David Hooper (1951-2024)

David entered Loughton School in 1963 Form 2. Mr Ralph Goddard was his Form Master.

He was diligent pupil and well behaved and got on well with everyone. The web-site picture of the 1960s shows him amongst the hockey players although not a member of the first team. He was made a prefect and again is in the web-site photo of prefects.

On leaving school in 1967 he got a job as an office clerk in the City but he preferred doing more practical things. His father ran a furniture making factory in east London and David always had an interest in furniture making odd pieces as presents for family and friends. He ended his career as a senior employee responsible for facilities and furniture in the Houses of Parliament working there for several years after usual retirement age.

His father died early and he was brought up by his mother as their only child. He never married and always lived in the family home in Falmouth Gardens, Redbridge.

He could often be seen over Wanstead Flats flying model aeroplanes he had made a hobby that began in The Square at Loughton School where a small group of boys would amuse themselves in the break starting the model aircraft engines, flicking over the propeller. He also made and sailed model boats and had two model railways in his house. He was a competent brick layer relaying a substantial brick wall between his garden and the adjoining road.

He got out and about visiting friends and relatives, going to exhibitions to do with his hobbies and attending Old Loughtonian Association trips and Lodge events.

David joined the Old Loughtonians Lodge in 1988 and regularly attended their meetings. He didn’t want to be Master although he enjoyed being a member.

He kept in touch with his school friends in the locality. He was Best Man at John Kilbey`s [1963] wedding in 1974 and attended his 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration in September 2024.

He was a regular attendee at the Old Loughtonians Association Dinners.