BELFAST — Douglas F. Hooper, 77, passed away peacefully March 15, 2015, at home, after a long battle with cancer. He was born April 13, 1937, the son of Fred and Mary Hooper of Liberty.

Doug grew up in Liberty and attended Walker High School. During this time he began working for Ray Seamans at Ray's service station on Northport Avenue in Belfast. Two years later, along with his friend, Raymond Hall, he purchased the business. It was renamed Doug and Ray's and became a mainstay in the community for more than 40 years.

Doug married Marie "Jackey" Simmons in 1955, and they made their home in Belfast. In 1960, Doug was drafted into the United States Army. He completed an overseas tour in Germany during the Berlin conflict and was honorably discharged in 1963. After returning to the states, he went back to his business, and he and Jackey began raising their family. Doug was also a Mason and a long time member of Belfast Lodge No. 0024.

One of Doug's proudest accomplishments was the cottage he had built on Lake St. George in Liberty. He enjoyed spending summers and even the occasional winter weekend there with his family and friends. Doug took great pride in all his possessions. This was reflected in his immaculately kept home and yard. He also had a genuine love of cars and owned many unique, well maintained vehicles throughout the years.

Doug was predeceased by a stepgrandson, Danny Dodge, a wonderful young man taken too soon.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marie; a daughter, Lori Jones and her husband, Bob; two grandsons, Jason and Ryan Jones; a son, Kevin and his wife, Madeline; a brother, Ernest and his wife, Ernestine; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, March 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. with a service at 3 p.m. at Riposta Funeral Home on Waldo Avenue in Belfast. A private graveside ceremony will take place in the spring at Grove Cemetery in Belfast.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Waldo County Home Healthcare & Hospice.