CAMDEN — Richard Lewellyn Hooper, 78, of Camden, died May 5, 2015, at Pen Bay Medical Center. Born in Camden on Feb. 6, 1937, he was the son of Harry E. and Elizabeth (Clifford) Hooper.

Dickie grew up in Camden and attended schools there and was a long-time member of the Chestnut Street Baptist Church. He enjoyed riding his bicycle throughout town when he was able to, and faithfully visited his mother and sister at local nursing homes.

During his life, Dickie struggled with developmental disabilities and grew up when people with his handicaps where often not accepted and had very few opportunities. He loved to talk and would willingly accept rides from people who took the time to offer, especially as he walked home with his bags of groceries from French & Brawn. In his younger years, he was delighted when invited to play baseball with the neighborhood children.

With his sense of humor and love for the Boston Red Sox and the Camden Windjammers, Dickie made every conversation count leaving people with a smile on their faces. At first, he appeared to be rather shy, but as conversations progressed he relished his captive audience and loved to make people laugh.

His good friend, Jeff Brawn, took Dickie to see a Red Sox game in Boston and also to the old Bangor Auditorium when the Camden-Rockport Windjammers played in the basketball tournaments. Dickie also loved doing jigsaw puzzles.

Dickie loved his little home. He lived there through the good works of Carol Sue Greenleaf at the Camden Town Office, his very faithful housekeeper and errand person, Donna Morse; and Rich Wellman, who took him to his much loved church service at Windward Gardens every Sunday afternoon. The nurses at Camden Area District Nursing Association also kept watch on his medications and appointments. He loved music and was very good at playing his harmonica. Dickie was a kind and gentle person who enriched the lives of the good people of Camden.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to the many people who looked out for Dickie so that he could remain independent in his home.

Surviving are two sisters, Beverly Patten of Rockland and Maralyn Hooper of Warren; his nieces, Liz Bean and her husband, Jeff, Fonda Woodman and her husband, Doug, and Melody Dugan and her husband, John; a nephew, David Patten and his wife, Tammy; and many great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Howard Patten; and a niece, Fran Bodman.

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 22 at 3 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Camden Area District Nursing Association, P.O. Box 547, Camden, ME 04843 or to Coastal Opportunities, P.O. Box 637, Camden, ME 04843.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service.