Donald, Lee Hooper Obituary (2023)

With a world filled with turmoil and chaos, Donald L. Hooper left this earth to find peace, on May 19, 2023. Don was born in Yakima, Washington, on December 17, 1963, to Ken and Carol (Knox) Hooper. Don joined an older brother, Ken, and they spent almost every day together, until Ken passed away in 2021. Don grew up in the Yakima Valley and had several lifelong friends and family members who will miss him terribly. For the past 37 years, Donnie and Cathy Poirier were a couple. You rarely saw them apart. In 1988 they had a daughter, Michelle. Michelle was the most important person in Donnies life, until the birth of his granddaughters, Abbie and Maddie "Sissy". They will miss their Papasan and the chance to know how special he was. When we told his cousin, Keith, of his passing, he said "You know how you can sometimes look in someones eyes and see what kind of person they are" When you looked at Donnie, you knew he was full of caring, compassion and kindness. Don was so caring of everything. Two years ago, after a bad windstorm, Don saved two baby hawks after their nest was blown out of the tree. He cared for them until the momma hawk came back. The next year they came back to that same tree. Recently, the hawks were squawking and circling the tree. We who knew Don, believe it is him flying free. Donnie was the rock for many people. For most of his life, Joe Goodall and his family were an extended family for Donnie. He, his brother, Ken, Joe, and his brother, Kurt, were buddies. They ran the hills in Ahtanum and hills around Rimrock, bird hunting and deer hunting. The mushroom hunting trips in the spring were something they all waited for. Donnie was always the first to find them, and being the great guy he was, would give them away to his cousin or Michelle to enjoy. On his last day, he was visited by Joes sisters, who thought of Donnie as a little brother. They spoke fondly of him and how difficult it would be to go on without him. Many people have been touched by Donnie and his wonderful being. He never met a stranger. He truly was a great man. Don worked for several years at Freight savers. All of his coworkers feel as if they have lost a brother. He was a very hard worker and truly enjoyed his job. Donnie is preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, and his brother, Ken. He is also preceded in death by his uncles and aunts, Gary and Lillian Knox, and Lew and Anita Nickles, as well as his adopted dad, Paul Goodall. Donnie is survived by his partner of 37 years, Cathy Poirier, his very loving daughter, Michelle, and his granddaughters, Abby and Sissy, his in-laws, Rick Poirier, and Debbie Babcock, his cousins, Dan and Jeanie Knox, Larry and Marge Knox ,of Selah, Jack Knox and Keith Nickles, of Yakima, and Kent Nickles, of Utah. He is also survived by his brothers from another mother, Bill,Kurt and Joe Goodall, his sisters from another mister, Diana, Kathy and Tina, as well as his other mother, Dennie Goodall. A Celebration of Life for Don will be held on June 2, 2023, at 1:00pm, at 831 Collins Rd., Selah, WA. Please come ready to share stories of Donnie and his amazing life. Outside arrangements, no fancy dress, come as you are. Donnie would want you to be comfortable. "I have known Don for my entire life. Lots of ups and downs, but always my dearest friend. He will be missed by every life he touched. I can only say, until we meet again." -Joe Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. SERVICES Celebration of Life Friday, June 02, 2023 1:00 PM Family Home 831 Collins Rd Selah, WA 98942