MILLIS: Wilford H. Hooper, age 87, a former longtime Sherborn resident, died suddenly on Tuesday morning, November 24, 2015. He had been the devoted husband of the late Janice B. (Gahm) Hooper for 55 years.
Born in Boston, he was a son of Wilford P. and Gertrude (Haynes) Hooper. Wilford was raised in Wellesley, was a graduate of Tabor Academy in Marion, and continued his education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture.
Wilford was a very talented man and found that he excelled at creating architectural scale models. He was employed with a number of architectural firms where he honed his skills working specifically in detailed works made to scale. Wilford then worked on his own, accepting commissions from different architects, shipbuilders and advertising agencies. He especially loved creating marine models and worked with Mystic Seaport to build commissions as well as selling his own models in different galleries.
He and Janice had lived in Wellesley prior to settling in Sherborn. For 35 years they enjoyed their home, “Laurel Farm.” There were always pets in the house and the Hoopers spent a great deal of time keeping the house and property in great shape. Just over ten years ago they moved to Millis, and in 2008, Janice passed away. Wilford continued in Millis, his buddy Amos the Cat his constant companion.
Predeceased by Janice in 2008, and their son, Wilford Jr. “Chip” in 2005, he is survived by their daughter Betsy DuBois and her husband Edward of Hudson, and a brother, Richard H. Hooper of Harrison, Maine.
His funeral will be held in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, on Monday, November 30th at 1:00PM. Relatives and friends may visit with the family beginning at 11:30AM. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery, Sherborn.
Donations may be made in Wilford’s memory to the MSPCA, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.