Dennis, like many Deer Islander’s of the day, was born in Eastport, Maine.  He grew up on Deer Island and began singing, acting and playing piano in his youth.  His childhood friend, Bonnie Lambert says “he had a beautiful baritone.  When he sang “How Great Thou Art” he could move a stone statue.”

After graduating high school in 1958 his adventures began as he explored the world.  He loved to tell the stories of his life – singing in piano bars in New York City, cooking with Julia Childs in Provincetown, so many to numerous to list.  He loved a party and was a gracious host and talented cook.  He could organize a festive event at the drop of a hat. 

Dennis’ flair manifested as he applied his trade as an interior and floral designer whilst living in Ontario.  Windsor was a special town to him, and he spoke fondly of and missed greatly the friends he made there.

He returned to Saint John and lived in the heart of the city.  You could find him enjoying a martini and a steak at an uptown establishment, working at the city market or just strolling about the streets, dapper as always, with his signature gold handled cane.

Among his good friends were Bev and Harold Grew.  They hosted his birthday every year with his favorite Deer Island dish – salt fish with belly pork and potatoes.  Conversations always turned to stories and genealogies of Deer Island as Harold would share remembrances of his childhood there.

Dear friend Bonnie laughingly said, “He would come for dinner and stay the winter, but oh did we have a great time!”

Dennis’s was a life not without its ups and downs and with a few regrets spattered throughout but oh did he have a great time!

Dennis is predeceased by his father Raymond Wendell Hooper (April 29, 1912, to April 17, 1976), his mother Norma Lockwood (Doughty) Hooper (April 23, 1914, to July 20, 1995), his sister Germaine Evelyn Hooper (September 13, 1933, to November 1933), and his brother Donald Robert Hooper (April 17, 1935, to January 27, 2002).

Dennis is survived by his sister Dorothea Ruth Hooper of Windsor, Ontario, and his nieces and nephews John Gregory Hooper, Diane Evelyn Wilcox, Donald Robert Hooper II and Susan Carol Hooper.  He will be missed by many other friends and family far and wide, notably Bonnie Lambert and Greg Buck, Harold, Beverly, Angela, and Beth Grew.

At Dennis’ request there will be no funeral service.  He will be buried in his family plot on Deer Island when the spring time comes.