Roy E. Hoppert passed away on July 17, 2024 at Billings Clinic after an extended battle with prostate cancer.
Roy was born on January 30, 1937 moments before his twin brother, Troy, in Nail, Arkansas to Carl and Essie Hoppert. His family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1943. Roy, his oldest brother, Bill and his family, his sister, Inda (Elwanda) and her family, older brother, Albert (Stanley), and twin brother, Troy, and their parents all moved to El Monte, California in 1950 to look for better work opportunities. He and Troy graduated from Mountain View Junior High in El Monte and Leuzinger High School in Hawthorne. Roy loved playing point guard in high school and therefore earned his letter in basketball. They graduated on June 16, 1955.
Roy began working to help support his family in Little Rock, Arkansas in a used car lot washing cars at the age of 13. He continued to work in gas stations throughout his educational career to support his family’s income and pay for college. He attended college at El Camino Junior College in El Camino, California.
In 1958, his father, Carl, passed away due to a work injury at the canning factory in which he worked. Roy then began working for the City of Hawthorne, California in their planning office as a draftsman. In 1960, he joined the Army and was chosen to go into the Army Counterintelligence Corp (532nd Military Intelligence Battalion). He chose to be stationed in Stuttgart, Germany in honor of his father, who was from Greiz, Germany. He worked under Major Richard Snyder and was given an Honorary Citation with his honorable discharge.
Upon discharge, he returned to Hawthorne, California and delivered Pepsi in Watts, California while continuing his education in Forestry, earning his associate of arts degree from Moorepark College in Ventura, California. He took care of his mother until her death in 1962. He was offered the opportunity to apply for the Los Angeles Fire Department and was able to join in 1963. Roy truly enjoyed being a fireman and the camaraderie that goes with it. While being a fireman for LA, he also worked on rescue for 7 years and was a chief’s assistant for several chiefs over 3 years.
During his time with the fire department, he owned a laundromat, pool servicing company, and a Shell gas station. In addition, he worked for Don Shula ambulance service while living in Ventura County. He also met the love of his life, Colleen, during this time. Roy and Colleen loved watching their children, Jason and Ginger grow up.
While in California, Roy enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, hunting, fishing, golf, tennis, table tennis, billiards, card games, bowling, and watching almost all televised sports.
Roy, Colleen, Jason, and Ginger moved to Oregon for a few years where they owned Carver Mobile Ranch.
In 1985, they moved to Somers, Montana and Roy thoroughly enjoyed farming and small-time ranching. He frequently recalled his time on the farm as the most enjoyable time in his life.
In 1994, Roy, Colleen, and Ginger moved to Forsyth, Montana and took over the Rails Inn Motel, Café, and Lounge. He enjoyed supporting Forsyth schools, 4H clubs, and church activities. In 2001, he and Colleen also purchased the Westwind Motor Inn.
While in Montana, he dreamed of fishing, hunting, skiing (water and snow), playing golf, and tennis but found he had such limited time. So, he often read many many books. He has his own library that his family helped him gather and organize over the past many years. To pass the time, he often watched older movies, read, listened to sports and music on the radio, and was very educated in politics.
He loved watching his children and granddaughters grow into the lovely people they are and thoroughly enjoyed sharing their accomplishments with anyone that would listen. He also enjoyed sharing his own life stories and accomplishments.
Roy is survived by his wife, Colleen; son, Jason (Nicky); daughter, Ginger (Benjamin) Allen; granddaughters, Kennedy (Drew) Branson and Raelynn; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Roy’s memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 28th from 4-6 PM at Grace Bible Church Forsyth, Montana. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Roy’s name.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sunday July 28, 2024
Grace Bible Church
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sunday July 28, 2024
Grace Bible Church
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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ELMER G Spidel says
Colleen, Please accept my sincere sympathy for the loss of Roy, I have good memories of our visits. I will pray for you and the family.
Barb DeCock says
Colleen, I’m very sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. I enjoyed many interesting conversations with him when I worked at the Rails Inn.
Elaine Egeland says
Coleen and Ginger and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. You are in my prayers.
Marty Strong says
Ginger: Mark and I were so sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Much love, Mark and Marty
Bev Nile says
Colleen and family, sending my sincere condolences. Roy loved to visit and we had many interesting conversations while I worked at the Rails Inn.
Tracie Jones says
Colleen and Family,
I sincerely appreciated working at The Rails Inn and always loved how Roy would joke around with me. I’m so glad to have had the privilege of seeing him the day before his passing. Rest In Peace Roy 🙏 and may you have peace 🙏 Colleen.
Bev Schultz says
Colleen,Oliver & Family, so sorry to hear about Roy. I will really miss him. He was my buddy. I enjoyed all the visits , he was good to me . God bless him. May he rest in peace. I loved him. Love, Bev Schultz l
Debbie Anderson says
Oh Colleen, I am so sorry about the passing of Roy. He was always so nice. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Anderson says
Oh Colleen, I am so sorry about Roy’s passing. He was always so nice. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Horton says
Colleen & family, I am sorry for your loss, Roy, was a great person, with a great sense of humor. I truly enjoyed working for you, and Roy. I was grateful for a chance to get to work for him. My Heart goes out for you and your family.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn Schenk says
Colleen, you all picked the perfect picture of Roy. Upon his arrival to heaven, he received a new body, free from all cancer. Heaven is still celebrating his arrival !!! He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Keeping your family in my prayers for comfort in the days ahead.
Rocky and Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you in this time of loss 🙏❤. Roy fought long and hard and is a testimony to all of us. We are thankful for our long friendship and we know that we will meet again. The angels and heavens rejoiced when they welcomed another redeemed child of God home. Till we meet again. Love and hugs from Rocky and Carol.
Sandy Hewitt says
Dear Colleen, Jason, Ginger and families. Just heard the news of Roy’s passing. I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences. Roy will be dearly missed. May he Rest In Peace. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏
Dani Erickson says
Oh Ginger, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. It was evident how much he loved you. He was always so proud and supportive. What an amazing and accomplished man your father was 💙
Cherry R Boggs says
So sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. I enjoyed working for him and you, Colleen. You were both very good to me. He was so interesting and friendly. He lived a good life!