ROCKLAND — Wayne ‘Bubby’ Edward Hooper, 65, died on February 27, 2024, at his family home where he grew up, after an extended illness. Born in Rockland, June 30, 1958, he was the son of Lloyd Richards Sr. and Ruth Barlow Stevens.

Wayne had several beloved friends that he grew up with. They all enjoyed spending time together on the lake at the cottage. His sister Heidi kept his letters from the time he left to join the Navy. He always said he felt bad leaving her behind before she graduated. Bubby taught Heidi how to waterski and ride a motorcycle. He rode motorcycles for years and loved the freedom of the road. He also loved playing guitar. His stepdad took him offshore fishing when he was young, and he loved the water.

Everyone that loved Bub said, “He always had a smile from ear to ear.” Bubby loved kids even though he had none of his own. He helped raise his niece Freedom and took her on his motorcycle when she was just two years
old. He loved Christopher O’Hara like family. Another special person in Bub’s life was his step-granddaughter, Meagan Hay. She traveled from New York to visit him just before he passed, and they frequently talked over the phone.

His heart attacks, COPD, pneumonia, and addiction finally took him home. Heidi says “he’s finally at peace” even though she misses him!

Bub was predeceased by his mother, Ruth Barlow Stevens; his father, Lloyd Richards Sr.; his stepfather, Peter Stevens; his brothers, John Gross, Raymond Richards, and Timothy Richards; and his niece, Freedom Hamlin.

He will forever be missed by his sisters, Heidi Stevens Hooper and her husband David, and Connie Drinkwater; his brothers, Ruel Hooper, Lloyd Richards Jr. and his wife Sue, Fred Richards, and Eric O’Connell; his niece, Lux Hooper; his nephew, Xavier Hooper; and his step granddaughter, Meagan Hay and her husband Jason.

A celebration of Bubby’s life will be held later this summer.

To share a memory or condolence with Bubby’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.