Eugene Courtney Hoopes

Courtney Hoopes, age 78, passed away on January 29, 2023 at Martha Jefferson Hospital. He was born in Baltimore, Md., and graduated from Towson H.S. Courtney is survived by his wife of 35 years, Debra; his daughter, Erin; four nieces, Michele, Denise, Kimberly and Tracey, many nephews and extended family.

Courtney left Baltimore as a teenager and moved to Charlottesville, Va., where he attended the University of Virginia School of Commerce. He was an honorary member of Theta Chi Fraternity and graduated in 1971 with a degree in Business. It was while he was at UVA that he discovered rugby, and fell in love with the sport that is often referred to as a t'hooligans game played by gentlemen." It was a sport that suited him well as he played with great skill and intensity. He would be the first to welcome the opposition with a cheerful song and cold drink following the match. He was twice selected to represent the State of Virginia as the state's "select side" captain. After he graduated from UVA, Courtney attended the College of William and Mary where he received an MBA and co-founded the William and Mary Rugby Club. Courtney was inducted into the Commonwealth of Virginia Rugby Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

Courtney had a long career in finance and accounting in Charlottesville and later in the Washington, D.C. area, where he met his wife. He had a great love of life, sports, dogs, and family as well as his many friends whom he met through UVA, Rugby and work. He will be greatly missed by all.

Former William and Mary ruggers already know that in the end, you will not be remembered:

For your wealth

For your wisdom

For your good looks

For your knowledge

For your beautiful wife

For your achieving children

For your magnificent home

For your contributions to mankind

But rather how hard you played the game.



A celebration of life will be held at a later date.