Dee Russell Hooper

1939 - 2013

Dee Russell Hooper

Dee Russell Hooper passed away from complications of Parkinsons Disease on December 2, 2013. Dee was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on October 1, 1939 to Ivan and Madeline Hooper. He moved to Olympia, Washington with his family in 1944 and graduated from Olympia High School in 1957.

After a stint in the U.S. Coast Guard, Dee returned to Olympia in 1962 and married Gretchen (Bunny) MacGregor. Dee and Bunny had three beautiful daughters. Carole, Jodi and Cheryl. Dee began working for the State of Washington in 1963 eventually becoming the Director of Legislative Facilities. Dee retired in 2005 after 42 years overseeing all Capitol upgrades and construction, including the complete restoration of the Legislative Building to its original design for the 1989 Centennial. Dee also organized may Governors inaugural balls.

In 1969, Dee joined the Captilarians and eventually became known as the "Godfather" of Lakefair. Dee oversaw the design of many a Lakefair Float, was the Finance Director and always delighted in organizing the spectacular fireworks shows. In 1976, Dee was president of Lakefair, and in 2005 was honored as the Grand Marshall. Dee served Lakefair for over 37 years and took great pride in Olympia's amazing summer festival. Dee will be long remembered as a loving family man, a dedicated public servant and a tireless provider of service to his community.

Dee was preceded in death by his father, Ivan Hooper, and his mother, Madeline Pritchard and step- father and Jack Pritchard. He is survived by his daughters, Carole Lynch, Jodi Hooper and Cheryl Hooper; his grandchildren, Heidi and Dylan Lynch and their father, Steve Lynch; his brother and sister in law, Dick and Linda Hooper; devoted ex-spouse Bunny Hooper and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Services are scheduled for Monday Dec. 9th at 4:00 P.M at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 5930 Mullen Rd S.E., Lacey, Wa. On Thursday Dec. 12th, a gathering of friends will be held at the Legislative Building in the State Reception room from 3:30 to 4:30 P.M. Donations can be made to the Northwest Parkinsons Foundation or your favorite charity.