Hooper Hoareau Remembered

HOOPER HOAREAU, who was known to his army of friends as 'Master', was born on the 5th February 1926. He passed away on Wednesday 19th March 2008 at around 2.30 pm at his home at Beau Vallon in the arms of his beloved Adiana, his wife of 55 years, and two of his children, Betty and Terry. Hooper was the first child in a family of fourteen. Hooper grew up with his adoptive parents, the Green Family. They instilled in him a strong sense of honesty and self-discipline, which he carried to his grave. Hooper is survived by wife Adiana and their eight children, four girls and four boys and by seven grand children. Brian, the eldest of his sons, was followed by Stella then Staël. They are his two eldest daughters. Terry, the fourth child, preceded Betty, then Denis, Martin and finally Shirley, the baby of the family and still very much so.

Growing up around Victoria, Hooper took great interest in the evolution of the slow pace of life in and around the capital. In the early days, he would cycle around the island, gave private tuition to younger children, he took part in scouting activities and was even an amateur photographer. His entire adult life was devoted to working for the Seychelles Government. Hooper started his career with the British Military working as a telephone operator. It was not long before he moved on to more responsible positions in the Post Office, Customs, Public Works Department, Agriculture Department and Port and Marine where he finally retired in 1975 after 33 long years of exemplary service to both Queen and country.

After retirement Hooper and his beloved Adiana ventured in the hospitality business, starting with 'Le Rendezvous', 'The Café Royal', 'La Marmite Restaurant' and also built one of the most popular Guest Houses and Restaurant at the time, the Manressa Guest House at Anse Etoile. However, as fate would have it, Hooper did not enjoy the fruit of his hard work. Soon after, in 1977 Hooper, with his entire family, had to move suddenly and quietly to England where he lived in exile until his return to Seychelles in 1992.

Soon after his return the Angerine Guest House at Beau Vallon took shape. He and his wife re-started from scratch. The Angerine, renovated recently, is now considered a small hotel by most.

Hooper had the good fortune to witness the completion of the extension and renovation of his Guest House, where he celebrated his 82nd birthday amongst close friends on 5th February 2008.

In delivering Hooper's eulogy at his funeral on Tuesday 25th March, Mr. Lautee famously known as 'Toto' locally and abroad, a long time close friend and associate of Hooper, had this to say, “Hooper need not be idealized, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life, he is to be remembered simply as a good, honest and decent man, who worked hard and retired with the desire to live a descent and peaceful life”. Another very close friend of the family, Mr. Soleil, said “Hooper was a truly humble, down to earth and a simple man, this is how he wanted to be remembered”, he commented at a gathering after the funeral service. Mr. Lautee (Toto) also touched the heart of many at the funeral service when he said, “Many of us will remember Hooper during the last days of his life, with his devoted wife Adiana beside him combing his grey hair; and love is not an easy feeling to put into words, nor is loyalty, or trust or joy. But they were all of these in their own ways during their 55 years of married life.”

Yes, Hooper has departed suddenly and quietly leaving us all in a state of shock and disbelief just like he did when he left for England, only this time there would be no return. Several hundred of people attended the funeral service; in fact the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Victoria was filled to capacity with friends and close relatives to hear the funeral service on Tuesday 25th March, 2008. Father Edwin Mathiot conducted an emotional, but simple service according to the wishes of the family, something Hooper had insisted upon according to his wife. Hooper has now been laid to rest at the Mont Fleuri Cemetery. May his noble soul rests in eternal peace.

“Adieu Ton Hooper Until We Meet Again!”