance his presence is always with you. Love you
I’m crushed by Pat’s passing. My heart breaks for all who knew and loved Pat.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Pat Hooper was an awesome person.
All who knew him loved him.
Pat had a personality that was infectious.
Whenever we think of Pat we instantly think of Debbie. When we think of Debbie we think of Pat.
She was his greatest gift. They are the true definition of soulmates. What a blessing to have found that rare love.
Pat showed us all how to be an amazing Husband and Father. He was the epitome of a Family Man.
He will continue to live through his three beautiful children and sweet granddaughter for they are the extension of him.
God bless Pat and his Family.
We will miss you.
Love,
Jimmy & Shannon
Mike and I are so crushed by Pat’s death,
To say we’re sorry doesn’t begin to convey what we feel.
Pat touched all of us in his own way and made us better for having him in our lives.
To Debbie and his children, this is a loss that is almost unbearable. Just know all of us stand ready to love and care for all of you.
I truly loved my brother-in-law and will miss him.
Debbie, Patrick, Katie & Johnny,
Bob and I are so very sorry for your loss. As you know, we absolutely love Pat and cherished our friendship very much. He was an amazing man, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. We are all richer for having had him in our lives. We have so many fond memories of him but I think one that we will miss the most is walking into Sunset and hearing Pat’s happy booming voice holler out “BOBBY!!!!!!!” Please know that your family continues to be in our hearts and our prayers, and reach out to us in the days ahead if there is anything we can do for you. We love you all.
Bob and Becky Bauer
Dear Debbie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. He was a great friend and colleague for over a decade. Arthur and I will never forget the BIOVIA President’s Club trip to Rio and the very first person we saw on the street after arriving in Rio was Pat. He yelled down the street ” well if it isn’t Heather Valentine” and gave me such a big hug. What a genuine soul. My sincerest sympathies to all of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by us all.
To Debbie, Patrick, Katie, Johnny and the entire Hooper Clan,
On behalf of the Hirbour family I’m writing to you all to let you know how devastated we all are with this sudden and unforeseen loss, having lost such a great guy, loving husband, father and grandfather.
I had an opportunity years ago to travel with Tim to St. Louis and spend a few days with Bill and Jackie and join Pat for a night out on the town to take in a Rams game. I had such a great time with him, his Dad and Tim that night and often think about it to this day. Unfortunately I only had a few opportunities to get to know Pat and wish there had been more, but I can tell you that he was the real deal and can’t begin to imagine how hard it has to be for the entire Hooper family having lost such a loving and devoted member of the family.
God Bless you Patrick. I’m sure God has a special place reserved for you.
To the beautiful Hooper Family…. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Can’t imagine the pain such a sudden loss must have on all of you.
We all have very good, fun and wonderful memories of Pat…Hoop as we always called him. Please know that we are praying for the Hooper family and we hope you all can find some peace and comfort knowing that you will see him again, in a perfect place, in a love like no other. Sending lots of love your way. Peace ❤️
My deepest sympathy to Debbie and family. Pat was a great person and I’m a better person for knowing him. He was fun, loud, and positive. I’ll miss you my friend.
Dearest Hooper Family,
I wanted to send my sincerest condolences on the passing of Pat (Hoops)! He was a genuinely a kind and compassionate man that I had the good fortune of working with at Accelrys/Biovia.
He was a friend to all, and we would often share our antidotes about life during our long hours at quarter ends.
I know you will carry him your hearts and memories. Sending prayers to your family.
Dear Hooper Family – I just learned of Pat’s passing. He was my boss and co-worker for many years. He was always kind and personable and enjoyable to work with. We mostly worked remotely, but I always enjoyed seeing him in person.
Pat will be missed by many. My condolences.
-Mark
Dear Debbie and family
My sincerest condolences for your loss. You are in my thoughts at this sad and difficult time.
I am so saddened to hear of Pat’s passing – I was so lucky to have worked with him for many years and was lucky to consider him a friend – Pat always there to help and support me as we worked together. He was dedicated to his customers, colleagues , his team and partners – he always gave his all, as a team player, mentor , partner and manager. You always knew you could rely on him , which I know was true at home and outside of work too. As well as working hard, he made sure we had some fun too – it was always great to hang out with him after work, listening to Pat laughing, joking and telling stories – my regret is that I didn’t get to have a round of golf with him. I still smile when I think of the time I took him on a (very!) budget airline from Cambridge to Basel – it was laugh a minute from beginning to end.
So many positive words, phrases and memories spring to mind when I think of Pat but the one I keep coming back to is “family man” – he clearly loved and cherished Debbie and his family and that shone through every time we talked.
He will be sorely missed by so many. I hope that over time knowing how much he loved you all and how much he was loved by so many will bring some comfort.
Much love
Julie Page
Many of us knew Pat from General American when he worked there. This is obviously a shock to all of us. Certainly, our heart goes out to the Hooper family. We used to play golf with Pat at Quail Creek in our Men’s league. I can remember on Hole #10, a par four, dogleg right with trees and a creek, Pat would always try to cut the corner with his drive. His success rate was about 50%. The rest of the time, the four of us would be looking for his ball. (:-) We will always remember Pat as a great friend with a great sense of humor.
Dear Debbie and Family,
Sending you lots of love and hugs. Although I worked with Pat only a little directly, his imprint on the business was not insignificant. And then we really got to know him (and you!) at a chance week in Brazil where I saw the true person that he was and the family that surrounds him. Pat and you made us feel like lifelong friends. We will always cherish that.
Fozia and I send you our deepest condolences and pray that your fond memories and those of others will provide a measure of comfort to you all.
Much Love,
Fozia & Murtuza
To the Hooper Family:
What a great man Pat was! I would see him walking the dog in the neighborhood early the AM and he always had a big smile and a kind word! Always checking in on Vianney and the Griffins! It was great to see him helping John at his house. Always full of life and energy! He will be missed by all who knew him!
May God Bless Him!
Kevin Walsh
Our sincerest condolences to Debbie and family. We were stunned to learn of Pat’s sudden passing. Pat arrived to heaven in angel’s arms; he is in peace with God.
Joe and Connie Grimes
Debbie, Patrick, Katie and John,
We are at a loss for words hearing of Pat’s sudden passing. My heart is breaking for you. Keeping ALL the Hooper family in our prayers and ask God to give you the strength to carry on. Our deepest sympathy and love to all!
Amy (Burnett) and William Thompkins
We are heartbroken at your loss. Sending prayers for God’s comfort and that he will sustain you during this difficult time. May God’s Word bring you peace… “to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
I’m only today learning of Pat’s passing and wanted to express my sincere condolences. I worked closely with Pat at several companies and loved every minute of it. All who knew him will miss him deeply. Wishes for peace and love to his family. I’m so sorry for your loss.