Col. Lester Earl Hopper AUS (Retired). - Passed away this morning

[subdude]

[color=#000000]Folks,
I am sorry to report the passing of one of the pioneers of this organization, our first membership chairman, a man who put his heart and soul into this group, Col. Lester Earl Hopper AUS (Retired).

I reprint below an email I recieved this morning from his son-in-law. I hope that all of us who had the honor and privilage of knowing Les will take the time to hold his memory dear, and his family in our thoughts.

Jim Butt
Membership Chairman, The SubCommittee



"It is with great sorrow that I write to tell you of the passing of my good friend and father-in-law

Col. Lester Earl Hopper AUS (Retired).

At 12]

[thordesign]

I am very deeply saddened

I am very deeply saddened by this news. I got to know Col. Lester very well during my years living in Southern Louisiana. He was a prince of a man. He was extremely bright, honest and had a smile that lit up the room. He was full of great stories and was always there to lend a hand to someone in need. I always looked forward to spending time with him. He will be missed very much.

[anonymous]

I will miss 'Les' very

I will miss 'Les' very much.

His wit and humor, his rye wisdom and experience. His fascination with submarines. I was fortunate to assist in a very small way in helping to see Lester's Hunley model begun again and passing Les's model to Dave Merriman whom completed his dream model 'Hunley' so marvelously.

Honored to have served in a brief way also on the first SC Election Committee under Lester. I loved his slower gentle southern dialog over the telephone. He knew Louisiana politics, wise, rye, and astute. When we worked together trying to select members of the first Election Committee I nominated several friends that were in law enforcement. I will never forget his funny line and wit......he remarked......"hummmmm too many cops". LOL

Perhaps it is fitting when 'The Colonel' passed on, his loved ones near. Passing only a few hours after Saddam's capture by the same US Army forces and Nation he loved and served so well. Col. Lester & God, they be 'good mates' now.

Steve Reichmuth