David Hooper

David James Seelaus Hooper, 51, of Farmington, died on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, near Hesperus, Colo. He was born Aug. 19, 1959, in Farmington, to Jim and Barbara Hooper.
Dave's family relocated to Denver, where Dave graduated from Littleton High School in 1977.
He attended Denver Community College until August 1981, when he was accepted into the Police Academy in Farmington.
He had a well respected career with the Farmington Police Department, becoming a firearms instructor as well as a pursuit driving instructor. Dave retired after 20 years with the force in August of 2001.
In February of 2003, he opened Hoops Precision Driving School. He taught hundreds of teenagers how to respect the rules of the road.
The way Dave will be remembered brings to mind the line from the movie, A Few Good Men, "You don't need to wear a badge to have honor."
Dave enjoyed spending time with his kids, coaching baseball, soccer and softball; spending time at the families' cabin, skiing, fly fishing, jet skiing and antelope hunting.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Barbara Hooper.
Dave is survived by his son, Cody; his daughter, Chrissy; his brother, Kodi Hooper; and his sister, Jane Hooper.
The Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church, 203 South Main St. in Mancos, Colo., with the Rev. Pat Valdez, C.R. as celebrant.
Pallbearers are Cody Hooper, Kathy Hooper, Mike Kaufman, Patrick Kaufman, Chrissy Hooper and Kodi Hooper.
Arrangements are by Hood Mortuary, 1261 E. 3rd Ave. in Durango, Colo., (970) 247-2312.