SHAKOPEE, MN – There will be a lot said and written about David Hooper this week. His passing overnight at the age of 88 after a battle with cancer marks the end of life well lived – dedicated to family, friends and racing. The tributes will include his time as program coordinator of the Race Track Industry Program at the University of Arizona; director of the Texas Thoroughbred Association; years as a steward; a broadcaster; retirement as Chief Steward at Canterbury Park; recipient of the 2018 Pete Pedersen Award for professional excellence; and undoubtedly more.
All of that only scratches the surface of the man David Hooper was.
He shared information and experience freely. He loved racing but he loved the people that made it run even more. Scrupulously fair and even handed, Hoop served as a mentor and a friend to countless industry participants.
He loved his family: his daughters, step-kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was devoted to his wife, Martha. Every summer we would go to dinner with him a couple of times and it was always hard to say goodnight. The conversation and the company were wonderful. It was twice as nice when Martha would make the trip and we could enjoy their company. It was obvious that they were devoted to each other, and they are an inspiration to couples everywhere.
He was a remarkable friend, remembering the smallest details and always willing to share his time and life experiences. He always took the time to explain rulings to me any time that I had a question. He knew the rules of racing inside and out AND could tell you the difference between jurisdictions. He was a great source of expertise and wanted racing to be as open and transparent as possible.
The last time I saw David there was a cake for his retirement up in the stewards’ room at Canterbury Park. It was peak Covid and everyone was being careful. As he was saying goodbye to everyone I hauled off and gave him a big hug. I couldn’t help it and the group appeared mortified. No one got sick, though in hindsight it probably wasn’t the wisest move, but I’m glad I did it. I hope he realized how much he meant to me even though I was most horrible in staying in touch.
Dave felt like more than a friend; he was family. My own father was in the throes of Alzheimer’s 2020/21 and Dave filled an enormous void in my life. As East Coasters we bonded over the Red Sox/Phillies, terrible traffic and the sadness (well, his joy) of my Patriots losing to his Eagles.
Missing him because he wasn’t in Minnesota was hard enough; knowing he’s no longer among us will forever be harder. His daughter, Jennifer, had a list of “special people” that he wanted called personally upon his passing. The fact that we were on the list easily ranks among the honors of my life and reduced me to tears. David was that kind of person.
Yes, Hoop’s passing is a loss for racing, but it’s an even larger loss for the human race.
Godspeed, my friend.
