Meredith-----Leonard Bartlett Hooker passed from this world on April 16, 2015. Born in 1923 he was the first of 5 children born to Alonzo E. and Lucy G. Hooker of Holbrook, MA, Leonard was non-stop from the time he learned to walk. From pulling nails out with his teeth to eating a pint of ice cream on his walk home from work at the family business, Hooker Bros. Ice Cream, Leonard's stories were as colorful as his biography.
After graduating Holbrook High School in 1941, Leonard went on to graduate from Wiggins Aircraft Mechanic School with a certification in aircraft and engine repair. He attended MIT night school prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corp. He served under the Civilian Pilot Training Program and was participated in the training the first students and mechanics enrolled in the program. His dreams of becoming a pilot were dashed following a crash while riding an Indian motorcycle in Arizona. Grounded, he spent the war years as a mechanic in the Pacific, specifically the Philippines and Japan, working on B-17, B-29, and P-51 aircraft.
Following WWII, Leonard moved to Laconia, NH, where he was hired on as the mechanic at the Laconia Airport. Leonard went on to earn a pilot's license and was certified by the CAA, an FAA predecessor, to repair, inspect and license aircraft for flight. During this time, Leonard met Shirley A. Colburn at Mother Mack's Boardinghouse in Laconia. Leonard and Shirley were married on February 22, 1947 and together raised 5 children. Following the dissolution of this marriage, Leonard married Gwendolyn L. Dauphinette on May 13, 1978.
When work at the airport ended, Leonard moved on to Willey's Express as a large truck mechanic. Leonard was a member of the Teamsters' Union and was chief mechanic for the F. S. Willey Co. for 30 years.
Leonard was generous with his time and skills. For 25 years he was a member of the Boy Scout Committee for troop 64 and for 3 years volunteered at Hidden Valley Scout Reservation. He was a member and at one time president of the Belknap County Sportsman's Association of Guilford, which was where he perfected the art of the chicken barbecue. He was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church of Weirs Beach, where they appreciated and utilized his chicken barbecue skills. Leonard also served as post commander of American Legion Post #58. Leonard volunteered for 14 years at the Owl's Head Transportation Museum, Owl's Head, ME where he rebuilt aircraft for display and flight. He delighted in his time spent in Owl's Head.
At the age of 50 and still young at heart, Leonard built and raced dirt track stock cars at the old Bryer Race Track, now the NH Motor Speedway in Loudon. At times, Leonard even competed against his son, Bruce, at the track. In later years, there was less competition with Bruce and more comradery as they collaborated on projects at Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, Laconia.
The faint odor of motor oil, the hitch in his step, his infectious smile and his willingness to help others will be dearly missed by those left behind including his long time companion, Sue Flanders of Meredith, NH; sister, Ruth Hooker of Holbrook, MA; son, Alan Hooker (Emily) of Bozeman, MT; daughters, Sissy Hooker; Susan Mansfield of Ely, MN; and Wendy Hooker (Tom Payer) of Fairbanks, AK; step-daughter, Jean Munsey of Gilmanton, NH; 19 grand-children, and 24 great-grandchildren.
Leonard is predeceased by his parents Alonzo and Lucy; three brothers, Richard, Dean and Elbridge; wife, Gwendolyn; and son, Bruce.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street Laconia, NH, using the Carriage House entrance.
A Funeral service will Immediately follow at 4:00pm also at the funeral home.
Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Meredith, NH at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view and online memorial, please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.